🇦🇪 Dubai Visa Cost for South African Passport Holders (2026 Guide)

If you’re a South African passport holder planning a trip to Dubai, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:

How much does a Dubai visa cost?

Unlike some nationalities, South African citizens do not receive a visa on arrival for tourism. This means you must apply for a UAE tourist visa before traveling.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down:

• ✔️ Current Dubai visa costs

• ✔️ Different visa types available

• ✔️ Processing time options

• ✔️ Extra fees to consider

• ✔️ How to choose the right visa

Do South Africans Need a Visa for Dubai?

Yes. South African passport holders must apply for a visa before entering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for tourism purposes.

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE, so your visa will be issued for the UAE, not just the city of Dubai.

💰 Dubai Visa Cost for South African Passport Holders

The cost depends on:

• Visa duration (30 or 60 days)

• Single or multiple entry

• Standard or express processing

• Service provider fees

Below are the typical price ranges in 2026.

1️⃣ 30-Day Single Entry Visa

This is the most popular option for holiday travelers.

Average Cost:

• USD 100 – 150

• Approximately ZAR 1,800 – 2,800

✔️ Stay up to 30 days
✔️ One-time entry
✔️ Ideal for tourism or visiting family

2️⃣ 60-Day Single Entry Visa

Best for longer holidays or extended visits.

Average Cost:

• USD 180 – 250

• Approximately ZAR 3,200 – 4,500

✔️ Stay up to 60 days
✔️ One-time entry
✔️ Good for long vacations

3️⃣ 30-Day Multiple Entry Visa

If you plan to leave and re-enter the UAE during your stay (for example, visiting Oman or another GCC country), this visa is useful.

Average Cost:

• USD 250 – 350

• Approximately ZAR 4,500 – 6,000

✔️ Multiple entries within 30 days

4️⃣ 60-Day Multiple Entry Visa

Ideal for business travelers or frequent regional travel.

Average Cost:

• USD 350 – 500

• Approximately ZAR 6,000 – 9,000

✔️ Multiple entries
✔️ Valid for 60 days

5️⃣ Transit Visa (48–96 Hours)

If you’re stopping in Dubai on your way to another country:

Average Cost:

• USD 50 – 120

• Approximately ZAR 900 – 2,200

✔️ Short stay only
✔️ Ideal for quick city visits

⏳ Express Processing Costs

If you need your visa urgently, express processing is available.

Additional cost:

• USD 30 – 80 extra

• Processing time: 12–48 hours

Standard processing usually takes:

• 3–7 business days

💡 What Affects the Final Visa Price?

Several factors can increase the total cost:

✔️ Service Fees

If you apply through an agency, they include:

• Government visa fee

• Processing fee

• Support service charge

✔️ Currency Exchange Rate

Visa prices are often listed in USD or AED. The final ZAR amount depends on exchange rates.

✔️ Travel Insurance

Some providers include mandatory travel insurance in the package.

✔️ Weekend or Urgent Requests

Urgent weekend processing may cost more.

📝 Can You Extend Your Dubai Visa?

Yes, most tourist visas can be extended twice without leaving the UAE.

Extension cost:

• Around AED 800 – 1,000 per extension

Each extension usually adds:

• 30 additional days

📋 Documents Required for South Africans

To apply for a Dubai tourist visa, you typically need:

• Valid South African passport (6+ months validity)

• Passport-size photo

• Confirmed return flight ticket

• Hotel booking or accommodation details

• Proof of funds (sometimes required)

❓ Is There a Free Visa on Arrival for South Africans?

No.

South African passport holders must apply before travel. Arriving without a visa can result in denied boarding.

🎯 Which Visa Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple guide:

• 🏖 Short holiday → 30-day single entry

• 🏝 Long holiday → 60-day single entry

• 🌍 Regional travel → Multiple entry visa

• ✈️ Layover → Transit visa

Most South African tourists choose the 30-day single entry visa.

🔎 Total Estimated Budget for a Dubai Trip (Visa Included)

To help you plan, here’s a rough estimate:

• Visa: ZAR 2,000 – 3,000

• Flight (return): ZAR 9,000 – 15,000

• Accommodation (5 nights): ZAR 6,000 – 15,000

• Daily spending: ZAR 1,000 – 2,000

Dubai can be affordable or luxury — it depends on your style.

⚠️ Important 2026 Travel Reminder

Visa rules and prices can change. Always:

• Apply at least 2 weeks before travel

• Double-check your passport validity

• Avoid overstaying (fines apply daily)

Overstay fines in the UAE are strict and accumulate quickly.

✨ Final Answer: What Is the Cost of a Dubai Visa for South African Passport Holders?

In summary:

Most South African travelers will pay between USD 100 and USD 250, depending on visa type and processing speed.