The United Arab Emirates is the most visited destination for Pakistani travellers. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah host one of the largest Pakistani communities anywhere in the world, so most trips are a mix of family visits, holidays, shopping and business meetings. The visa system, however, works differently from the UK, Schengen, Canada or Australia routes covered in our other guides. There is no embassy interview for a tourist visa, no online application that you lodge directly with an embassy, and no visa on arrival for ordinary Pakistani passport holders.
Instead, your visa is arranged before you travel by a sponsor inside the UAE: a UAE-based airline, a licensed travel agent, a hotel, or a resident relative or friend. This guide explains each route, the documents you need, the official government fees, and the mistakes that cause delays. All key facts were checked against the UAE Government Portal (u.ae), GDRFA Dubai service pages and Emirates airline visa information on 14 October 2026.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Visa needed? | Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a pre-arranged visa before flying to the UAE |
| Visa on arrival? | No, not for ordinary Pakistani passports |
| Main routes | Tourist visa via airline, agent or hotel; visit visa via a UAE resident relative or friend; 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa |
| Tourist visa stay | 30 or 60 days, single or multiple entry |
| Government fee (GDRFA Dubai) | From AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, plus 5% VAT |
| Published processing time | About 48 hours for a complete application, but allow more time |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from the date of entry |
| Extra document for Pakistanis | National identity card (CNIC or NICOP) is listed for Pakistani applicants |
| Work on a visit visa? | No. A tourist or visit visa does not give you the right to work |
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for the UAE?
Yes. If you hold an ordinary Pakistani passport, you must hold an approved UAE entry permit before you board your flight. Pakistan is not on the UAE visa-free list and is not eligible for visa on arrival. Airlines in Pakistan check your visa before issuing a boarding pass, and the UAE Government Portal is clear that you should confirm whether you need an entry permit before travelling.
There is one important point that confuses many first-time applicants. The UAE’s embassies do not issue tourist visas. The official UAE Government Portal states this directly: to get a tourist visa, you must go through a UAE-based airline, a tour agency or a hotel in the UAE, which applies on your behalf to the visa-issuing authorities. So if someone in Pakistan claims to be selling an “embassy visa” for tourism, treat that claim with caution.
If you are a Pakistani national who also holds valid residence in a GCC country, a different route may apply. GCC residents and their companions apply online for an entry permit before arriving. That is a separate category with its own profession and residency conditions, so check the ICP or GDRFA service page for GCC residents rather than assuming the standard tourist visa rules apply to you.
UAE visit visa options at a glance
Not every trip needs the same visa. Choose the option that matches your real purpose, your length of stay and how many times you need to enter the UAE.
| Visa option | Best for | Stay allowed | Sponsor needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (30 or 60 days) | Holidays, sightseeing, short family visits | 30 or 60 days per entry | Yes: airline, agent or hotel |
| Visit visa for a relative or friend | Staying with family or friends in the UAE | 30, 60 or 90 days | Yes: UAE resident or citizen sponsor |
| 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Frequent travellers who visit several times | Up to 90 days per visit | No: self-sponsored |
| Transit visa (48 or 96 hours) | A short stopover between two flights | 48 or 96 hours | Yes: UAE-based airline |
| Jobseeker visit visa | Exploring job opportunities in the UAE | 60, 90 or 120 days | No: self-sponsored, conditions apply |
For most readers of this guide, the choice is between the standard tourist visa and the relative or friend visit visa. The 5-year visa is worth considering only if you genuinely travel to the UAE several times and can meet its bank balance and insurance conditions. The transit visa suits a layover; it cannot be extended, so do not use it for a full holiday.
If you are comparing destinations rather than planning one trip, our guides to the UK visit visa from Pakistan, Canada visitor visa from Pakistan and Schengen visit visa from Pakistan explain how those systems differ, especially on interviews, biometrics and processing times. For Saudi Arabia, see our guide to the Saudi visit visa from Pakistan.
Who can apply for a UAE visit visa from Pakistan?
The basic eligibility rules are straightforward. You can apply if you:
- Hold a Pakistani passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Have a genuine purpose: tourism, visiting family or friends, a business meeting, or transit.
- Can show where you will stay and how you will fund the trip.
- Hold a confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Have no unresolved UAE immigration fine, ban or previous overstay.
- Are applying through a legitimate sponsor channel (airline, licensed agent, hotel or resident sponsor).
Children need their own entry permit too. Each traveller, including infants, must hold a separate visa. A child’s application is usually linked to a parent’s application, and the same passport validity rule applies. If a child is travelling with one parent or with a guardian, carry the supporting relationship documents and any consent evidence the airline or sponsor asks for.
Your application can still be refused even if you meet the basic rules. UAE immigration decides each case on its merits, and a weak travel history, unclear funding or inconsistent documents can lead to refusal. A refusal is not a lifetime ban, but you should fix the underlying weakness before reapplying rather than submitting the same file again immediately.
Documents required for a UAE visit visa from Pakistan
The exact document list depends on your route. A tourist visa through an airline needs fewer documents than a visit visa sponsored by a relative. The table below covers the standard tourist visa file. Prepare clean, colour scans: blurred or cropped passport pages are one of the most common reasons for delay.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pakistani passport | Valid at least 6 months from entry; clear copy of the bio page |
| Passport-size photograph | Recent, colour, white background |
| CNIC or NICOP | Copy of your national identity card; GDRFA lists a national ID for Pakistani applicants |
| Confirmed return or onward ticket | Must match your planned dates |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel booking, or host address and details if staying with family |
| Travel or medical insurance | Valid in the UAE for the full stay |
| Bank statement or proof of funds | Often requested; 3 to 6 months is typical |
| Employment or business evidence | Salary slips, employer letter, or business registration where asked |
| Sponsor documents | Emirates ID and residence visa copy of your host, for a relative or friend visa |
| Relationship proof | Marriage certificate, birth certificate or Family Registration Certificate where relevant |
The CNIC rule: why Pakistanis are asked for a national ID
Many applicants are surprised when an airline or agent asks for a CNIC copy alongside the passport. This is a genuine requirement, not an extra demand invented by agents. GDRFA Dubai’s own service pages list an identity card from the country of origin for some nationalities, including Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. Emirates applies the same rule for passengers travelling on Pakistani passports. Keep a clear copy of the front and back of your CNIC or NICOP. Children who do not yet hold a CNIC use their B-form details.
How strong should your supporting evidence be?
The UAE does not publish a fixed minimum bank balance for a standard tourist visa, unlike the 5-year visa, which has a defined USD 4,000 rule. That does not mean funds do not matter. The sponsor or agent assessing your file wants to see that you can pay for the trip without working in the UAE, and that you have reasons to return to Pakistan. A stable bank statement, a job or business in Pakistan, family ties and a record of previous compliant travel all help. If your statement shows a sudden large deposit just before applying, expect questions. Consistency matters more than one large number.
How to apply: step-by-step routes
Route 1: Tourist visa through an airline
This is the simplest route for most holiday travellers, especially if you are flying with the airline that will sponsor your visa.
- Book your flight with a UAE-based airline such as Emirates, Etihad, flydubai or Air Arabia.
- Open the airline’s visa service (for example, “Manage your booking” on Emirates) and select “Apply for UAE visa”.
- Choose the visa type: 30-day or 60-day, single or multiple entry, or a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa.
- Upload your passport copy, photograph, CNIC and any other requested documents.
- Pay the visa fee shown by the airline. The airline’s price includes the government fee, VAT and its own processing charge.
- Wait for the electronic visa by email. Print a copy and carry it with your passport.
One condition matters: an airline-sponsored visa is tied to travelling with that airline. If you change to a different carrier after the visa is issued, the visa may be cancelled. Do not switch flights without checking with the airline first.
Route 2: Tourist visa through a licensed travel agent or hotel
If you are booking a package holiday, your agent or hotel can arrange the visa.
- Choose a licensed agency or a hotel in the UAE where you will stay. Verify the business before you pay anything or send passport copies.
- Share your travel dates, passport copy, photograph, CNIC and accommodation details.
- The agency or hotel applies through the UAE immigration system on your behalf.
- Pay the total quoted price. Ask for a written breakdown: government fee, insurance, VAT and service charge.
- Receive the electronic visa by email and verify the name, passport number and dates before you travel.
This route is also how many travellers in Pakistan apply, since the UAE visa is arranged through the UAE-based partner. Use an agency with a verifiable office, a real track record and clear receipts. The UAE Government Portal warns applicants to check the authenticity of travel agents and not to send money or copies of official documents until they are fully sure the operator is genuine.
Route 3: Visit visa sponsored by a relative or friend in the UAE
If you are staying with family or friends, your host in the UAE can sponsor a visit visa for you through GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai) or ICP (for Abu Dhabi and the other emirates).
- Your sponsor logs in to the GDRFA or ICP smart services using UAE Pass.
- The sponsor selects the visit visa service for a relative or friend and enters your details.
- The sponsor uploads your passport copy, photographs, their Emirates ID and passport copy, proof of income, accommodation proof and relationship documents.
- The sponsor pays the government fee, insurance, VAT and the refundable security deposit.
- Once approved, the entry permit is emailed. You print it and travel within the validity window.
GDRFA Dubai’s service page lists the documents for this route: two personal photos, a passport copy valid for at least 6 months, marriage contract or birth certificate where relevant, a salary certificate or employment contract for the sponsor, and the national ID for applicants from Pakistan and certain other countries. The sponsor must show proof of income; the level expected depends on the relationship, so the sponsor should confirm the current requirement on the GDRFA service page before applying.
Route 4: 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa (self-sponsored)
Frequent travellers can apply for the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa without a local sponsor. The UAE Government Portal confirms this visa is available to all nationalities and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, extendable for a further 90 days. To qualify you must show:
- A bank balance of USD 4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months.
- A valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE, valid for 180 days.
- A ticket showing a return or onward journey from the UAE.
Applications go through the ICP or GDRFA Dubai smart services. This visa suits people who visit the UAE several times over five years. For a single holiday, the standard 30-day or 60-day tourist visa is simpler and cheaper.
Applying from Pakistan: local handling
Because tourist visas are not issued by the embassy, there is no standard embassy appointment for a tourist visa. However, local handling in Pakistan has changed during 2025. Pakistani news outlets reported in mid-2025 that visit, tourist and family visa applicants would apply online and then complete biometric and document verification steps at a UAE visa centre in Pakistan. Because this local process is not described on the UAE Government Portal, confirm the current local instructions with the UAE Embassy in Pakistan or the visa centre before visiting. Do not pay any fee at a bank or counter unless you have verified the instruction through an official channel.
Fees and total cost
UAE visa costs have three layers: the government fee, insurance and VAT, and the service charge of your chosen channel. The tables below separate them so you can compare like with like.
Government fees: GDRFA Dubai tourist visa
These are the government fees published in GDRFA Dubai’s service schedule. VAT at 5% is added on top.
| Tourist visa | Government fee (AED) | With 5% VAT (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days, single entry | 200 | 210 |
| 60 days, single entry | 300 | 315 |
| 30 days, multiple entry | 300 | 315 |
| 60 days, multiple entry | 500 | 525 |
Government fees: visit visa for a relative or friend (GDRFA Dubai)
| Visit visa | Government fee (AED) | Insurance (AED) | Security deposit (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days, single entry | 200 | 40 | 1,000 (refundable) |
| 60 days, single entry | 300 | 60 | 1,000 (refundable) |
| 90 days, single entry | 400 | 90 | 1,000 (refundable) |
VAT at 5% applies on top of the fee. Multiple-entry versions cost more and carry a higher refundable deposit. The deposit is returned under the authority’s procedure if the visa conditions are followed, so keep the payment receipt and the sponsor’s records.
Airline prices: Emirates prearranged visas
If you apply through Emirates, you pay the airline’s all-in price, which already includes VAT. Emirates publishes the following prices for prearranged UAE visas.
| Emirates visa type | Price including VAT (USD) | Validity before entry |
|---|---|---|
| 48-hour transit | 10 | 30 days from issue |
| 96-hour transit | 49 | 30 days from issue |
| Tourism, 30 days, single entry | 90 | 60 days from issue |
| Tourism, 30 days, multiple entry | 136 | 60 days from issue |
| Tourism, 60 days, single entry | 177 | 60 days from issue |
| Tourism, 60 days, multiple entry | 231 | 60 days from issue |
| Extension | 230 | At the airport office only |
These airline prices are higher than the bare government fee because they include the airline’s processing and VFS handling. That is normal. What matters is the total you pay and whether it is quoted transparently before you pay.
5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: fee breakdown
The 5-year visa looks expensive at first glance, but most of the payment is a refundable deposit rather than a fee. GDRFA Dubai’s schedule lists a total of about AED 3,713.50, made up of:
| Fee item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 100 |
| Issuance fee | 500 |
| Refundable security deposit | 3,000 |
| Warranty service fee | 21 |
| Deposit collection and return fee | 20 |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 |
| Service fee | 52.50 |
| Total | About 3,713.50 |
The non-refundable part is therefore around AED 713.50 if the deposit is recovered. The ICP route for the other emirates lists a slightly different total of about AED 3,775. Confirm the current amount on the service page before paying, because fee schedules change.
What the total trip cost really includes
Budget beyond the visa fee itself:
- Return flights from Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- UAE-valid travel or medical insurance for the full stay.
- Hotel or host accommodation.
- Daily expenses: food, transport, sightseeing.
- The refundable deposit, if your route requires one.
- Extension fees, if you extend your stay.
- Overstay fines if you leave late: overstaying fines for visit, tourist and residence visas are standardised at AED 50 per day.
Processing time: how long does a UAE visit visa take?
GDRFA Dubai publishes an estimated completion time of about 48 hours for a complete tourist visa application. In practice, most straightforward applications through airlines or agents are decided within 2 to 5 working days. Applications that need extra identity, security or financial checks take longer, and Pakistani applicants should allow for that possibility.
Practical advice:
- Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your planned departure.
- Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
- Count working days, not calendar days. UAE weekends and public holidays do not count.
- Respond quickly if the sponsor or agent asks for a clearer scan or an extra document. A slow reply pauses your file.
- Check your visa the day it arrives: name spelling, passport number, visa type, entry and expiry dates.
A visa that arrives with a wrong passport number or a wrong name is not usable. Ask the sponsor to correct it before you travel, not at the airport.
Validity, entry window and extensions
A tourist visa is not open-ended. Three dates matter:
- Validity before entry. A standard tourist visa must normally be used within 60 days of issue. Transit visas must be used within 30 days. If you do not travel inside that window, the entry permit lapses and you must apply again.
- Stay after entry. Your permitted stay starts on the day you enter: 30 or 60 days for a tourist visa, 48 or 96 hours for a transit visa.
- Expiry date. Leave on or before the last permitted day. Overstaying is fined at AED 50 per day and can affect future applications.
Tourist visas can be extended. Emirates lists an extension price of USD 230, handled at the airport office, with your original passport and ticket copy. Transit visas cannot be extended. If you think you might stay longer, choose the 60-day visa at the start rather than relying on an extension.
The 5-year multiple-entry visa has its own stay rules: up to 90 days per visit, extendable for a further 90 days, with a total stay cap of 180 days within one year, counted from your first entry. Track your days from your entry and exit stamps rather than from memory.
Common reasons for delay or refusal
Most refusals and delays come from avoidable file problems, not from bad luck:
- Blurred, cropped or glare-affected passport scans.
- A photograph that does not meet the specification (wrong background, old photo, head covering issues where not permitted).
- Name mismatch between the application form and the passport.
- Passport validity under 6 months.
- Missing CNIC copy for a Pakistani applicant.
- No confirmed return ticket or unclear accommodation.
- A weak or inconsistent bank statement.
- An unresolved fine or overstay from a previous UAE visit.
- Applying through an unverified agent who submits a careless file.
- Applying too close to the departure date.
If your application is refused, find out the reason before reapplying. A refusal notice may not explain the detail, but your sponsor or agent can usually tell you which part of the file was weak. Fix that part, wait a reasonable period, and submit a clean, consistent application. Repeated identical applications in quick succession rarely help.
Can you work on a UAE visit visa?
No. A tourist or visit entry permit does not give you the right to work in the UAE. The UAE Government Portal states this clearly in its fraud guidance: working under a visit or tourist visa results in fines and legal liability for both the worker and the employer. If someone offers you a “visit visa job” in Pakistan, that is a warning sign.
The legitimate path to work is different: a UAE employer issues a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation offer letter, then an electronic employment entry permit, and the residence visa process follows after you enter. Never accept a job that starts with “come on a visit visa and we will sort it out later”. If you are interested in exploring opportunities without a job offer, the separate jobseeker visit visa (60, 90 or 120 days) is the legal route, and it has its own degree and skill-level conditions.
Protect yourself from visa fraud
The UAE Government Portal’s fraud guidance is worth following closely:
- Verify any job offer through the MoHRE enquiry service using its reference number before you travel.
- Verify an entry permit issued in Dubai on the GDRFA website, and one issued in the other emirates on the ICP eChannels platform.
- Never hand over your passport to an agent. Copies are enough for an application.
- Get every payment receipt in writing, with a clear breakdown.
- Be suspicious of guarantees: no agent can guarantee approval, and anyone who promises it is misleading you.
- Do not buy a fake hotel booking or a fake return ticket. Forged documents can lead to refusal and long-term consequences.
Practical tips for first-time travellers from Pakistan
- Carry a printed copy of your electronic visa, your return ticket and your hotel booking or host address. Immigration officers may ask for them.
- Keep your passport valid well beyond 6 months. Renew early if it is close to the limit.
- Use the same name spelling everywhere: passport, ticket, hotel booking and visa application.
- Keep your CNIC, B-form for children and relationship certificates in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
- Buy insurance that is valid in the UAE and covers the full stay. A policy limited to Pakistan will not help.
- Note your visa expiry date on your phone the day you arrive, and set a reminder a few days before it.
- Respect local laws and customs: dress codes in religious places, photography rules, alcohol rules and public behaviour rules all differ from Pakistan.
- If you plan to drive, arrange an international driving permit before you leave Pakistan and confirm the rental company’s requirements.
- Keep the contact details of your sponsor, hotel and airline saved offline.
For a shorter regional trip, our guide to the Turkey visit visa from Pakistan covers a different system with e-Visa and sticker routes. For a long-haul alternative, see the Australia visit visa from Pakistan guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Pakistani citizens get a visa on arrival in the UAE?
No. Ordinary Pakistani passport holders must hold a pre-arranged visa before flying. Pakistan is not on the UAE visa-on-arrival list. You apply through a UAE-based airline, licensed travel agent, hotel or a resident sponsor.
How much is a UAE visit visa from Pakistan in 2026?
The government fee through GDRFA Dubai starts at AED 200 plus 5% VAT for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, and AED 300 plus VAT for 60 days. Through an airline the all-in price is higher: Emirates charges USD 90 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa and USD 177 for 60 days, including VAT. Agents add their own service charge, so always ask for the total before paying.
How long does a UAE visit visa take from Pakistan?
GDRFA Dubai publishes an estimate of about 48 hours for a complete application. In practice, allow 2 to 5 working days for a straightforward case and 2 to 3 weeks of buffer before your travel date, because extra checks can add time.
What documents do I need for a UAE visit visa from Pakistan?
A passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent white-background photograph, a CNIC or NICOP copy, a confirmed return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, UAE-valid insurance and proof of funds. A relative or friend visa also needs the sponsor’s Emirates ID, proof of income and relationship documents.
Is a CNIC required for a UAE visa from Pakistan?
Yes, in practice. GDRFA Dubai lists a national identity card for applicants from Pakistan and certain other countries, and Emirates asks Pakistani passport holders for a national ID copy. Keep a clear front-and-back CNIC or NICOP copy ready.
Can I apply for a UAE visit visa without a sponsor?
For a standard tourist visa, you still need a UAE-based sponsor channel: an airline, licensed agent or hotel. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa is self-sponsored and does not need a local sponsor, but it requires a USD 4,000 bank balance over six months, UAE-valid insurance and a return ticket.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Yes, tourist visas can be extended. Emirates lists an extension price of USD 230, handled at the airport office with your original passport and ticket copy. Transit visas cannot be extended, so choose the right length at the start.
What is the fine for overstaying a UAE visit visa?
Overstaying fines for visit, tourist and residence visas are standardised at AED 50 per day, according to the UAE Government Portal. Pay the fine before or when you leave, and keep the receipt. Overstaying can also affect future applications.
Can I work in the UAE on a visit visa?
No. A visit or tourist visa does not permit work. Working on a visit visa leads to fines and legal liability. The legal route is a MoHRE offer letter followed by an employment entry permit.
Is the 5-year UAE tourist visa worth it for Pakistanis?
It can be, if you visit the UAE several times and meet the conditions: a USD 4,000 balance maintained over six months, UAE-valid insurance for 180 days and a return ticket. The headline payment of about AED 3,713.50 through GDRFA includes a refundable AED 3,000 deposit, so the non-refundable part is around AED 713.50. For one holiday, a standard 30-day or 60-day visa is simpler and cheaper.
Conclusion
The UAE visit visa system rewards preparation. Choose the route that matches your real trip, gather clean documents including your CNIC, use a verified sponsor channel, and apply early. The government fees are modest and published; the expensive mistakes are late applications, careless scans and unverified agents. With a correct file, most Pakistani applicants receive their electronic visa within days and can travel with confidence.
Related guide: Malaysia Visit Visa From Pakistan 2026
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees and local procedures change. Always confirm the current requirements on the official UAE Government Portal (u.ae), the GDRFA Dubai or ICP service pages, or with your airline before you apply or travel. TourPointGo is an independent information website and is not affiliated with any government authority.
Sources (checked 14 October 2026)
- UAE Government Portal, Tourist visa: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/Types-of-visas/tourist-visa
- UAE Government Portal, Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/Visa-information/do-you-need-an-entry-permit-or-a-visa-to-enter-the-uae
- UAE Government Portal, Tips to stay safe from labour and visa fraud: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/Visa-information/tips-to-avoid-labour-and-visa-fraud
- GDRFA Dubai, Issuing a visit visa for a relative or friend: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/d551ce89-52e8-11ea-0320-0050569629e8
- GDRFA Dubai, Issuing a visit visa to explore job opportunities: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/2a679791-408a-11ed-4fe5-0050569629e8
- Emirates, UAE visa information: https://www.emirates.com/us/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information/
- GDRFA Dubai clarifies visit visa rules for relatives and friends, Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/business/tourism/gdrfa-clarifies-visit-visa-rules-for-relatives-and-friends-1.500610820
- UAE Embassy announces changes in visa process in Pakistan, Daily Pakistan (local handling in Pakistan, 2025): https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/31-May-2025/uae-embassy-announces-changes-in-visa-process-in-pakistan
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