Dubai Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2026 Guide)
Pakistani passport holders do not get visa on arrival in Dubai — you must apply for an e-visa before travel. This guide covers all visa types, costs, required documents, common pitfalls, the 5-year multi-entry option, and a full 8-step application walkthrough.
Last updated: May 2026
Dubai Practical Editorial Team· Collaborative authorship
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Verify before you travel
UAE visa rules change without notice. Information on this page is indicative based on rules current to May 2026. Verify requirements with GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae), ICP (icp.gov.ae), and the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai (pakconsdubai.org.pk) before booking flights.
Dubai visa for Pakistanis: the short answer
Pakistani passport holders do not qualify for visa on arrival in Dubai. Before you travel, you must apply for a UAE e-visa through an airline, travel agent, UAE-based sponsor, or the ICP portal. The process is fully online and typically takes 3–7 business days.
The most popular option is the 30-day single-entry e-visa (approximately AED 350–500), available through Emirates, Etihad, PIA, and licensed agents in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. For frequent visitors, the 5-year multi-entry visit visa offers excellent value at around AED 850–1,500 for unlimited entries.
Key facts at a glance
- No visa on arrival for Pakistani passport holders.
- Apply in advance: 3–7 business days standard processing.
- 30-day single entry: AED 350–500 — most common choice.
- 5-year multi-entry: AED 850–1,500 via ICP portal.
- Bank statement: AED 5,000 equivalent commonly required.
- Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry date.
- Work not permitted on tourist or visit visa.
Dubai e-visa options for Pakistani citizens
Visa Type14-day single-entry e-visa
Duration14 days
EntriesSingle
Indicative CostAED 200–350
Key NotesShort trips; via airline or approved agent
Visa Type30-day single-entry e-visa
Duration30 days
EntriesSingle
Indicative CostAED 350–500
Key NotesMost common option; via Emirates, Etihad, PIA, or agent
Visa Type60-day single-entry e-visa
Duration60 days
EntriesSingle
Indicative CostAED 500–900
Key NotesExtended stays or medical visits
Visa Type90-day single-entry e-visa
Duration90 days
EntriesSingle
Indicative CostAED 700–1,200
Key NotesLong stays; sponsor often required
Visa Type30-day multi-entry e-visa
Duration30 days per entry
EntriesMultiple
Indicative CostAED 550–850
Key NotesUseful for business trips with multiple entries
Visa Type5-year multi-entry visit visa
Duration5 years (up to 90 days/visit)
EntriesUnlimited
Indicative CostAED 850–1,500
Key NotesBest value for frequent visitors; via ICP portal
How to apply for a Dubai visa from Pakistan
- 1
Choose your visa type and duration
Select from 14-day, 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day single-entry e-visas, or the 5-year multi-entry visit visa. For a first visit or short family trip, the 30-day single entry at approximately AED 350–500 is the most common choice. For frequent business or family travel, consider the 5-year multi-entry.Time: Day 1 - 2
Select your application channel
Apply through: (a) airline websites — Emirates, Etihad, or PIA can act as sponsors; (b) a UAE-based sponsor (family member or employer with residence visa); (c) a GDRFA-approved travel agent in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad; (d) the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) for the 5-year multi-entry; or (e) the GDRFA Dubai app. Compare agent fees before committing.Time: Day 1 - 3
Prepare your documents
Collect: colour scan of passport (all four corners visible, minimum 6 months' validity from entry date), recent passport photo (white background, no glasses, face fully visible), bank statement showing AED 5,000+ equivalent balance (commonly required), employment letter or salary slip, return flight booking or itinerary, and hotel reservation or sponsor's Emirates ID copy.Time: Days 1–3 - 4
Submit the application and pay
Upload documents via your chosen channel. Pay by card. Keep the payment receipt and application reference number. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved. Fees are typically AED 350–500 for 30-day single entry; AED 850–1,500 for 5-year multi-entry.Time: Day 3 - 5
Wait for processing
Standard processing is 3–7 business days. Some applications — especially for single male travellers without employment letters — may take longer or require additional documents. Urgent processing (24–48 hours) is available via agents at a surcharge.Time: 3–7 business days - 6
Receive and check your e-visa PDF
You receive the visa as a PDF by email. Check the validity dates, permitted entry date window, and visa type. Print a copy and save digitally. The visa is linked to your passport number — it cannot be transferred.Time: On approval - 7
Present documents at Dubai immigration
At DXB, hand the officer your Pakistani passport, printed or digital e-visa, return flight ticket, and hotel or sponsor address confirmation. The officer scans the QR code and stamps your passport. Keep the entry date visible — your visa duration counts from this date.Time: 5–15 minutes at airport - 8
Note overseas employment requirements if travelling for work
Pakistani citizens taking up employment in the UAE should register with the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (beoe.gov.pk) before departure. This is separate from the UAE visa process. Your UAE employer will typically guide you through the work permit, entry permit, and residence visa process on arrival.Time: Before departure
Typical Dubai visa costs for Pakistani citizens
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Short Stay | |
14-day single-entry e-visa Via airline or agent | AED 200–350 |
30-day single-entry e-visa Most common option | AED 350–500 |
60-day single-entry e-visa Extended tourism or medical | AED 500–900 |
90-day single-entry e-visa Long stay; sponsor may be required | AED 700–1,200 |
| Multi-entry | |
30-day multi-entry e-visa Multiple trips in validity period | AED 550–850 |
5-year multi-entry visit visa Via ICP portal; best for frequent visitors | AED 850–1,500 |
| Optional | |
Urgent processing surcharge 24–48 hours via agent | AED 150–400 |
| Penalties | |
Overstay fine (per day) From day after expiry; potential ban | AED 50/day |
Fees change — always confirm before paying
These are indicative ranges based on common agent and airline pricing. Official government fees are set by GDRFA and ICP. Agent fees include a service charge. Check gdrfad.gov.ae and icp.gov.ae for current official amounts.
30-day single entry vs 5-year multi-entry
30-day single-entry e-visa
Pros
- Lower upfront cost than multi-entry options
- Straightforward application via airline or agent
- Suitable for a single family visit or holiday
- Processing typically 3–7 business days
- Widely available through PIA, Emirates, Etihad
Cons
- No visa on arrival — must plan in advance
- Bank statements and employment letters commonly required
- Single entry only — exit and re-entry requires new visa
- Cannot work or take employment on visit visa
- Overstay fine AED 50/day from first day after expiry
5-year multi-entry visit visa
Pros
- 5 years of unlimited entries (up to 90 days per visit)
- Best value for frequent Dubai travellers
- Excellent for family with UAE-based relatives
- Eliminates repeat application admin
- Apply directly via ICP — no agent required
Cons
- Higher upfront cost AED 850–1,500
- No work rights in UAE
- Processing may take longer than standard e-visa
- Must still maintain valid Pakistani passport throughout
- Not worth it for one-off or very infrequent visits
Common pitfalls to avoid
Document checklist — where applications fail
- Insufficient bank balance: Many applications are delayed or refused if your statement shows less than AED 5,000 equivalent. Keep funds visible in your account for at least 30 days before applying.
- Missing employment letter: Single travellers should always include an employer letter on company letterhead confirming salary, position, and leave dates.
- Booking non-refundable flights before visa approval: Always wait for visa confirmation before booking non-refundable travel.
- Letting the visa expire: AED 50/day overstay fines accrue immediately. Set a calendar reminder for your exact expiry date.
- Wrong passport scan: Ensure all four corners of your passport are visible and the photo is in colour, not black and white.