Do South Africans Need a Visa for Dubai? Updated Requirements, Prices & Travel Guide

Do South Africans Need a Visa for Dubai? Updated Requirements, Prices & Travel Guide

Planning a trip from South Africa to Dubai?
Whether you’re flying from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, or Port Elizabeth, South African passport holders often ask the same questions:

  • Do I need a visa for Dubai?

  • How long is the flight?

  • How much does a Dubai visa cost?

  • How fast can I get approval?

This guide answers all UAE visa requirements for South African citizens and shows you the easiest way to apply online through DubaiVisa.com, a platform trusted globally and recognized by Khaleej Times and Gulf News.


Do You Need a Visa for Dubai from South Africa?

Yes. South Africans must obtain a visa before traveling to Dubai or anywhere in the UAE.
Visa on arrival is not available for South African passport holders.

The good news is that you can apply for a Dubai visa online from South Africa without visiting any embassy.


UAE Visa Requirements for South African Citizens

To apply for a Dubai visa from South Africa, you only need:

  • South African passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • Passport-size photograph

  • Clear passport bio page scan

  • Return flight ticket (recommended)

  • Hotel booking or UAE address (recommended)

No sponsor is required for tourist visas, and the entire process is online.


Dubai Visa from South Africa – Processing Time

How long does it take to get a visa for Dubai from South Africa?

Processing Time: 2 working days

This applies to all tourist and transit visa types.
You can track your application online after submission.


UAE Visa Price for South Africans (Updated 2026)

Below is the official updated price chart based on the latest DubaiVisa.com listings:

Visa TypeValidityEntryPrice (USD)
14 Days Tourist Visa14 DaysSingle$121.5
30 Days Tourist Visa30 DaysSingle$148.5
60 Days Tourist Visa60 DaysSingle$198.0
30 Days Tourist Visa30 DaysMultiple$233.1
60 Days Tourist Visa60 DaysMultiple$323.1
30 Days Child Visa30 DaysSingle$225.0
60 Days Child Visa60 DaysSingle$292.5
96 Hours Transit Visa4 DaysSingle$99.0
48 Hours Transit Visa2 DaysSingle$90.0

👉 Full visa details available here:
UAE Visa for South Africans – 2026 Guide


How Many Hours Is the Flight from South Africa to Dubai?

Average nonstop flight times:

  • Johannesburg to Dubai: ~8 hours

  • Cape Town to Dubai: ~9–10 hours

  • Durban to Dubai: ~8.5 hours

Flights operate daily from major South African cities.


How Much Does It Cost to Travel from South Africa to Dubai?

Estimated total travel budget:

  • Flights: $550 – $900 (round trip)

  • Dubai Visa: $90 – $323 (depending on type)

  • Hotel: $60 – $200+ per night

  • Daily expenses: $50 – $100

Dubai suits both budget travelers and luxury tourists.


Why Apply Through DubaiVisa.com?

DubaiVisa.com is one of the UAE’s most trusted digital visa platforms, powering millions of approved visas worldwide.

✔ Recognized by Khaleej Times
Read Feature

✔ Featured by Gulf News
Read Coverage

✔ Secure online process
✔ Fast approvals
✔ Support for applicants from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, East London, Polokwane, Kimberley & more

Learn more about Dubai here:
About Dubai – Wikipedia


FAQs – Dubai Visa for South Africans

Do South Africans need a visa for Dubai?

Yes, a pre-approved visa is mandatory.

Can I apply for a Dubai visa online from South Africa?

Yes, applications are fully online through DubaiVisa.com.

How long does Dubai visa approval take?

Usually 2 working days.

What is the cheapest Dubai visa for South Africans?

The 48-hour transit visa ($90) is the lowest-priced option.

Is DubaiVisa.com legitimate?

Yes. It is officially recognized by major UAE media outlets.


Apply for Your Dubai Visa Today

Dubai is one of the world’s top travel destinations — and your journey starts with the right visa.

👉 Apply now at DubaiVisa.com
Fast processing. Trusted globally. No embassy visits.

author avatar
Muhammad Azhar Alam SEO Strategist
SEO Strategist & Travel Visa Expert at DubaiVisa.com
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