UAE traveller information & arrival guide

Before you fly

• Passport validity 6+ months
• Return / onward ticket required
• Hotel or accommodation proof recommended
• Visa on arrival many nationalities

Not sure which applies to you? We confirm your options and process the visa for you — see UAE visa prices.

Good to know

• Tourist visa stay 30 or 60 days
• Extendable without exit up to 120 days
• Overstay fine AED 50 / day
• e-Visa — no passport stamping

Need more time or your visa is expiring? We handle extensions and visa change.

Taxis & ride-hailing

• Taxis available 24/7
• Careem, Uber, Yango apps
• Airport taxis metered + surcharge

Metro, tram & bus

• Dubai Metro Red & Green lines
• Tram in Dubai Marina / JBR
• Nol Card needed to ride
• Buy Nol at stations & airports

Handy transport apps

Dress & behaviour

• Dress modestly in public & malls
• Beachwear at beaches/pools only
• Keep public affection minimal
• Ask before photographing people

Alcohol & conduct

• Alcohol in licensed venues & hotels
• Drinking age 21
• Drink-driving zero tolerance
• No public intoxication

Ramadan & respect

• Be discreet eating/drinking in daylight
• Dress a little more conservatively
• Many venues open after sunset (Iftar)

Currency & cards

• Currency UAE Dirham (AED)
• Pegged to USD ≈ 3.67
• Cards accepted almost everywhere
• Apple Pay / Google Pay widely supported

Cash & ATMs

• ATMs in malls, hotels, metro
• Keep small cash for taxis & souks
• Currency exchange in malls (good rates)

Tipping

• Restaurants 10–15% (if no service charge)
• Taxis — round up the fare
• Hotel porters AED 5–10

📶 SIM cards & internet

• Buy at airport arrivals (passport needed)
• Providers: Etisalat (e&), du, Virgin Mobile
• Tourist SIMs include data + local calls
• Free Wi-Fi in malls, metro & cafés

🌤️ Weather & when to visit

• Oct–Apr: pleasant, peak season
• May–Sep: very hot, great indoor deals
• Pack light clothing + a layer for AC
• Sun protection year-round

🔌 Electricity

• Plug type G (UK 3-pin)
• Voltage 220–240V
• Bring a universal adapter

🏥 Health & pharmacies

• Medical emergency 998
• Many pharmacies open 24/7
• Tap water is desalinated; most drink bottled
• Carry travel insurance details

🛂 Lost passport?

1. Go to the nearest police station
2. Get an official police report
3. Contact your embassy or consulate
4. Inform your airline & travel agent

🗓️ Weekend & hours

• UAE weekend Sat–Sun
• Malls open late, ~10am–midnight
• Fri: some offices close for prayers
• Our office: daily 8am–8pm