United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit the United Arab Emirates visa-free for up to 30 days. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are both major destinations and transit hubs for NZ travellers en route to Europe.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
NZ citizens receive a 30-day visa-free entry to the UAE on arrival. No advance application is needed. Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) are the main entry airports. NZ citizens proceed through the automated eGates or standard immigration. The 30-day stay can be extended once for a fee at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The UAE has strict laws on public conduct, alcohol consumption (only in licensed venues), dress codes in certain areas, and drugs.
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 New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from UAE, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in UAE.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in UAE.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for all international travel, covering medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is one of the world's most significant aviation hubs, with Emirates Airline connecting New Zealand to the rest of the world. Dubai has transformed into a major tourism destination in its own right: the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, and the desert experiences attract millions of visitors annually. Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, is home to the Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. NZ travellers often combine a Dubai stopover with their Europe trip.
How to Get There
Emirates Airline connects Auckland to Dubai with onward connections to over 100 European and global destinations. Flight time Auckland-Dubai is approximately 17 hours. Etihad Airways connects Auckland via Abu Dhabi. Within the UAE, the Dubai Metro serves major tourist areas. Day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi (2 hours by bus) are easy. Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah are all within an hour of Dubai by car.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED). Currently around 2.70-2.90 NZD per AED. The UAE is moderately expensive. Luxury options are world-class but pricey. Budget options in Dubai are improving. A mall food court meal costs AED 25-50. An Emirates Business Class experience from Auckland to Dubai is available for points redemptions. Taxi rides in Dubai use meters and are affordable by international standards. Card payments universally accepted.
Practical Tips
Book a desert safari for at least one evening: classic experiences include dune bashing, camel riding, and a Bedouin camp dinner. Dubai Metro is modern and well-connected; the Dubai Mall station connects via walkway to the Burj Khalifa. Ramadan in the UAE: eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is prohibited (applies to non-Muslims too, in public spaces). Alcohol is available at licensed venues (hotels, specific restaurants, duty-free). Bring a modest outfit for visiting mosques (Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque provides free abayas).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for the UAE?
No. NZ citizens receive a 30-day visa-free entry to the UAE on arrival at Dubai International Airport or Abu Dhabi Airport. No advance application is needed. Simply present your NZ passport at immigration.
Can NZ citizens extend their UAE stay beyond 30 days?
Yes. The 30-day visa-free entry can be extended once for an additional 30 days (total 60 days maximum) at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or via an approved service center. There is a fee for the extension.
Is Dubai safe for NZ tourists?
Dubai is one of the world's safest cities for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. Standard precautions apply. The UAE has strict laws: alcohol is only available at licensed venues (hotels, restaurants with liquor licenses). Public intoxication is illegal and carries serious penalties. Cannabis and related products are completely illegal.
What are the best things to do in Dubai?
Burj Khalifa observation deck (book online in advance), Dubai Mall (world's largest), Dubai Frame, Old Dubai (Dubai Creek, Gold Souk, Spice Souk), Dubai Museum, Jumeirah Beach, Palm Jumeirah Monorail, desert safari (dune bashing, camel ride, Bedouin dinner), Abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek, and a Dhow cruise dinner on the creek.
How does NZ citizens' transit through Dubai work?
Emirates Airline connects Auckland to the world via Dubai Airport (DXB). Dubai allows free transit through the airport without a UAE visa for up to 96 hours if you remain in the airport. For a city stopover (leaving the airport), NZ citizens receive their 30-day visa-free entry automatically on arrival. Stopovers of 1-3 days in Dubai are very popular for NZ travellers en route to Europe.
What should NZ visitors know about dress codes in Dubai?
Dubai has modernized significantly and tourist areas are relatively liberal. However: cover up when visiting mosques (abayas provided at major mosques), avoid bikinis outside beach/pool areas, and dress modestly in souks and older districts. Public displays of affection between couples should be discreet. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is prohibited.
What is the best way to get around Dubai?
The Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) efficiently connects the airport, Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa, the Marina, and other key areas. The NOL card (prepaid transit card) covers metro, bus, and water buses. Uber and Careem (local equivalent) are widely used and affordable by international standards. The Dubai Tram connects the Marina area.
What is Abu Dhabi and how does it differ from Dubai for NZ visitors?
Abu Dhabi is the UAE's capital city, 140 km from Dubai (approximately 2 hours by road). It is generally more conservative than Dubai. Must-see: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's largest and most beautiful mosques, free entry, abayas provided for women), Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (largest indoor theme park), the Corniche waterfront, and the historic Qasr Al Hosn fort.