No hidden fees, all taxes included. Prices are shown for applicants from Iran.
Planning a trip from Iran to Dubai? Before making travel arrangements, Iranian passport holders should carefully check the latest United Arab Emirates entry restrictions. Although the UAE has established tourist and visit visa procedures, additional nationality-specific restrictions may affect whether an Iranian citizen can obtain a visa, board a flight, enter Dubai, or transit through the country.
In April 2026, major UAE airlines reported restrictions on entry and transit for Iranian nationals, with certain exceptions. Because travel policies can change, Iranian citizens should confirm their individual eligibility directly with their airline and the relevant UAE immigration authority before applying or booking travel.
This guide explains the current considerations for Iranian citizens, the usual Dubai visa categories, the documents that may be required if an application is permitted, and important travel rules to understand before planning a trip.
Iranian ordinary passport holders are generally classified as requiring a visa to enter the UAE. However, visa requirements and current entry restrictions are two different matters.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists Iran as a visa-required nationality. Separately, airline notices published in April 2026 reported restrictions preventing Iranian nationals from entering or transiting through the UAE, subject to specified exceptions.
Some reports identified exceptions for certain UAE Golden Visa holders and particular categories of UAE residents, including eligible family members of UAE nationals and people in specified professional or business categories. These exceptions should not be treated as automatic permission to travel.
Before proceeding, Iranian citizens should:
Check their individual eligibility with the airline operating their journey.
Confirm whether the relevant UAE immigration authority will accept and process their application.
Verify whether any exception applies to their passport, residence status, and personal circumstances.
Obtain confirmation before paying for travel arrangements.
For general information, consult the official UAE visa eligibility guide. You should also check the airline's nationality-specific travel requirements.
The UAE has several tourist and visit visa categories. Their usual terms are outlined below for reference, but the availability of these visas to Iranian nationals must be confirmed under the current restrictions.
A 30-day tourist visa is normally intended for visitors planning a short holiday, sightseeing trip, or eligible personal visit.
Dubai's immigration authority describes a single-entry tourist visa that permits a stay of 30 days, subject to the issued permit's conditions. However, Iranian citizens should not assume that this category is currently available to them.
If applications are being accepted for your circumstances, ask the authorised provider about the required documents, fees, entry validity, and permitted length of stay.
A 60-day tourist visa is generally designed for travellers who need more time in the UAE.
It may ordinarily suit longer holidays or certain family visits, depending on the applicable entry-permit category. For Iranian passport holders, availability is subject to current nationality-specific restrictions and immigration approval.
Confirm the latest conditions before making plans based on a 60-day stay.
A single-entry visa generally permits one entry into the UAE during the visa's validity period.
It may be suitable for a one-time visit when the applicant is eligible and the visa is issued. Leaving the UAE usually means that the same single-entry permission cannot be used for another entry.
A multiple-entry visa may allow eligible travellers to enter and leave the UAE more than once during the permitted period.
This category can be useful for business visitors and people with recurring travel needs. However, having a multiple-entry visa does not necessarily override nationality-specific entry restrictions or guarantee boarding.
Iranian citizens should confirm both the validity of their existing visa and their current permission to travel.
A transit visa is intended for eligible travellers passing through the UAE on their way to another destination. Standard UAE transit categories include 48-hour and 96-hour options under the applicable rules.
However, the entry and transit restrictions reported for Iranian nationals make it particularly important to check eligibility before selecting a route through Dubai or another UAE airport.
Do not assume that remaining airside, holding a confirmed onward ticket, or having an existing visa automatically permits transit.
For general information about transit visas, read our Dubai transit visa guide.
Where an application is permitted, the required documents depend on the visa category, the applicant's circumstances, and the issuing authority.
Common documents requested for UAE tourist visa applications include:
Valid passport: UAE guidance generally requires at least six months of passport validity from the date of entry.
Recent personal photograph: A clear photograph meeting the application specifications.
Passport information page: A readable copy of the passport's personal details.
Iranian national identity document: Some UAE visa procedures specifically request an identity document for Iranian applicants.
Flight information: Confirmed or proposed travel details, as required by the relevant application channel.
Accommodation information: Hotel reservation or the address of the host, if requested.
Health insurance: Insurance may be required depending on the visa category.
Additional supporting documents: Further evidence may be requested according to the purpose of travel and the applicant's circumstances.
Submitting these documents does not guarantee that an application will be accepted or approved. Iranian citizens should first confirm that their application category is currently available to them.
Because nationality-specific restrictions may affect Iranian travellers, it is important to establish eligibility before starting a standard visa application.
Ask the airline whether Iranian nationals holding your particular passport and residence status are currently permitted to board for Dubai or transit through the UAE.
Provide your intended route and travel dates so the airline can assess the relevant requirements.
If you believe you qualify for an exception, ask the airline and relevant immigration authority what evidence is required.
Do not rely solely on general reports about Golden Visa holders, family members, or professionals. Eligibility depends on the rules in force and the individual's circumstances.
For Dubai-issued visas, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) provides official immigration services and application information.
You can review its official tourist visa service, but first confirm whether the service is available for your nationality and situation.
Once eligibility and the correct application route have been confirmed, collect the documents specified by the authorised channel.
Make sure your passport details, photograph, identity documents, and travel information are accurate and consistent.
Before travelling, verify that your permission remains valid and that the airline has confirmed you can board.
A visa or residence document alone should not be treated as a guarantee of entry when additional restrictions may apply.
For general information about the application process, visit our Dubai visa procedure guide.
Visa processing times and fees depend on the category, application channel, and circumstances of the applicant.
For Iranian citizens, the first issue is whether a new application can currently be accepted and whether the traveller is eligible to enter the UAE. Standard processing estimates should not be relied upon until this has been confirmed.
If an authorised provider confirms that your application can proceed, ask for:
The current government visa fee.
Any service or processing charges.
The expected processing timeframe.
Whether additional documents are required.
The applicable refund policy if an application is refused or cannot proceed.
Avoid non-refundable travel bookings until your eligibility and travel permission have been confirmed.
No. A tourist or ordinary visit visa does not authorise employment in the UAE.
Iranian citizens seeking to work in Dubai must meet the applicable immigration and employment requirements. They should confirm their eligibility for the relevant work authorisation and residence procedures with a prospective employer and the appropriate UAE authorities.
Do not begin working on a tourist visa. Business meetings and other short professional visits should also comply with the activities permitted under the relevant entry category.
If you are eligible to enter the UAE and receive the necessary permission, Dubai offers a wide range of attractions.
The Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai's most recognisable landmarks. Visitors can explore its observation decks for panoramic views of the city's skyline, subject to ticket availability.
Dubai Mall offers shopping, dining, and entertainment close to the Burj Khalifa. It is a convenient stop for visitors exploring central Dubai.
Dubai Marina is known for its waterfront promenade, restaurants, and skyline views. Depending on availability, visitors can also explore the area on a sightseeing or dinner cruise.
Travellers interested in local heritage can explore historic districts, traditional markets, and the Dubai Creek area. These neighbourhoods offer a contrast to the city's modern developments.
Jumeirah's coastal areas provide opportunities to relax by the sea and enjoy views of Dubai's waterfront landmarks. Visitors should follow local regulations and check access arrangements.
A guided desert safari can offer an opportunity to experience the landscape outside the city. Packages vary, so review the operator's activities, transport arrangements, and terms before booking.
These recommendations are intended for travellers who have confirmed their eligibility to enter the UAE.
Before planning a journey from Iran to Dubai, keep the following points in mind:
Verify the latest entry rules: Restrictions may change, and historical visa information may no longer reflect current boarding requirements.
Check transit eligibility: Do not assume that a connecting flight through the UAE is permitted.
Confirm your visa status: An issued visa or residence permit may not, by itself, establish that you can travel under current restrictions.
Check passport validity: UAE guidance generally requires at least six months of validity.
Use authorised channels: Verify the credentials of any visa provider before sending documents or payment.
Confirm fees and refunds: Ask for written terms before paying.
Avoid premature bookings: Confirm eligibility and boarding requirements before committing to non-refundable travel.
For official guidance, consult the UAE government visa information page and contact your airline directly.
Iran is listed as a visa-required nationality by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, Iranian citizens must also check current entry restrictions, which may prevent travel even where a visa category ordinarily exists.
Eligibility must be checked individually. Restrictions on entry and transit for Iranian nationals were reported by major UAE airlines in April 2026. Contact your airline and the relevant immigration authority to confirm the rules currently applicable to you.
Some UAE tourist visa applications are normally handled through official immigration services or authorised providers. Iranian citizens should first confirm that applications are currently being accepted for their circumstances.
Depending on the application category, documents may include a valid passport, recent photograph, Iranian national identity document, flight details, accommodation information, insurance, and additional supporting evidence.
Standard UAE tourist visa categories may include 30-day and 60-day options. Their availability to Iranian nationals must be confirmed under the current entry restrictions, and the actual permitted stay depends on the issued entry permission.
Do not assume transit is permitted. Restrictions on entry and transit for Iranian nationals were reported in 2026. Confirm your complete itinerary and boarding eligibility with the operating airline before purchasing a ticket.
No. A tourist visa does not authorise employment. Anyone intending to work must meet the relevant UAE work authorisation and residence requirements.
For Dubai-issued visas, consult the GDRFA Dubai website. You should also check directly with your airline for nationality-specific boarding and transit requirements.
If you are an Iranian citizen planning to visit Dubai, your first step should be to confirm whether you are currently eligible to enter or transit through the UAE. Do this before applying for a visa, paying service charges, or booking flights.
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, review the appropriate visa category, prepare the required documents, and follow the instructions provided by the relevant authorised channel.
Visit Express Visa Dubai for general UAE visa information and guidance about the application process. Final eligibility, visa issuance, boarding, and entry remain subject to the applicable rules and decisions of the relevant authorities.