UK Residents Travelling on a South African Passport
UK residents travelling on a South African passport continuously visit Dubai. They go for short holidays, shopping trips, family visits, and seasonal breaks. The route has turned into a popular one due to continuous flights from major UK airports via the Gulf. The reputation of Dubai as a safe, modern, and widely accessible destination has also helped to get the tourism numbers high every year.Latest UAE Visa-on-Arrival Update (June 2026)
The UAE introduced a new visa-on-arrival facility, which will be effective on 25 June 2026. This is applicable to nationals of select countries who are currently living abroad and not in their home country. South African travellers living in the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, or other eligible countries can now come into Dubai and get a visa at the airport.Who Is Eligible
South African citizens who:- Hold a valid ordinary passport
- Are residing outside South Africa in an eligible country
- Hold a valid residence permit from that country
Eligible Residence Countries
The facility includes residents of the following:- European Union member states
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Other GCC-approved countries (subject to confirmation).
Residence Permit Requirement
Your residence permit must be valid. An expired permit, even by a day, can disqualify you from this facility. BRP card holders in the UK must remember that physical BRP cards are out of use. You’ll need to carry a UKVI share code or a printed copy of your digital e-visa status as proof of your residency.Family Member Eligibility
Immediate family members travelling with an eligible permit holder can also apply for a visa on arrival, offered to each person individually who holds a valid residence permit from an eligible country. Also, the dependants holding only a family visa linked to the main applicant’s permit must verify eligibility before travel.Visa Validity
| Visa Type | Duration | Extendable |
| Visa on Arrival | 14 days | Extendable |
| Visa on Arrival | 60 days | Subject to UAE rules |
Do South African citizens need a Dubai visa from the UK?
Eligible for Visa on Arrival
You’re eligible for the new UAE visa on arrival as of 25 June 2026 if you’re a South African national living in the UK with a valid UK residence permit. You can travel without applying beforehand and pick up your visa at the airport. But remember that you’ll still need to carry your valid ordinary passport and your UK residency proof and meet the standard entry requirements.Need to Apply Online
You’ll still need to apply for a Dubai tourist visa online before you travel when you’re living in South Africa or in a country not eligible under the new UAE policy. It also applies when your residence permit has expired, or if you are travelling on a document. Applying at least 7-10 days before departure is strongly recommended.Documents Required for South African Citizens
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- A recent passport-size photo
- A confirmed flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- UK residency proof
- Valid residence permit (visa-on-arrival applicants only).
Dubai Visa Fees for South African Citizens
If you don’t hold a valid residence visa from the mentioned country, you’ll need to apply for a Dubai visa separately. The fees listed below apply specifically to pre-approved visa applications.
14-Day Visa
30-Day Visa
60-Day Visa
30-Day Visa
60-Day Visa
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa
Eligible for Visa on Arrival
You can use the UAE visa-on-arrival new facility if you’re a South African national living in the UK or another eligible country.
- A valid residence permit from an eligible country.
- Book your flights and accommodation as normal.
- Proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter on arrival at Dubai airport.
- Submit your ordinary passport, residence permit, and proof of accommodation.
- Pay the applicable fee
- Your visa will be issued at the counter before you clear immigration.
Need to Apply Online
If you are not covered by the visa-on-arrival policy when you live in South Africa or in a country, you’ll need to apply for your Dubai tourist visa before you travel.
- Collect your documents – a copy of your passport, flight tickets, accommodation proof, and proof of UK residency. Apply via a licensed agency such as Tour to Dubai.
- Submit your application via a licensed agency such as Tour to Dubai.
- Allow at least 24-48 hours for processing.
- Get your approved e-visa by email.
- Print or save your visa.
- Apply at least 7-10 days before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. South African nationals who live outside South Africa in an eligible country, such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or EU member states, can get a UAE visa on arrival at the airport.
Yes. A valid residence permit from an eligible country is a mandatory requirement.
Yes. If you are still living in South Africa, each individual family member who has a valid residence permit from an eligible country can get a visa on arrival. If one family member is eligible but another is not, they will have to apply for an online visa before travel.
The visa on arrival facility does not apply to you. You’ll need to apply for a Dubai tourist visa online through a registered agency.
Yes. Eligibility for a Visa on Arrival does not prevent you from applying for a visa online in advance.
The fee is AED 100 for a 14-day visa and AED 250 for a 60-day visa.
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