Dubai and the UAE: who needs a visa when travelling from Switzerland – and who doesn't

In short

• Swiss passport: no visa needed. You get a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days.
• Indian passport with a US visa, green card or EU residence permit: visa on arrival for 14 days (AED 100), extendable once by 14 days.
• Many other passports, for example from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Nigeria: you need the visa before you fly.

With a Swiss passport

According to the Swiss FDFA's country guide, Swiss nationals get a free visa on arrival in the UAE and may stay up to 90 days. There is nothing to apply for in advance.

With an Indian passport

The UAE Embassy describes a special rule: holders of an Indian passport with a US visa, a green card, a UK residence permit or an EU residence permit get an entry visa on arrival:

• valid 14 days, fee AED 100
• extendable once by 14 days for AED 250
• all documents must be valid for at least six months from arrival

With another passport

For every nationality not on the embassy's list, the visa must be issued before you travel. The embassy advises having a copy of your visa before departure. That applies to many people who live in Switzerland, for example with a passport from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nigeria or Ethiopia.

Before you travel

1. Check your passport: it should be valid for at least six more months when you arrive.
2. Think about the way back: you need your valid Swiss permit card to return to Switzerland. See our article on the new EES border system.
3. Apply in good time: a tourist visa is usually issued within one or two working days, but it can take longer. Leave some margin.