3 Month Visit Visa Price in Dubai in 2026: Total Cost, Fees & Process

This guide cuts through the confusion. Every fee is laid out clearly, the 2026 rule changes are factored in, and the application steps are explained so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why.

What Is the 3-Month Dubai Visit Visa?

The 3-month Dubai visit visa — formally a 90-day visit visa — is a short-term entry permit issued by the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). It allows the holder to remain in the UAE for a continuous period of up to 90 days from the date of first entry.

This visa category suits several types of travelers:

• Tourists who want an in-depth exploration of the UAE’s seven emirates
• Job seekers attending interviews or scoping out employment prospects
• Families visiting relatives who are UAE residents
• Freelancers, bloggers, and content creators doing project-based work (without a local employment contract)
• Business visitors attending extended negotiations or trade events

Two main sub-types exist: a self-sponsored tourist visa (applied through authorized travel agencies, airlines like Emirates or Flydubai, or the ICP portal) and a sponsored visit visa (where a UAE-resident family member or employer acts as guarantor). The fees differ between these tracks, so it’s important to identify which applies to you before budgeting.

If you’re interested in the broader business landscape that makes long visits worthwhile, our guide on how to expand your business in the UAE provides useful context on why so many professionals choose extended stays over multiple short trips.

Official Government Base Fee for the 90-Day Visit Visa (2026)

The UAE government publishes standardized base fees through GDRFA Dubai. These are the minimum charges applied before any service or insurance fee is added. According to updated 2026 fee schedules:

These are base figures only. The amount you actually pay will be higher once mandatory insurance and service charges are added. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of whether the application is approved or rejected — a critical point to understand before submitting any documents.

Complete 3-Month Visit Visa Price Breakdown: Every Fee Explained

Quoting a single number for the Dubai 90-day visa cost is misleading because several mandatory and optional charges stack on top of the government base fee. Here is what the total looks like for the most common applicant — a self-sponsored tourist applying from outside the UAE through an authorized agency:

Applicants submitting from inside the UAE face an additional government surcharge of AED 500, bringing the realistic total to approximately AED 1,300 – AED 1,600 depending on the agency.

Sponsored Visa: Cost When a UAE Resident Applies for You

If a UAE resident (family member or employer) sponsors your visit, the official GDRFA fee structure is lower but a refundable security deposit enters the equation:

The AED 1,000 deposit is returned after the visa expires and the traveler exits the UAE without violations. This is not a fee — it’s a security guarantee held by GDRFA. The net cost once the deposit is refunded drops to approximately AED 670 – AED 770, making the sponsored route one of the most economical paths to a 90-day stay.

Mandatory Medical Insurance: The 2026 Requirement You Cannot Skip

One of the most significant changes formalized in the updated 2026 Dubai tourist visa rules is the mandatory medical insurance requirement. Travelers must hold a policy with a minimum coverage of AED 135,000 for medical emergencies and evacuation within the UAE. This is a non-negotiable requirement for 90-day visa applicants.

The cost of the required insurance varies by provider and applicant age, but typically falls between AED 90 and AED 200 for a 90-day period for a standard adult traveler. Most authorized visa agencies bundle this into their service package, so check carefully whether the quoted price already includes insurance or lists it separately.

Comparing 30-Day, 60-Day, and 90-Day Visit Visa Prices in 2026

Choosing the right visa duration is a financial decision, not just a scheduling one. The government fee structure incentivizes longer durations: the daily cost drops considerably as the visa length increases. Here is how the three main tourist visa options compare:

One practical point: if you think you may need more than 30 days, applying for the 60 or 90-day visa upfront is almost always cheaper than extending a 30-day visa later. A single in-country extension currently costs a minimum of AED 600 in government fees — which makes the 30-to-60-day upgrade look like a bargain by comparison.

It’s also worth noting that a 30-day visa can be extended twice (once for 30 days, then again for another 30 days) from inside the UAE since December 2025 — meaning you can effectively build up to 90 days without leaving. But the cumulative cost of two extensions rivals or exceeds the 90-day visa applied for from the start. Run the numbers for your specific situation.

What the Dubai 3-Month Visa Fee Actually Covers

There is widespread confusion about what the quoted visa price includes. Agencies and airline portals don’t always present this the same way. Here is a clear breakdown of what the standard package does and does not cover:

Typically Included

• Government visa issuance fee (GDRFA / ICP processing)
• 5% VAT on government fees
• Basic mandatory medical insurance (verify minimum AED 135,000 coverage)
• eVisa PDF delivery to email
• Standard 2–5 working day processing

Typically Not Included (Pay Separately)

• Express or urgent processing (AED 200–500 extra)
• Passport courier if physical documents are required
• Flight tickets and hotel bookings (required as supporting docs but paid independently)
• Overstay fines (AED 50/day from day one; rises to AED 100/day after 30 days of overstay)
• Visa extension fees (AED 600 minimum if extending inside UAE)

How to Apply for the 3-Month Dubai Visit Visa: Step-by-Step

The application process is entirely digital for most nationalities. There is no embassy queue or passport submission required when using official online channels.

1. Determine your eligibility. Over 50 nationalities receive a 90-day visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport — no pre-application needed. If your passport is not on that list, you must apply in advance.
2. Choose your application channel. Official options include the ICP Smart Services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae), GDRFA Dubai’s website or app, and authorized travel agencies or airlines (Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad).
3. Select the 90-Day Visa option and complete the online application form with personal details exactly matching your passport.
4. Gather required documents. See the full list in the next section.
5. Upload documents and pay. Payment is accepted via credit card, debit card, or — for agency portals — UPI and bank transfer in some regions.
6. Track your application. You receive a reference number. Standard processing takes 3–5 working days; express delivers in 4–48 hours at additional cost.
7. Receive your eVisa. It arrives as a PDF to your registered email. Print it or keep a digital copy for immigration.
8. Travel and enter. Present your eVisa PDF, valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof at UAE immigration.

UAE public holidays and weekends (Friday–Saturday) do not count as processing days. Apply at least 7–10 calendar days before your travel date to build in buffer time. For travellers already in the UAE on a different visa type, it is also possible in some circumstances to change status from inside the country — a route that comes with its own additional fees and conditions. Our guide on documents that require notarization in Dubai is a useful companion resource if you’re navigating official paperwork during your stay.

Documents Required for the Dubai 90-Day Visit Visa (2026)

Incomplete documentation is the most common reason for delays and rejections. The 2026 requirements now include an additional item — a color copy of the passport cover page — that was not consistently required before. Prepare all of the following before starting your application:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of travel
• Color copy of the passport data/bio page
• Color copy of the passport cover page (new 2026 requirement)
• Two recent color passport-size photographs (white background)
• Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
• Confirmed hotel booking or host letter with UAE resident’s Emirates ID
• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (minimum AED 5,000 / ~USD 1,360 recommended for the 60/90-day visas)
• Valid medical insurance with minimum AED 135,000 coverage
• For sponsored visas: marriage contract or birth certificate (to prove family relationship) and sponsor’s Emirates ID and salary certificate

Indian nationals with a valid US, UK, or EU residence permit may qualify for a visa on arrival for shorter durations — but the 90-day eVisa is still the standard and most reliable route for an extended stay. If you’re navigating legal complexities during a long Dubai visit — especially around employment or business matters — it’s worth knowing how lawyers in Dubai can assist with employment and labor disputes, as these situations arise more often than visitors expect.

Processing Times: Standard vs. Express

Express processing is genuinely useful for last-minute travel plans, but it does not guarantee approval — only faster review. If your documents are incomplete, even an urgent application will be delayed. The smartest approach is to apply at standard speed with complete paperwork well in advance.

Overstay Fines: What Happens If You Stay Past 90 Days

Dubai’s overstay penalty structure is strict and, as of 2026, it has become stricter. The grace period that previously gave visitors 10 days to exit after visa expiry was officially removed in April 2026. The fine meter now starts on day one after expiry:

• Days 1–30 of overstay: AED 50 per day
• Days 31 onwards: AED 100 per day
• Additional charges: An exit “outpass” fee may apply before departure; repeated violations can result in a ban on future UAE entry

A 15-day overstay at the AED 50 rate adds AED 750 to your total trip cost — roughly the equivalent of the entire visa fee you originally paid. There is no administrative flexibility on these fines; they are collected automatically on exit. Planning around extensions and exit dates is therefore a financial matter, not just a compliance one.

The maximum total stay on a visit visa is 180 days in any 365-day period. After that threshold, residency or a long-term visa is the only legal path for continued presence in the UAE.

Can You Extend a 3-Month Dubai Visit Visa? Current Rules Explained

Generally, the 90-day tourist visit visa is not extendable — it is issued as a fixed-duration permit. However, there are nuanced exceptions and alternative routes that experienced travelers use:

Option 1 — Extend a 30-Day Visa (Instead of Applying for 90 Days Upfront)

As noted earlier, a 30-day visa can now be extended twice from inside the UAE since December 2025, adding up to 60 additional days (30 + 30). The extension fee is a minimum of AED 600 each time. If you plan to stay 90 days, applying for the 90-day visa directly at the outset remains more economical.

Option 2 — Airport Change of Status

Some travelers opt for a brief border exit (via a quick trip to Oman, for example) and re-entry on a new visa. This is a legal option but involves travel costs, documentation for re-entry, and the risk of changed visa policies at the border. It is not guaranteed to work for all nationalities.

Option 3 — Inside-Country Visa Type Change

In limited circumstances, it is possible to convert a visit visa to a different status (employment, residency) from inside the country. This requires a sponsor and is subject to UAE immigration approval. It is not a self-service option.

Does Your Nationality Affect the Cost?

The base government fee is the same for all nationalities applying through the standard tourist visa route. However, nationality can affect the total cost in several indirect ways:

• Nationals of 50+ countries (including GCC states, US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea) receive a free 30-day or 90-day visa on arrival — no application fee at all.
• Russian and Ukrainian passport holders continue to receive a 90-day visa on arrival through 2026, per UAE policy.
• Filipino nationals traveling with Emirates or Flydubai receive a 30-day visa on arrival.
• Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nigerian, and certain South Asian / African nationalities must apply in advance and may face additional document requirements or security clearance checks that extend processing time.
• Children under 18 receive a 50% discount on government visa fees regardless of nationality.

The key rule of thumb: if your nationality requires a pre-arranged visa, expect the total cost to fall in the AED 900–1,285 range for the 90-day tourist visa. If your nationality qualifies for visa on arrival, you may owe nothing upfront, though insurance is still recommended for a 90-day stay.

Hidden Costs and Mistakes That Inflate Your Total Bill

Many visitors arrive in Dubai with a visa fee receipt and a vague sense that everything is paid. Then the extras emerge. Here are the most frequently overlooked costs:

• Applying late and needing express processing — last-minute applications can add AED 350–500 that standard-speed applicants never pay.
• Buying insurance separately after the fact — bundled insurance through your visa agency is almost always cheaper than purchasing it standalone.
• Applying through unofficial websites — fraudulent portals are common. They collect payment, provide fake visas, and leave travelers stranded at immigration. Always use GDRFA Dubai, ICP Smart Services, or airline-direct portals.
• Entering the country late after visa issue — the 90-day visa is valid from the date of first entry, but the visa document itself typically must be used to enter within 60 days of issue. If you wait beyond that window, a late-entry fee of around AED 100 may apply.
• Not tracking the 180-day cap — frequent visitors who take multiple trips can inadvertently hit the 180-day annual stay limit without realizing it.
• Working on a visit visa — from 2026, working for a UAE-based employer on a tourist or visit visa carries a fine of AED 50,000, deportation, and a permanent labour ban. The Jobseeker Visa is the correct route for employment-related stays.

Dubai is also home to a wide range of professional services that can support a long-term stay — from logistics firms to legal advisors. If you’re planning a business-oriented visit, understanding services like audit-readiness logistics in Dubai can be valuable groundwork before arrival.

Where to Apply for the Dubai 90-Day Visit Visa Safely

The UAE has strict controls over who can issue visas, which means applicants have a limited but reliable set of official channels:

• ICP Smart Services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) — the federal government’s direct online platform, available in Arabic and English
• GDRFA Dubai website and app — the emirate-level authority for Dubai-based applications and family-sponsored visas
• Emirates Airline (emirates.com → Manage Booking) — available to passengers booking flights with Emirates; VFS Global processing fees apply
• Flydubai — offers visa services for passengers traveling with the airline
• Etihad Airways — similar airline-sponsored visa service
• Licensed travel agencies registered with the UAE Department of Tourism — verify their license before submitting any documents or payment

If a website asks you to pay but is not one of the above, treat it with extreme skepticism. The UAE government does not use third-party aggregators for official visa issuance.

Alternative Long-Stay Visa Options in Dubai for 2026

The 90-day visit visa is not the only path to an extended stay. Depending on your purpose, one of these alternatives may be more cost-effective or legally appropriate:

5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

Launched as a permanent option, this allows visits of up to 90 days per entry and up to 180 days per year over a five-year period. Total cost ranges from approximately AED 1,500 to AED 2,300, including government fees, insurance, and agency charges. Requires a minimum bank balance of USD 4,000 (approx. AED 14,700). For anyone visiting Dubai two or more times a year, the math quickly favors this option over repeated 90-day applications.

Jobseeker Visa (60, 90, or 120 Days)

Designed specifically for employment-seeking visitors. Legally permits the holder to search for work inside the UAE without a sponsor. Requires a return ticket and AED 5,000 in accessible funds. This is the only correct visa category for job hunters — using a tourist visa for the same purpose now carries severe financial and entry penalties.

Property Investor Visa (2 Years)

Following a policy update effective May 1, 2026, the minimum property value requirement for sole owners has been removed. Joint ownership requires each investor’s share to be at least AED 400,000. This is a residency-adjacent visa rather than a visit visa, but relevant if your Dubai stay has property investment ambitions behind it.

For those exploring life in the UAE more broadly, understanding what makes different parts of the country distinctive is useful planning context. Our overview of tourist places in Umm Al Quwain is a good reminder that the UAE extends well beyond Dubai’s skyline — and a 90-day visa gives you plenty of time to discover it.

Practical Tips to Minimize Your Dubai 3-Month Visa Cost

• Apply at standard speed with a complete file — avoiding express processing saves AED 200–500 per application.
• Use airline portals if you’re already booking flights — Emirates and Flydubai often offer competitive bundled visa + insurance pricing for their passengers.
• Get the right visa first time — applying for a 30-day visa and then extending twice costs significantly more than a 90-day visa applied at the outset.
• Confirm insurance coverage before paying — a policy that doesn’t meet the AED 135,000 threshold will cause rejection; buying a replacement policy adds cost.
• Apply at least 10 working days before travel — this eliminates any urgency that drives up price.
• Compare agency service charges — government fees are fixed, but agency fees can vary by AED 100–200; small agencies and typing centers often charge less than premium services for identical processing.

Smart budget travelers also think about daily costs once they arrive. Understanding where to find good value in the city — from groceries to everyday essentials — makes a 90-day budget stretch further. Our look at saving money on essentials with UAE supermarkets is one useful starting point for long-stay visitors managing day-to-day expenses.