11 November 2026 · GoFlyLo Blog
Dubai is one of the most popular trips for Pakistani travellers — for holidays, shopping, business, and visiting family. But unlike the UK or EU, Pakistani passport holders cannot just arrive and get a visa at the airport. You need a visa before you fly. The good news is that the process is simple: most tourist visas are approved online in 3–5 working days, and you do not need to visit an embassy. This guide explains the visa types, the fees, the documents, and the exact steps to apply — in simple English, with no confusing terms.

Do Pakistanis need a visa for Dubai? Yes — apply before you fly. There is no visa on arrival for an ordinary Pakistani passport. Most popular: 30-day single-entry tourist visa, typically around $90–$150 including service charges. Processing: usually 3–5 working days.
Apply through: the official UAE visa portals, your airline, your hotel, or a travel agent. Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates.
Yes. Pakistani citizens need a visa to enter Dubai and the UAE. There is no visa on arrival for an ordinary Pakistani passport, and you cannot apply at the airport.
You must have an approved visa before you board your flight — airlines will check it at check-in and can refuse boarding if you do not have one.
The only exception is for Pakistani citizens who hold a valid residence visa or a visit visa for the USA, the UK, or an EU country — they may be eligible for a visa on arrival in some cases.
The rules for this change, so check the official UAE website for your exact situation before you travel.
30-day single-entry tourist visa: the most popular choice for a holiday. It lets you stay in the UAE for 30 days. The total cost is typically around $90–$150, including the visa fee and service charges. This is the visa most Pakistani tourists apply for.
60-day single-entry tourist visa: for longer trips. The cost is typically around $180–$250 including charges. 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas: for short stops between flights — usually arranged free or for a small fee through your airline (Emirates, Etihad or flydubai).
5-year multi-entry tourist visa: for frequent travellers. It allows multiple visits, with each stay up to 90 days. The official fee is around
$180 (about AED 650) when you apply yourself through the official ICP or GDRFA portal, and you must show a bank balance of around $4,000 held for the last 6 months, plus health insurance and a return ticket. Travel agents charge more on top of the official fee. Fees change often — always check the official UAE visa website for the current rate before you pay anyone.
Step 1: Choose how to apply. The easiest ways are: through the official UAE visa portals (ICP or GDRFA websites), through your airline's visa service when you book your ticket, through your hotel in Dubai, or through a trusted travel agent in Pakistan.
Step 2: Prepare your documents. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a clear passport-size photo with a white background, a copy of your return flight ticket, and your hotel booking (or the address where you will stay). Some applications also ask for a bank statement for the last 3–6 months.
Step 3: Submit and pay. Fill in the online form carefully — your name and passport number must match your passport exactly. Pay the fee by card.
Step 4: Wait for approval. Most tourist visas are processed in
3–5 working days. You will get the visa by email — print it and keep a copy on your phone.
Step 5: Check before you fly. Check the visa dates, your name spelling, and your passport number. A small spelling mistake can cause problems at the airport.
Important: never overstay your visa. The fine is around
AED 50 per day (about $14), and overstaying can cause problems with future visas. If your plans change, extend your visa before it expires. For full details on every Dubai visa type, read our Dubai visa guide, and for what to do when you arrive, read our Dubai travel guide. To compare flight prices, use our cheap flights search.
Yes. You must apply and get your visa approved before you fly. There is no visa on arrival for an ordinary Pakistani passport.
A 30-day tourist visa typically costs around $90–$150 including service charges. A 60-day visa costs around $180–$250. Fees change, so check the official rate before you apply.
Usually 3–5 working days for a tourist visa. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
A passport valid for at least 6 months, a passport photo, a return ticket, and a hotel booking. Some applications also ask for a bank statement.
Dubai Visa Guide · Dubai Travel Guide · Cheap Flights
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