Dubai Visa for South Africans – Entry Rules, Prices & Online Application
Most South African ordinary-passport holders need a pre-arranged UAE visa before flying to Dubai. Check your entry route, choose a suitable stay and apply online if advance approval is required.
Hold a qualifying residence permit from another country? Check the residence-based visa-on-arrival conditions before applying.
Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Dubai?
Usually, yes. South African ordinary-passport holders who do not qualify for a separate arrival route should obtain the correct UAE entry permission before departure. Your residence status, passport type and reason for travel affect the route available to you.
Pre-arranged UAE visa
Choose this route when you require advance approval for a tourist visit or another eligible short stay.
Start an application →Residence-based visa on arrival
Check whether your South African passport and qualifying foreign residence permit meet the UAE’s current conditions.
Check eligibility →Who May Qualify for UAE Visa on Arrival?
Some South African passport holders with a valid residence permit from a qualifying country may be eligible for a separate UAE arrival route. Check the permit conditions and the available stay before relying on this option.
United States
A qualifying US residence permit may support eligibility.
European Union
A qualifying permit issued by an EU member state may support eligibility.
United Kingdom
A qualifying UK residence permit may support eligibility.
Canada
A qualifying Canadian residence permit may support eligibility.
Australia and New Zealand
Qualifying residence permits from these countries are included in the announced route.
Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Qualifying residence permits from these countries are also included.
| Arrival option | Announced fee | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| 14 days | AED 100 | May be extended once under the announced conditions |
| 60 days | AED 250 | Not extendable under the announced conditions |
Dubai Visa Options and Prices for South Africans
These DubaiVisa.com assisted-service prices apply to eligible pre-arranged applications. Select the stay and entry type that matches your trip; confirm the final amount in the application form.
14-Day Visa
Single-entry option for an eligible short visit.
US$140 View 14-day visa →30-Day Tourist Visa
Single-entry option for a longer holiday or family visit.
US$165 View 30-day visa →60-Day Tourist Visa
Single-entry option for an eligible extended stay.
US$180 View 60-day visa →Multiple Entry
For an itinerary that requires more than one UAE entry.
From US$259 View multiple-entry visa →Confirm the entry type, duration, eligibility and final fee before payment.
48-Hour Transit
For an eligible short stopover with confirmed onward travel.
US$100 View transit guidance →96-Hour Transit
For an eligible longer stopover where the transit route applies.
US$110 View transit guidance →Dubai Visa Requirements for South African Citizens
Prepare clear documents for the visa you select. Additional evidence can be requested according to your application.
Valid Passport
Prepare a passport with at least six months of validity.
Passport Copy
Upload a clear, full-colour image of the information page with every detail readable.
Photograph
Use a recent passport-style photograph on a plain background.
Travel Details
Have your return or onward travel information ready if requested.
Insurance
Check the health-insurance requirements for your selected visa route.
Other Evidence
Accommodation, host, residence or family documents may be requested for your case.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from South Africa
You can submit an eligible pre-arranged application online from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or elsewhere in South Africa.
Dubai Visa Processing Time from South Africa
Processing depends on the selected service, complete documents and immigration review. Allow time for additional checks before your departure date.
Standard processing
The stated service target is 24–72 working hours after a complete eligible application is ready.
Express processing
A faster service may be available for an eligible application. Check availability and the quoted timing before payment.
View express visa →Travelling to Dubai with Children or Family?
Check the entry route for each traveller separately. Each person needs the passport and UAE entry permission required for their own circumstances. Birth, marriage or parental-consent evidence may be requested where relevant.
Can You Visit Abu Dhabi with the Same UAE Visa?
A valid UAE tourist visa is generally used for travel within the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, subject to the conditions of the permission issued to you. You do not normally need a separate city-specific tourist visa for Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Visa for South Africans: FAQs
Do South African citizens need a visa for Dubai?
Most ordinary-passport holders should arrange UAE entry permission before departure unless they qualify for a separate arrival route, such as the conditional residence-based option.
Can I apply online from South Africa?
Yes. If you need advance approval and are eligible for the selected visa, you can submit your passport details and requested documents online.
How much is a Dubai tourist visa from South Africa?
The assisted-service options displayed above include US$140 for a 14-day single-entry visa, US$165 for 30 days and US$180 for 60 days. Check the final amount for your application before payment.
Does every South African passport holder qualify for visa on arrival?
No. The residence-based route has additional permit and eligibility conditions. Check them before relying on arrival permission.
Do I need a transit visa to change flights in Dubai?
Not for every connection. If your journey requires you to enter the UAE, such as leaving the airport or collecting and rechecking baggage, check the appropriate entry permission before travelling.
Does paying for a visa guarantee approval?
No. UAE authorities make the final decision on visa issuance and entry.
Can I check the final visa price before paying?
Yes. Review the selected visa type, the applicable assisted-service price and the displayed total during the application process before making payment.
What if I notice an error in my application?
Contact the support team as soon as possible and provide the correct passport details. Whether a correction can be made depends on the stage of processing; do not assume an issued visa can be changed.
Are service fees refundable if a visa is refused?
Refund eligibility depends on the applicable terms and the stage of processing. Review the refund terms before payment and contact support if you need clarification. Payment does not guarantee approval.
Useful UAE Visa Guides
Ready to Apply for Your Dubai Visa?
If you hold a South African passport and need advance UAE entry approval, select your stay, prepare your documents and submit your application online.
DubaiVisa.com is a private visa-assistance service. UAE authorities make the final visa and entry decisions.
