Last Updated: 16 September 2026
UAE visas are issued federally and cover all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Most South Africans need a visa approved before travel.
If Dubai is your only stop, see Dubai Visa South Africa for airline and hotel options.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a UAE visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for the UAE?
Most South African passport holders need a pre-approved visa. From 25 June 2026 the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended visa on arrival to South African ordinary passport holders, and accompanying family, who hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU country, the UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada or New Zealand.
UAE Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. Visit visas generally need a sponsor - an airline, hotel, tour operator, relative or company in the UAE - or an application through official channels.
Confirm the latest requirements with the UAE Embassy in Pretoria or official UAE immigration channels before applying.
Types of UAE Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Tourist visit visa | Single or multiple entry, different lengths |
| Visit visa sponsored by a relative | Family visits |
| Transit visa | Short stopovers |
| Business or mission visa | Work trips sponsored by a UAE company |
| Visa on arrival (residence-based) | South Africans with qualifying residence permits, from 25 June 2026 |
UAE Tourist Visa
Tourist visit visas are available for different lengths and entry types. Pick the length that covers your full stay and check the date by which you must enter.
UAE Business Visa
Business trips generally need a visa sponsored by the UAE host company. Employment needs a work permit and residence visa through the employer.
How to Apply for a UAE Visa from South Africa
- Decide which emirate you arrive in and the length of stay.
- Confirm whether the residence-permit visa on arrival applies to you.
- Choose a sponsor route: airline, hotel, tour operator, host or company.
- Submit passport, photo and supporting documents.
- Receive the e-visa and travel within its validity.
UAE Visa Cost in South Africa
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visit visa (single entry) | Commonly about R1,500 - R3,500 total | Government fee plus sponsor or agent charges |
| Multiple-entry or longer visas | Higher | Government fee plus charges |
| Business visit visa | Set by sponsor and visa type | Official and sponsor fees |
| Visa assistance | R300 - R1,200 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual UAE application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesUAE Visa Processing Time
Visit visas are often issued within a few working days. Sponsored business visas can take longer. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
There is no public UAE visa application centre you must attend in South Africa for standard visit visas. Contact the UAE Embassy in Pretoria for official guidance on your case.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Colour scan of the bio page |
| Photo | Recent, white background |
| Flight booking | Often requested |
| Accommodation or host details | Hotel booking or sponsor ID |
| Company invitation | For business visas |
| Residence permit | For the visa-on-arrival route |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Sponsor documents incomplete.
- Incorrect visa length chosen.
- Poor-quality scans.
- Name differences across documents.
Visa Application Assistance
A provider can confirm the right visa, arrange sponsorship through an authorised channel and submit it. See visa application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for the UAE?
Most do. Only South Africans with a qualifying residence permit can use visa on arrival from 25 June 2026.
Which residence permits qualify for the UAE visa on arrival?
Permits from the US, EU member states, the UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada or New Zealand, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Does a UAE visa cover Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
Yes. UAE visit visas are valid across all seven emirates.
Can I work on a UAE visit visa?
No. Employment needs a work permit and residence visa.
Requests sent through Visa Application go to independent providers who handle UAE applications regularly.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
Tell us where you are travelling and when, and compare visa assistance quotes from independent providers.
Get 5 QuotesGet UAE Visa South Africa Quotes
Tell us your destination, travel purpose, travel date and number of applicants, and providers will quote you directly.
Free to use, no obligation. Your request goes to LEADERR APPROVED visa assistance providers, who quote you directly.
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
