United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Spain passport holders
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) allows Spanish passport holders to enter without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, extendable for an additional 30 days. The UAE is the Middle East's top tourism destination.
Great news! Spain 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 30 days. Spanish passport with at least 6 months validity needed. Visa extension of 30 days available for a fee through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Entry via Dubai International Airport (world's busiest for international passengers) or Abu Dhabi International Airport.
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
Current Travel Situation
Spain to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the main tourist destinations. The country has transformed from a pearl-fishing backwater to a global luxury tourism hub in just 50 years. It receives over 16 million visitors annually.
How to Get There
Emirates, Etihad, and Flydubai offer direct flights from all major Spanish airports to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The UAE is a major hub for onward connections to Asia, Africa, and Australia. Oman (Muscat 4 hours, Khasab Fjords day trip) and Qatar (Doha 1 hour) are neighboring options.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the USD. Cards accepted universally. Contactless is standard. Tipping is appreciated. Alcohol available only at licensed venues (hotels, restaurants, bars) - not in public or in Sharjah (dry emirate). Uber and Careem are widely used.
Practical Tips
Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Frame, desert safaris, Dubai Creek, global shopping), Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Yas Island), Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah are top destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
No. Spanish citizens are granted a free visa on arrival in the UAE for 30 days, renewable for another 30 days for a fee. This covers all seven emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others.
How many days can Spanish citizens stay in the UAE?
The on-arrival visa is valid for 30 days. You can extend it for an additional 30 days through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for a fee. Total maximum tourist stay is typically 90 days per 6-month period.
Is alcohol available in the UAE?
Yes, alcohol is available in licensed venues (hotel bars, restaurants with a license, duty-free shops, and designated liquor stores for non-Muslim residents). Drinking alcohol in public (beaches, streets, parks) is illegal. The emirate of Sharjah is completely dry.
What currency does the UAE use?
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar at approximately 3.67 AED per USD. Cards are accepted universally. Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is standard. No need to carry large amounts of cash.
What is there to do in Dubai for Spanish tourists?
Dubai offers the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building), Dubai Mall (world's largest mall), Palm Jumeirah (artificial island), Dubai Creek (historic trading district), Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future, desert safaris with dune bashing, and world-class beach resorts.
Are there direct flights from Spain to Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Emirates flies from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Bilbao, Seville, Alicante, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria directly to Dubai. Etihad flies from Madrid to Abu Dhabi. Flight time is approximately 7-7.5 hours. Flydubai and Air Arabia offer connecting low-cost options.
Is it hot in Dubai year-round?
Dubai has extreme heat from June to September (temperatures 38-45 degrees C, very humid). October to April is the tourist season with pleasant temperatures (20-30 degrees C). December and January can be cool in the evenings (18-22 degrees C). Plan beach activities for October-April.