Planning a UAE trip from Australia in 2026—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or beyond? This definitive guide explains who gets visa on arrival, when you need a pre-arranged Emirates Visa, the exact documents required, fees and processing times, extensions, overstay rules, and a simple step-by-step apply process tailored for Australian travellers.
Quick Summary: What Australians Need to Know in 2026
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Australians usually qualify for a 30-day Visa on Arrival (multiple entry) if travelling on a valid Australian passport.
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Pre-arranged Emirates Visa is recommended when you need 60 days, multiple entries beyond VoA, sponsorship (family/business), or a planned long stay.
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Transit visas (48/96 hours) help you explore Dubai/Abu Dhabi during a layover.
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Apply online in minutes, upload documents, pay securely, and receive your visa by email.
Who Needs a Visa? Visa on Arrival vs. Pre-Arranged eVisa
Visa on Arrival (30-day) for Australian Passport Holders
Australian passport holders are typically eligible for a 30-day Visa on Arrival in the UAE, subject to standard immigration checks. You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and a confirmed return/onward ticket.
When You Need a Pre-Arranged Emirates Visa
Choose a pre-arranged Emirates Visa if you:
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Plan to stay longer than 30 days (e.g., 60-day stay).
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Need multiple entries beyond what your trip requires under VoA.
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Will visit family under sponsorship or attend business activities with a UAE sponsor.
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Prefer certainty (approval before you fly) and smoother airline check-in.
Emirates Visa Types for Australians in 2026
Tourist eVisa: 30 or 60 Days (Single/Multiple Entry)
Ideal for holidays, events, and sightseeing across all seven Emirates. Options include 30-day or 60-day, single or multiple entry. Processing is typically 24–72 business hours once documents are complete.
Visit Visa (Family/Relative Sponsor)
For Australians visiting immediate family in the UAE. Requires a sponsoring relative (with Emirates ID/residency), relationship proof, and standard documents. Validity and stay options vary by sponsor type and approval.
Business Visa (Company Sponsor)
For meetings, exhibitions, and scouting opportunities. A UAE company sponsor issues an invitation and may assist with documents. Ideal for trips needing multiple meetings or flexible entry.
Transit Visa: 48 or 96 Hours
Perfect for layovers through Dubai/Abu Dhabi. You’ll need a confirmed onward ticket and a passport valid 6+ months. Great for a quick city tour—Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, etc.
Emirates Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens
Documents Checklist
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Passport (valid 6+ months from entry; clear bio page)
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Recent colour photograph (passport size, plain background)
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Confirmed flights (return/onward)
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Accommodation details (hotel booking or host’s invitation)
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Travel plan (basic itinerary is sufficient)
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Financial proof (bank statement/salary slip may be requested)
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For family visit: relationship proof + sponsor’s Emirates ID
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For business: invitation letter + company trade details if asked
Photo & Passport Rules
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Photo: front-facing, neutral expression, no filters, no headwear unless religious.
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Passport scan: high-resolution, no glare or blur, full page visible.
Emirates Visa Fees & Processing Times (Indicative)
Fees vary by visa type, entry options, and country of issuance; use the figures below as guidance and check the latest before applying.
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Tourist 30-day (Single Entry): indicative from USD 140–180
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Tourist 60-day (Single Entry): indicative from USD 220–280
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Multiple-Entry options: higher than single-entry equivalents
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Transit 48/96 hours: indicative from USD 20–60 (often arranged with airline)
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Processing time: typically 24–72 business hours (allow longer in peak seasons)
Tip: Apply at least 7–10 days before travel during peak periods (New Year, major trade shows, F1, long weekends).
How to Apply for an Emirates Visa Online (Australians) — Step-by-Step
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Choose Visa Type & Duration
Select 30-day or 60-day tourist, visit, business, or transit based on your trip. -
Prepare Your Documents
Passport scan, compliant photo, flight and hotel bookings; add sponsor documents if applicable. -
Complete the Application Form
Enter details exactly as on your passport. Match dates to your bookings. -
Upload & Pay Securely
Upload clear images/PDFs and complete payment through the secure gateway. -
Application Review & Approval
Track updates via email/SMS. On approval, your eVisa PDF is issued electronically. -
Print & Carry Your eVisa
Keep a printed and a digital copy; present it with your passport at immigration.
Extensions, Entry Rules & Overstay Fines
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Extensions: Many tourist visas can be extended (subject to rules at the time of request). Apply before expiry to avoid fines.
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Entry rules: Final entry is at immigration’s discretion. Carry return tickets, accommodation proof, and funds.
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Overstay fines: Overstays typically incur daily fines plus service fees. Avoid overstaying—extend or exit before the last valid day.
Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them
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Blurry/low-quality scans → Upload high-resolution documents.
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Name/passport mismatch → Ensure spelling and numbers match exactly.
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Incomplete itinerary → Provide flight and stay confirmations.
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Previous overstay → Disclose and regularize status if applicable.
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Risk flags → Demonstrate ties to Australia (employment, return ticket).
DIY vs. Professional Service: Risks, Safeguards & Why Choose Us
DIY Risks: Wrong visa selection, non-compliant photos, missing pages, payment failures, or submitting too close to travel dates can lead to delays or refusal.
With our professional service you get:
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Visa type guidance matched to your itinerary (VoA vs. 30/60-day)
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Document pre-check to prevent avoidable rejections
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Priority handling during peak seasons
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Secure payment & status tracking
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Support until you board
CTA: Get it right the first time— Apply for your Emirates Visa
Final Checklist & Call-to-Action
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Passport valid 6+ months from arrival
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Compliant photo & clear scans
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Return/onward ticket & hotel booked
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Right visa type (30/60-day tourist, visit, business, or transit)
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Apply early; print your eVisa once approved
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