Dubai and the UAE are among the most popular international destinations for South Africans — an easy, mostly online visa process costing ~ZAR 2,515 all-in for 30 days. South Africa is a significant source market for UAE tourism. Approval rates for South Africans are high.
Key Warnings
Insider Tips
Visit icp.gov.ae (UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) or visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/are. Create an account and select the tourist visa category.
Enter your personal details as they appear on your South African passport. Enter your travel dates and accommodation details.
Upload your passport scan and passport photo. A return ticket and hotel booking are recommended. Ensure all uploads are clear JPEG or PDF files.
Pay the 30-day single entry tourist visa fee (~$139 USD / ZAR 2,270) by credit card. Express processing (24–48 hours) is available at additional cost.
Standard processing takes 3–7 working days. You will receive your approved e-visa by email. Apply at least 10 days before travel.
Download your UAE e-visa PDF and present it at check-in (airlines check UAE visas before boarding) and to UAE immigration on arrival.
No published rejection rate. The UAE publishes no visa refusal statistics by applicant nationality. Checked August 2026.
UAE visa on arrival needs a Western visa alongside the passport
The UAE grants visa on arrival to several African nationalities only where the traveller also holds a valid visa or residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, an EU state, Australia or Canada. Kenya was added to that arrangement on 25 June 2026. Without such a permit the visa must be arranged before travel, normally sponsored by an airline, hotel or UAE host.
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