Holding a US Green Card does not automatically give you a visa on arrival in Dubai. This is the most common mistake travellers make, and it can lead to being refused boarding at your departure airport.
In the UAE, visa-on-arrival eligibility under the Green Card rule depends on two things: the nationality on your passport and the country that issued your residence permit. This guide explains both, the fees and stay limits, and what to do if you don’t qualify.
Quick answer
- A US Green Card counts as a qualifying residence permit, but only for passport holders of seven eligible nationalities.
- Eligible nationalities are India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
- If your passport is from another country, a Green Card alone does not give you a visa on arrival. You need to arrange a UAE visa before you travel.
What is the UAE entry visa for nationals of certain countries?
This is the official name of the visa on arrival that Green Card holders can use. It is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a different programme from the standard visa on arrival that citizens of many countries receive based on passport alone.
On 25 June 2026, ICP expanded the programme. India was previously the only eligible nationality. Six more were added, and the list of qualifying countries of residence grew as well.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you need both of the following.
1. A passport from an eligible nationality
| Eligible nationality |
|---|
| India |
| Indonesia |
| Vietnam |
| Thailand |
| Philippines |
| Kenya |
| South Africa |
2. A valid residence permit from an approved country
| Qualifying country of residence |
|---|
| United States (Green Card) |
| European Union member states |
| United Kingdom |
| Singapore |
| Japan |
| South Korea |
| Australia |
| New Zealand |
| Canada |
Accompanying family members are covered under the same rule. You must present both your passport and your residence permit at the entry point.
Visa options, fees and stay limits
| Attribute | 14-day visa | 60-day visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | AED 100 | AED 250 |
| Entry type | Standard | Single entry |
| Extension | Can be extended once while in the UAE | Not extendable |
| Where issued | Passport control on arrival | Passport control on arrival |
You pay the fee at the entry point. Once your visa expires you must leave the UAE. An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies. ICP has not published a fixed fee for extending the 14-day visa, so check ICP Smart Services for the current amount before it expires.
Requirements and documents
Carry the following in your hand luggage:
- Passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry
- Valid US Green Card (physical card), which official UAE guidance says should have at least six months of validity from your arrival date
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation and travel details, in case the immigration officer asks
Airlines often check entry eligibility at check-in, so confirm your documents with your airline if your Green Card is close to expiry or under renewal.
How to get the visa on arrival
- Fly to any UAE entry point, including Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
- Go to the passport control lane on arrival.
- Present your passport and Green Card.
- Tell the officer whether you want the 14-day or 60-day visa.
- Pay the fee. The officer issues the visa and stamps your entry after standard checks.
There is no online application beforehand.
What if you don’t qualify?
If your passport is from a nationality not listed above, for example Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria or Egypt, your US Green Card does not entitle you to a visa on arrival. You need a tourist visa arranged before you fly.
If you hold a US passport (citizenship rather than a Green Card), you are covered by the standard visa-on-arrival list instead, which generally gives 30 days. Check the official UAE government list before travelling, as it is updated from time to time.
Visa on arrival vs pre-arranged tourist visa
Even if you are eligible, a pre-approved tourist visa can be the safer choice.
| Factor | Visa on arrival (Green Card rule) | Pre-arranged tourist visa |
|---|---|---|
| Approval | Decided at the airport by the immigration officer | Approved before you leave home |
| Eligibility | Limited nationalities and residence countries | Open to all nationalities |
| Stay length | 14 days (extendable once) or 60 days (non-extendable) | 30 or 60 days, or up to 90 days per visit on the 5-year multiple-entry visa |
| Entry type | Standard or single entry | Single or multiple entry |
| Risk at check-in | Airline may question documents or Green Card validity | Visa is already on file |
| Cost | AED 100 or AED 250 government fee | Usually higher, because service charges are added |
Visa on arrival is the cheaper route for those who qualify. A tourist visa makes more sense if you want certainty before you board, a longer stay, multiple entries, or if your Green Card is near expiry.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a Green Card alone is enough. Your passport nationality must be on the eligible list.
- Travelling with a Green Card that has under six months’ validity.
- Choosing the 60-day visa and expecting to extend. It cannot be extended.
- Overstaying. The fine is AED 50 per day.
- Skipping the airline check. Confirm entry rules before you book.
How [Brand Name] helps
If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, or you want a longer, more flexible stay, [Brand Name] can arrange your Dubai tourist visa before you travel. We check your documents, choose the right visa duration and submit your application, so you board with your approval in hand.
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FAQs
Can US Green Card holders get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Only if their passport is from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya or South Africa. Other nationalities need a visa arranged in advance.
How long can I stay on the visa on arrival?
14 days (extendable once) or 60 days (single stay, not extendable).
How much does the visa on arrival cost?
AED 100 for the 14-day visa and AED 250 for the 60-day visa.
Does my Green Card need to be valid for a minimum period?
Official UAE guidance requires at least six months of validity from your arrival date. Your passport also needs six months.
Can my family travel with me?
Yes, accompanying family members are covered, provided they meet the same nationality and residence-permit conditions.
What happens if I overstay?
A fine of AED 50 per day applies.
Is a US Green Card holder the same as a US citizen for UAE entry?
No. US citizens are on the standard visa-on-arrival list. Green Card holders depend on their passport nationality.
