South Africa
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates visa for South African citizens
Entry requirement
South African citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates, which they can apply for online as an e-Visa.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United Arab Emirates visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at mofaic.gov.ae
Which United Arab Emirates visa?
Tourist visa (30 or 60 days, single or multiple entry) and 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days
- Fee
- AED 200
- Processing time
- About 48 hours at GDRFA Dubai; ICP lists 2 days
All visa types for the United Arab Emirates
For the tourist visa, the United Arab Emirates’ official sources give a standard fee of AED 200, and applications are made on smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Processing time, as the United Arab Emirates states it: About 48 hours at GDRFA Dubai; ICP lists 2 days. Longest stay on the tourist visa: 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days.
Emirati missions in South Africa
- Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pretoria
Arcadia Street 992, 0083 Pretoria
The United Arab Emirates has 1 mission in South Africa, with its embassy in Pretoria.
Emirati citizens travelling to South Africa
United Arab EmiratesSouth Africa Visa-free, 90 days South Africa visa for citizens of the United Arab Emirates
Travel advice for the United Arab Emirates
- US State Department Level 3: Reconsider travel
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from South Africa to the United Arab Emirates, it helps to know the official travel advice: the US State Department rates the United Arab Emirates at Level 3, reconsider travel (updated 22 October 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United Arab Emirates (updated 27 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United Arab Emirates (updated 29 October 2026).
Good to know
How long South African citizens can stay in the United Arab Emirates
How long South African citizens may stay in the United Arab Emirates is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How South African citizens apply
The e-Visa for the United Arab Emirates is applied for online on its official government portal; South African citizens carry the approval when they travel.
Emirati citizens travelling to South Africa
Emirati citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
Frequently asked questions
Do South African citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates?
South African citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates, which they can apply for online as an e-Visa.
Where is the Emirati embassy in South Africa?
The Emirati embassy in South Africa is in Pretoria.
How much does the United Arab Emirates tourist visa cost?
The United Arab Emirates’ official sources give a standard fee of AED 200 for the tourist visa. Processing time: About 48 hours at GDRFA Dubai; ICP lists 2 days.
Do Emirati citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Emirati citizens do not need a visa for South Africa: stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
Can South African citizens enter the United Arab Emirates visa-free?
No; South African citizens need an e-Visa for the United Arab Emirates.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.