United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Israel passport holders
Israeli citizens gained visa-free access to the UAE following the Abraham Accords normalization agreement signed in September 2020. This historic diplomatic shift opened direct air connections and significant bilateral tourism, business, and investment travel.
Great news! Israel passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa required for stays up to 30 days. Present a valid Israeli passport. Extensions are available in-country. The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world with very low crime. Dress modestly in non-resort public areas; swimwear is appropriate at beaches and pools. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants; public intoxication is illegal.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Israeli Passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay in the UAE. Minimum 6 months validity recommended. On arrival, a 30-day visa stamp is issued in the passport at no charge.
Proof of Onward Travel
Return or onward travel ticket from the UAE. UAE immigration may request this at entry.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking confirmation. UAE immigration officers may request accommodation details for Israeli passport holders.
Current Travel Situation
Israel to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
Israeli passport holders gained visa-free access to the UAE following the Abraham Accords normalization agreement signed in September 2020. This historic diplomatic shift opened direct air connections and significant bilateral tourism and business travel between the two countries. The UAE, encompassing Dubai and Abu Dhabi as key destinations, became one of the fastest-growing travel corridors for Israeli tourists. El Al, Etihad, Emirates, and Flydubai launched direct routes. Israeli businesspeople, tourists, and residents began visiting in large numbers, with some estimating over a million Israeli visits to the UAE in the years following normalization. The UAE has established kosher catering and Israeli cultural programming to accommodate Israeli visitors.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the dirham (AED), pegged to the USD. Cards are universally accepted in the UAE, which is a cashless-friendly society. ATMs are widely available. The UAE is expensive by Middle Eastern standards; Dubai in particular has premium prices for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
Practical Tips
El Al, Etihad, Emirates, and Flydubai operate direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai (DXB and DWC) and Abu Dhabi (AUH). The UAE has established kosher food certification and Israeli restaurants in Dubai. Shopping festivals and the Dubai Mall are popular. Abu Dhabi's Louvre Abu Dhabi museum is world-class. The desert safari experience is a signature UAE activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Abraham Accords and how did it change UAE-Israel relations?
The Abraham Accords were a series of normalization agreements brokered by the United States in 2020, establishing official diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE (signed September 2020), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. The UAE normalization opened direct air routes, visa-free travel, embassies, and significant bilateral economic and tourism activity between the two countries.
Do Israeli passport holders need a visa for the UAE?
No. Following the Abraham Accords normalization signed in September 2020, Israeli passport holders can visit the UAE visa-free for up to 30 days.
Are there direct flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes. El Al, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, and Air Arabia operate direct flights between Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Flight time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
Is kosher food available in the UAE?
Yes. Following normalization, kosher certification has been established in Dubai, with several kosher-certified restaurants and catering services operating. Major hotels in Dubai have added kosher catering options. The Israeli community and business travelers have driven significant kosher food availability compared to pre-normalization levels.
What should Israeli tourists know about customs and laws in the UAE?
The UAE is a Muslim-majority country with conservative laws alongside its cosmopolitan lifestyle. Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and restaurants; public intoxication is illegal. Dress modestly in public areas outside beach and hotel zones. Public displays of affection are restricted. Drugs carry severe penalties including imprisonment. Respect for Islamic customs during Ramadan is expected.
What are the top attractions in the UAE for Israeli tourists?
Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, Desert Safari), Abu Dhabi (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Formula 1 circuit, Yas Island), Ras Al Khaimah (mountain hiking, adventure tourism), and Sharjah (traditional arts and culture).
What currency does the UAE use?
The UAE uses the dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at 3.67 AED per USD. Cards are universally accepted across the UAE. ATMs are widely available. The UAE is a premium destination; Dubai in particular has high hotel, restaurant, and entertainment prices.
Can Israeli tourists travel from the UAE to other Gulf countries?
Israel has normalization with the UAE and Bahrain, both of which are now accessible to Israeli passport holders. Saudi Arabia does not yet have full normalization with Israel; transit through Saudi airspace was permitted but direct tourism requires checking current status. Qatar and Kuwait do not recognize Israel. The UAE is the primary Gulf destination for Israeli tourists.