United Arab Emirates: Visa, Local Rules, and Medical Insurance

The United Arab Emirates (with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as main destinations) grants visa on arrival or an electronic visa to numerous nationalities, with authorized stays ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on the passport. The currency is the dirham (AED), and although Arabic is the official language, English is widely used in hotels, businesses, and signage.

The country enforces strict laws on public conduct, alcohol consumption outside licensed venues, and content considered offensive, with penalties that can be severe for visitors unaware of them. Private medical care is excellent, but it's not free for residents or for tourists without insurance.

Visa and health for travelers

Visa: Many nationalities get a visa on arrival or an electronic visa for 30 to 90 days; the exact requirement and cost depend on the passport.

Health & travel insurance: Private hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are top-tier, but care is paid for directly without medical insurance.

Visa and entry to the Emirates

Most nationalities with good diplomatic relations receive a visa on arrival or can apply for an electronic visa before the flight, for periods that usually range from 30 to 90 days. Other nationalities must arrange the visa in advance through an airline, hotel, or sponsoring agency. The exact requirement depends on the passport, and should be confirmed on the official UAE immigration website before traveling.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Onward or return travel ticket.
• Confirmed accommodation reservation.

Local rules every visitor should know

Alcohol consumption is only allowed at licensed venues (hotels, authorized bars); drinking or appearing drunk in public can lead to legal penalties. Excessive public displays of affection, content considered indecent, and public criticism of the authorities can also result in fines or serious legal problems.

Health, hospitals, and medical insurance

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have internationally ranked private hospitals, but care is billed directly to the patient unless they have medical insurance. UAE residents must have mandatory health insurance, and visitors are advised to do the same before arriving.

Assist-365 covers 24-hour medical assistance, hospitalization, and COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates within its network across more than 200 countries; the code MEDALLOADV2023 applies a discount when you quote the plan.

Currency and when to travel

The currency is the dirham (AED), with cards accepted in almost every business. The most comfortable season to visit is November to March, with moderate temperatures; from June to August the heat frequently exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.

Travel checklist for United Arab Emirates

Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to United Arab Emirates.

• Check the visa requirement for United Arab Emirates based on your passport: Many nationalities get a visa on arrival or an electronic visa for 30 to 90 days; the exact requirement and cost depend on the passport.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
• Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Private hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are top-tier, but care is paid for directly without medical insurance.
• Save United Arab Emirates's emergency number: 999 (police) / 998 (ambulance) / 997 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
• Cash or a no-fee card in UAE Dirham (AED)
• Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
• Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
• eSIM or international data plan active on arrival

Frequently Asked Questions

You may also like