Karibu Trips

How to apply for a UAE visa from Africa

The UAE e-visa is one of the easiest visas to get. Here is exactly what to prepare, how long it takes and how to avoid the common mistakes.

Dubai at dusk from above

For most African passport holders, a visit to Dubai or Abu Dhabi needs a visa arranged before you fly. The good news: it is an e-visa, applied for online, with no embassy visit.

Which visa?

Most visitors choose the 30-day single-entry tourist visa. For longer family visits there is a 60-day version.

What you need

  • A clear scan of your passport photo page, valid for at least six months.
  • A recent passport-style photo on a white background.
  • Your flight and hotel bookings.

How long it takes

Usually three to five working days once everything is in. Apply at least a week before you fly.

Common mistakes

  • Names that do not match the passport exactly โ€” including middle names.
  • Blurry passport scans, or photos with glasses or shadows.
  • Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is issued.

We check every document before submission. See requirements and fees.

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