A UAE visit visa sponsored by a resident relative costs AED 200 to AED 700, depending on length and entries, plus a refundable deposit of AED 1,000 or AED 2,000 (GDRFA Dubai fees). VAT, medical insurance and service-centre charges come on top.
- Visa on arrival: free for many Western passports. Some Indian and Filipino travellers with a US, UK or EU visa can also get one, from AED 100.
- Overstaying: costs AED 50 a day.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against GDRFA Dubai rules (July 2026) and ICP guidance. Fees in other emirates and through airlines or tour operators can differ. Sources are at the end.
How much is a UAE visit visa sponsored by family?
| Visa | Single entry | Multiple entry |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | AED 200 | AED 300 |
| 60 days | AED 300 | AED 500 |
| 90 days | AED 400 | AED 700 |
| Refundable deposit | AED 1,000 | AED 2,000 |
These are GDRFA Dubai’s fees for visits sponsored by a resident relative or friend, before VAT, insurance and service charges. The sponsor must meet the salary rules: AED 4,000 for parents, spouse or children, AED 8,000 for other relatives, AED 15,000 for friends. See how to sponsor a family visit visa.
Every way to visit the UAE, compared
| Route | Who it’s for | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free or free visa on arrival | GCC citizens; many passports such as EU, UK and US | Free | Stay length depends on nationality |
| Visa on arrival for holders of other visas | Some Indian and Filipino passports with a valid US, UK, EU or similar visa or residence | From AED 100 (14 days); AED 250 (60 days) for Filipinos | Rules depend on nationality; check ICP |
| Relative or friend-sponsored visit visa | Family and friends of UAE residents | AED 200–700 plus deposit | Sponsor salary rules apply |
| Tourist visa through an airline, hotel or licensed tour operator | Anyone eligible, without a resident sponsor | Set by the provider | Compare the total, including insurance |
| 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Frequent visitors with proof of funds | Set by ICP/GDRFA | Stays are limited per visit and per year |
Extra costs on top of the visa fee
- VAT on government and service fees, where it applies.
- Medical insurance for the visitor, required for sponsored visit visas.
- Service-centre fees, if you apply through Amer or a typing centre instead of the app.
- Attestation of relationship certificates (in the home country, then UAE MOFA).
- Extension fees, if the visitor extends from inside the UAE.
What is the overstay fine on a UAE visit visa?
AED 50 for every day after the visa expires. The same daily rate applies to overstaying residence visas. The sponsor may also lose the deposit. Pay fines before leaving: at the airport for short overstays, or at GDRFA or ICP for longer ones. Long overstays can lead to an entry ban.
How to pick the cheapest legal route: 5 steps
- Check the visitor’s passport. Visa-free or free visa on arrival? Then there’s nothing to pay.
- Check their other visas. A valid US, UK or EU visa may qualify them for a cheap visa on arrival.
- If you’re a resident relative who meets the salary rule, sponsor directly through GDRFA or ICP. It’s usually cheaper than agents.
- Pick the shortest visa that fits. A 30-day single-entry visa costs AED 200; multiple entry adds AED 100 to AED 300.
- Book a return ticket that leaves before the visa expires, so the deposit comes back and no fines apply.
Questions people ask
How much is a 30-day UAE visit visa?
AED 200 for single entry or AED 300 for multiple entry when sponsored by a resident relative in Dubai, plus a refundable deposit, VAT, insurance and service charges.
How much is a 90-day UAE visit visa?
AED 400 single entry or AED 700 multiple entry under GDRFA Dubai’s relative and friend sponsorship, plus extras.
Is the visit visa deposit refundable?
Yes. The AED 1,000 (single entry) or AED 2,000 (multiple entry) deposit is returned after the visitor leaves on time.
What is the fine for overstaying a UAE visit visa?
AED 50 per day overstayed.
How long can a visitor stay in the UAE in a year?
Up to 120 days a year on visit visas sponsored by relatives or friends, under GDRFA Dubai’s rules.
Related guides
Sources
- Gulf News (17 July 2026): GDRFA clarifies visit visa rules for relatives and friends: gulfnews.com
- Gulf News: ICP clarifies overstay fines of AED 50 per day for visit and residence visas
- GDRFA Dubai: Issuing a multi-entry tourist visa (5 years): gdrfad.gov.ae
- Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs: UAE visa on arrival for qualifying Filipino travellers (25 June 2026)
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not sell visas. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.