United Arab Emirates Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026

Overview

Planning to visit Dubai or the UAE as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers the UAE tourist visa process: required documents, fees starting from AED 200 (approximately PKR 15,500), processing times of 48 hours to 14 days, and crucial strategies to improve your approval chances. Due to recent policy changes, Pakistani applicants face stricter scrutiny with approval rates around 25-35%. Proper documentation and strong ties to Pakistan are essential.

Visa Application process

UAE tourist visas for Pakistani citizens must be obtained before travel.1 There is no visa on arrival facility for Pakistani passport holders. The application process involves several steps.

Choose Your Application Channel

Pakistani citizens can apply through:2 • Airlines: Emirates or Etihad Airways (if flying with them) • Hotels: Some UAE hotels process visas for confirmed guests • Travel Agencies: Authorized agencies in Pakistan • Online Portals: GDRFA Dubai or ICP smart services • UAE Embassy: Embassy in Islamabad for specific cases

Obtain Police Verification

Before applying, obtain a police character certificate from the Pakistan Bureau of Immigration.6 This is mandatory for all Pakistani applicants as of late 2024.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following:14 • Colored passport scan (front cover and bio page) • CNIC copy (both sides) • Recent passport-sized photograph (white background) • Police verification certificate • Confirmed flight booking (round-trip) • Hotel reservation or host invitation • Bank statement (last 6 months showing $4,000+ balance) • Travel insurance valid in UAE • Employment verification letter

Submit Application and Pay Fees

Submit your documents through your chosen channel and pay the applicable fees.3 Fees vary by visa duration and provider. A 5% VAT applies to all visa fees.

Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes 3-14 working days.2 Pakistani applicants may experience longer processing due to enhanced security screening. Express processing (48 hours) may be available through some channels.

Receive Your Visa

Once approved, you will receive an electronic visa (e-visa) via email.1 Print a copy to show at immigration and upon arrival in the UAE.

Visa Application Steps

1. Choose Your Application Channel
2. Obtain Police Verification
3. Gather Required Documents
4. Submit Application and Pay Fees
5. Wait for Processing
6. Receive Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Duration	Single Entry: 30 days	Single Entry: 60 days	Single Entry: 90 days	5-Year Multiple Entry: 90 days per visit	Fees exclude 5% VAT and may vary by service provider.3 Airlines and travel agencies may charge additional service fees of AED 50-150.

What you need to prove

The UAE immigration authorities assess tourist visa applications based on:

Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings
Financial capacity: Sufficient funds ($4,000+ balance) to cover your stay without working
Return intent: Strong ties to Pakistan demonstrating you will return
Security clearance: Clean background with no criminal records
Valid documentation: All documents meeting technical specifications and verifiable

Required documents

Valid Passport
CNIC (National Identity Card)
Passport-Size Photograph
Police Verification Report
Confirmed Flight Tickets
Hotel Reservation
Bank Statement
Travel Insurance
Employment Verification

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE • At least two blank pages for entry stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Clear, legible personal information page] (Tip: Scan both the front cover and bio-data page in colorIf your passport expires within 6 months of travel, renew before applyingInclude previous passports if they contain prior UAE or Gulf country stamps)

CNIC (National Identity Card)

Colored scan of your Computerized National Identity Card • Clear, legible copy of both sides; • Must be valid and not expired] (Tip: This is specifically required for Pakistani nationalsEnsure all details match your passport exactly)

Passport-Size Photograph

Recent colored photograph with white background • Size: 4.3cm x 5.5cm (passport standard); • White background only; • Face clearly visible, no glasses; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: Ensure the photo is high-resolution and not blurryAvoid shadows on face or backgroundMany rejections occur due to poor quality photos)

Police Verification Report

Police character certificate from Pakistan Bureau of Immigration • Issued within the last 6 months; • Must be verified and stamped by relevant authorities; • Required for all Pakistani applicants as of late 2024] (Tip: Apply for this document well in advanceThis requirement was introduced to address security concerns)

Confirmed Flight Tickets

Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from UAE • Must show passenger name matching passport; • Clear departure and return dates; • Flight booking confirmation with PNR] (Tip: Book refundable tickets until visa is approvedEnsure dates align with requested visa durationReturn ticket is crucial to demonstrate intent to leave)

Hotel Reservation

Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay • Must show guest name and check-in/check-out dates; • Hotel name, address, and contact details; • Booking confirmation number] (Tip: If staying with family or friends, provide their Emirates ID and a formal invitation letterBook refundable accommodation until visa confirmationEnsure hotel dates match your flight itinerary)

Bank Statement

Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of transaction history; • Minimum balance of $4,000 USD equivalent (approximately PKR 1,100,000); • For 5-year visa: $4,000 maintained consistently over 6 months; • Must show account holder name clearly] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to applicationShow regular income and stable balancePakistani applicants face higher financial scrutiny)

Travel Insurance

Valid health insurance covering UAE for the duration of stay • Minimum coverage period matching visa duration; • Must be valid in UAE; • For 5-year visa: 180 days coverage required] (Tip: Insurance is mandatory for Pakistani applicantsEnsure coverage includes medical emergencies and repatriation)

Employment Verification

Letter from employer confirming employment status • On company letterhead with contact details; • Confirm job title, salary, and employment duration; • State that leave has been granted for travel dates; • For business owners: company registration documents] (Tip: Strong employment ties help demonstrate intent to returnInclude salary slips for the last 3-6 monthsSelf-employed applicants should provide NTN certificate and business documents)

Optional documents

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

NOC from employer or guardian, attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Must be on official letterhead; • Translated to Arabic if not in English; • Attested by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs] (Tip: For minors traveling alone or with one parent, NOC from guardian is mandatoryGovernment employees must obtain departmental NOC)

Comparison

Visa Type	Duration	Fee (AED)	Fee (PKR approx.)
Single Entry	30 days	200-350	PKR 15,500-27,000
Single Entry	60 days	500	PKR 39,000
Single Entry	90 days	695	PKR 54,000
5-Year Multiple Entry	90 days per visit	3,713	PKR 290,000

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Security Screening Concerns
25%	Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation
20%	Weak Ties to Home Country
10%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
5%	Previous Visa Issues

40% - Security Screening Concerns

How to avoid: Ensure all documents are genuine and verifiable. Provide comprehensive documentation including police verification, employment proof, and strong ties to Pakistan. Be prepared for longer processing times due to enhanced security checks.

25% - Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation

How to avoid: Submit only genuine documents. Ensure all certificates are attested by relevant authorities. Provide verifiable contact information for employers and institutions. Never use fake documents as this can result in permanent visa bans.

20% - Weak Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Demonstrate strong ties through property ownership documents, family obligations, established business, or senior employment position. Include documents showing dependents in Pakistan. Older applicants with families generally have higher approval rates.

10% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least $4,000 USD equivalent for several months before applying. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before application. Show regular income matching your employment letter.

5% - Previous Visa Issues

How to avoid: If you have previous refusals, address the reasons comprehensively in your new application. Allow significant time between applications. Consider professional immigration assistance for complex cases.

Frequently asked questions

Can Pakistani citizens get a visa on arrival in UAE?

No, Pakistani citizens cannot get visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply for and receive a tourist visa before traveling. Applications can be submitted through authorized travel agents, airlines (Emirates, Etihad), hotels, or online portals like GDRFA and ICP smart services.

How long does UAE visa processing take for Pakistanis?

Standard processing takes 3-14 working days, depending on the application channel. GDRFA portal can process in 48 hours, while travel agencies may take up to 14 days. However, Pakistani applicants may experience longer processing due to enhanced security screening.

What is the UAE tourist visa fee for Pakistani citizens in 2026?

Fees vary by duration: 30-day single entry costs AED 200-350 (PKR 15,500-27,000), 60-day visa costs AED 500 (PKR 39,000), and 90-day visa costs AED 695 (PKR 54,000). The 5-year multiple entry visa costs approximately AED 3,713 including guarantee deposit. Fees may vary between providers and exclude VAT.

What is the approval rate for UAE visas from Pakistan?

The approval rate for Pakistani applicants has decreased significantly in 2024-2026, currently estimated at 25-35%. First-time applicants and young males under 40 face particularly high rejection rates (up to 80% in some reports). Strong documentation and demonstrating ties to Pakistan are essential.

Why are UAE visas being rejected for Pakistanis?

The UAE has implemented stricter screening for Pakistani applicants due to concerns about criminal activity, documentation fraud, and overstays. Common rejection reasons include security screening flags, incomplete documentation, weak ties to home country, and insufficient financial evidence. A police verification report is now mandatory.

Do I need a sponsor for UAE tourist visa as a Pakistani?

For standard tourist visas, airlines, hotels, or authorized travel agencies can act as your sponsor. For the 5-year multiple entry visa, you do not need an individual sponsor but must meet financial requirements. If visiting relatives, they can sponsor your visit visa if they meet salary requirements (AED 4,000-15,000 depending on relationship).

Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?

Yes, most tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days. Extensions cost approximately AED 850-1,000. You can typically extend up to three times. Overstaying without extension incurs fines of AED 50-100 per day plus administrative fees.

Is police verification required for UAE visa from Pakistan?

Yes, as of late 2024, Pakistani citizens must provide a police verification report (character certificate) when applying for UAE visas. This requirement was introduced to address security concerns and streamline the vetting process.

What documents do I need for UAE tourist visa from Pakistan?

Required documents include: valid passport (6+ months validity), CNIC, passport photo (white background), police verification report, confirmed flight tickets, hotel booking, bank statement (6 months showing $4,000+ balance), travel insurance, and employment verification letter.

What happens if my UAE visa is rejected?

If rejected, carefully review any refusal codes provided. Common codes like 'Security-01' indicate security screening issues. Wait at least 3-6 months before reapplying with improved documentation. Address specific concerns raised, strengthen ties to Pakistan, and consider professional immigration assistance for complex cases.

Apply for United Arab Emirates tourist visa online

Sources

UAE Government Official Portal

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/tourist-visa

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan Mission

https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/islamabad/services/visas

GDRFA Dubai - Tourist Visa Services

https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/f9e586fe-0642-11ec-0320-0050569629e8

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security

https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e60

VFS Global UAE Visa Information

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/uae/uae/english/index.html

Pakistan Consulate Dubai - Guidelines

https://pakistanconsulatedubai.ae/pages/guidelines

United Arab Emirates Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

At a glance