Planning to visit Dubai from the United States? Whether it’s for tourism, business, or family, this guide will walk you through everything a U.S. passport holder needs to know—from visa requirements to arrival procedures and local tips.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Dubai?
No pre-arranged visa is required.
U.S. citizens get a free visa on arrival when they land in Dubai (or any part of the UAE). This visa is:
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Valid for 30 days
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Extendable for another 30 days
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Single-entry
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Issued at the airport
Visa on Arrival Requirements for U.S. Citizens
You only need:
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A U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months
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A confirmed return ticket
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Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
You do not need:
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No invitation letter required
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No advance visa application
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No vaccination certificate required (as of July 2025)
Can You Extend the Visa in Dubai?
Yes! The 30-day visa on arrival can be:
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Extended once for another 30 days
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Total stay: up to 60 days
How to extend:
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Visit a GDRFA service center or use the ICP Smart App
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Fee: Around AED 600–800 (USD $160–$220)
Entry Points for Dubai
You can fly into Dubai from major U.S. cities like:
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New York (JFK)
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Los Angeles (LAX)
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Chicago (ORD)
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Dallas (DFW)
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Washington D.C. (IAD)
Carriers: Emirates, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines
Other Important Information
Baggage & Customs
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No duty on personal items under AED 3,000
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No need to declare regular electronics or medicines
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Carry a doctor’s note for prescription medication
What Not to Bring
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No pork or pork products
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No marijuana, CBD, or any banned drugs (strict laws apply)
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No weapons or sharp objects
Accommodation & Getting Around
Hotels:
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From budget hostels to 7-star hotels
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Book on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb
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Most accept U.S. credit cards
Transport:
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Taxis, Dubai Metro, or ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber
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You can rent a car with a U.S. driving license + international driving permit (IDP)
Currency & Payment
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1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED (fixed rate)
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Cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
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ATMs available everywhere
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Get a tourist SIM at the airport from:
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Etisalat
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du
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Virgin Mobile
Offers start at AED 49 (~$13) with data + calls.
Local Tips for Americans Visiting Dubai
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Dress modestly in public areas (especially malls, mosques)
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No alcohol in public (legal only in licensed places)
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Tipping is appreciated (5–10%) but not required
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Avoid public displays of affection
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Tap water is safe, but bottled is preferred
Emergency Numbers
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Police: 999
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Ambulance: 998
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U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi: +971-2-414-2200
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U.S. Consulate in Dubai: +971-4-309-4000
✍️ Final Words
Dubai welcomes U.S. citizens without the hassle of paperwork. With visa on arrival, modern infrastructure, and world-class attractions, it’s the perfect destination for business or leisure. Just bring your passport, book your flight, and enjoy the futuristic city in the heart of the desert!
