Do I need a work visa for business trips to Dubai?

Expert Info

Posted by

on 14 Sep 2015

Hi, I am an United States citizen and employee of a consulting company in the United States and will be traveling to Dubai several times over the next year for a duration of approximately two weeks each visit. I will be supporting a client in Dubai during each of my stays. Am I required to have a work visa for these visits or will a valid US passport cover my travel to Dubai?

Anonymous (not verified) on 17 Sep 2015 - 10:31

Hi black355

As you can see on our Dubai Visa page, citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and most Western European countries do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Dubai. They will be issued with a 30-day visitor’s visa free of charge when they arrive in the UAE. This visa can be extended for a further 30 days for an additional fee.

I would advise you to consult the Dubai Embassy located in Washington DC, United States on +1 202 243 2400 to verify that this applies to your situation.

Best of luck with the travelling.

Alex

jlhnorthstar (not verified) on 20 Sep 2015 - 03:25

Fortunately you don't need to go through the hassle of obtaining an employment visa; your US passport is all you need. As Alex pointed out, you'll receive a visitor stamp that permits you a 30 day stay. Before you go, you may want to get a SIM Free Unlocked Cell phone so that you can buy and use an etisalat service while in country. You'll find corner stores or Carrefour markets pretty much spread throughout the city, and where you can buy the sim and service. Just as a reminder fellow American, you are entering an Islamic country and the laws are very strict. Dubai is very progressive in comparison to many others, however it is still very conservative compared to life in the US.

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