Dubai Visa for South Africans – Complete Guide for Applicants in South Africa (2026)
Planning a trip from South Africa to Dubai? Whether you’re travelling for tourism, family visits, or a short stopover, South African passport holders must apply for a Dubai (UAE) visa before travel.
This guide explains visa types, requirements, processing time, and how to apply from South Africa—all in one place.
Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Dubai?
Yes. South African passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE.
You must obtain an approved UAE visa before departure from South Africa.
Dubai Visa Types Available for South Africans
1. Dubai Tourist / Visit Visa (Most Popular)
This visa is ideal for holidays, sightseeing, shopping, and visiting friends or family.
Available options:
30-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa
60-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa
30-Day Multiple-Entry Visa
60-Day Multiple-Entry Visa
Who should choose this?
✔️ First-time travellers
✔️ Families & couples
✔️ Short-term leisure visits
2. Dubai Transit Visa (Short Stay)
If you have a long layover in Dubai and want to leave the airport:
48-Hour Transit Visa
96-Hour Transit Visa
Perfect for quick city exploration during stopovers.
Dubai Visa Requirements for South Africans
When applying from South Africa, you typically need:
✅ South African passport (valid for at least 6 months)
✅ Passport-size photo (white background)
✅ Completed visa application
✅ Flight booking or travel itinerary
✅ Hotel reservation or accommodation details
✅ Proof of funds (bank statement may be requested)
⚠️ Immigration authorities may request additional documents depending on travel history.
Dubai Visa Processing Time from South Africa
Standard processing: 3–5 working days
Express / urgent processing: 24–48 hours (subject to approval)
Processing times may vary during peak travel seasons.
Dubai Visa Fees for South Africans (Estimated)
| Visa Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 30-Day Tourist Visa | From AED 330 |
| 60-Day Tourist Visa | From AED 700 |
| 30-Day Multiple Entry | From AED 600 |
| 60-Day Multiple Entry | From AED 850 |
| Transit Visa (48–96 hrs) | From AED 300 |
Prices may vary based on processing speed and service provider.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from South Africa
Step-by-Step Process
Choose your visa type (30-day, 60-day, single or multiple entry)
Prepare required documents
Submit application online
Pay visa fees securely
Receive visa by email
Print visa & travel to Dubai
💡 No embassy visit required. The entire process is 100% online.
Important Tips for South African Applicants
✔️ Passport validity must be 6+ months
✔️ Ensure names match exactly on passport & booking
✔️ Apply at least 1 week before travel
✔️ Do not overstay—UAE imposes strict fines
Can South Africans Extend a Dubai Visa?
Yes. Certain tourist visas can be extended without exiting the UAE, subject to immigration approval and extension fees.
Why Apply Online Instead of Through an Agent?
Faster processing
No embassy appointment
Secure online payment
Application tracking
Ideal for travellers applying from anywhere in South Africa
Final Thoughts
Dubai remains one of the top travel destinations for South Africans, offering world-class attractions, shopping, beaches, and family-friendly experiences. Applying for a Dubai visa from South Africa is simple, fast, and fully online when your documents are in order.
