Traveling to the UAE is now easier than ever with the option of obtaining a Dubai visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveler, or a resident of a visa-exempt country, Abu Dhabi Airport provides a straightforward entry process. This guide explains eligibility, procedures, requirements, and travel updates for Dubai visa on arrival 2026.

What Is a Dubai Visa on Arrival?

A visa on arrival allows eligible travelers to obtain their visa directly at the airport instead of applying in advance. Passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport can receive a Dubai visa on arrival if they meet specific nationality or residency criteria.

This option saves time and is especially convenient for short-term visits.

Eligibility for Dubai Visa on Arrival in Abu Dhabi

Not every traveler can get a visa on arrival. Below are the main eligibility categories:

Nationals of Visa-Exempt Countries – Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and several others can obtain a visa on arrival.
GCC Residents – Residents of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) may also be eligible.
Passport Validity – Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

👉 For a full list of nationalities eligible for visa on arrival, always check the official Dubai visa eligibility page before booking your tickets.

Step-by-Step Process at Abu Dhabi Airport

Arrive at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Proceed to the immigration counter for visa on arrival services.
Submit your passport and, if required, supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket, proof of funds).
Pay the visa fee (if applicable).
Receive your Dubai visa on arrival stamped in your passport.

Travelers can then continue directly to Dubai using the Etihad Express coach or other approved transfers.

Benefits of Applying Dubai Visa Online Before Travel

While visa on arrival is convenient, applying for a Dubai e-Visa online offers additional advantages:

Guaranteed approval before travel.
No uncertainty at the airport.
Flexible validity options (14, 30, 60, 90 days).
Multiple entry options available.
24/7 support through Dubai E Visa Online.

This ensures a stress-free trip and avoids last-minute issues with airlines.

How to Travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai After Arrival

Travelers landing in Abu Dhabi with a Dubai visa on arrival can easily continue to Dubai:

Etihad Express Coach – Free for Etihad Airways passengers.
Etihad Chauffeur Service – Premium transfer option.
Private Taxi or Car Rental – Direct transfer to Dubai within 90 minutes.

Important Tips for Travelers in 2026

Check visa validity before travel.
Carry printed copies of flight, hotel booking, and return ticket.
Make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for stamping.
Apply for an online Dubai visa if your nationality is not eligible for visa on arrival.

Conclusion

The Dubai visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport in 2026 is a convenient option for many travelers. However, to avoid risks or airline issues, applying for a Dubai e-Visa online through Dubai E Visa Online is strongly recommended. It guarantees smooth entry, quick processing, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a 14 day stay Visa on arrival will be provided to the citizens with a green card. However, the green card should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in the UAE. You will need to check the requirements for non-us citizens for other Nationalities. A valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of entry in UAE is mandatory for them.

Travelers from visa-exempt countries such as the US, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Singapore are eligible for a Dubai visa on arrival. GCC residents with valid residence permits may also qualify. Always check your eligibility before travel on the Dubai E Visa Online official portal.

All visitors to the UAE require a valid visa. If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi for a few days, then you might not need a work visa. And if you are a tourist looking to spend a few days in the UAE or a business traveler, you will be able to obtain a visit visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi provided you fulfill the few requirements such as; you have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from the UAE, you have proof of funds or a confirmed reservation to stay in a hotel, you have a return ticket, you have a confirmed reservation for a hotel, you do not have a criminal record, or a history of living/working illegally in an undesignated country etc.

Visa on arrival is a method to get a visa for the Travelers that can obtain a visa to enter the destination country. There are several ways to get a visa one of which is getting a Visa on arrival into the destination country. In this, the visitors need not apply for a travel visa before and they will need not submit any kind of document before they enter the country. If in case Visa on arrival is not applied for your nationality is then you will need to apply for Visa before your flight and it is recommended that you should apply for at least 2 weeks before your flight is scheduled to take off. So you will have a valid visa before you even visit the destination country.

All the citizens of UAE and residence of UAE with valid residency visas and passengers with Visa on arrival facility for their country available are permitted to fly to Abu Dhabi. Passengers with tourist visas issued by Abu Dhabi are also eligible to visit Abu Dhabi from any country.

Yes, Abu Dhabi has initiated international tourism from December 2020. Abu Dhabi is also processing visas on arrival for tourists traveling from several countries. You can check if your country is eligible for arrival on a visa or not.

Yes. Most visas on arrival can be extended for an additional 30 days, subject to UAE immigration approval and payment of extension fees. Extensions must be applied for before the visa expires.

Yes, applying for a visa from the UAE Embassy in your home country is no longer required. The UAE has been working to improve the visa process for tourists and expats and now offers a visa on arrival for many nationalities. This means that travelers to the UAE can obtain a visa upon arrival at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new visa on arrival procedure allows visitors to obtain a visa for up to 30 days and it can be obtained at the airport upon your arrival.

If you are a UAE national or residence then you can get a visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi along with some other countries that are eligible for this service. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. If you are traveling to Dubai via Abu Dhabi as a tourist then your visa must be issued in Abu Dhabi unless you are from a green list country.

The United Arab Emirates, which includes Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is a popular tourist destination for Americans and others from all over the world. You may travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital and most popular tourist destination in the UAE, without a visa, but depending on your nationality and the duration of your vacation, you may require a visa on arrival. If you don't have a visa before you fly, you can apply for one at the airport.

Yes. Once you receive your visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi Airport, you can travel to Dubai using:

Etihad Express coach (complimentary for Etihad passengers).
Etihad chauffeur service.
Private taxi or car rental (approx. 90 minutes drive).

Most Dubai visas on arrival are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Some nationalities may get 90 days. Always confirm validity at the immigration counter.

To enter you a user does not need any approval from the Federal authority for identity and citizenship. However, it is recommended that you go to the official website and submit your passport number and ID number to get instant verification for your entry status in UAE.