Skip to main content

United Arab Emirates Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Afghan passport holders require an electronic UAE visa (e-visa) to enter the United Arab Emirates; apply online at the official UAE visa portal on u.ae; processing typically 1–5 working days with fees varying by visa type (roughly AED 300–600 for short tourist visas).

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity:
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates.
  • Specific forms:
  • There is no separate US-style DS-160 or VAF1A form for UAE e-visa. Apply online via the official UAE visa portal on https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id.
  • Financial proof:
  • There is no fixed minimum balance required by UAE authorities for an e-visa. Some applications may request evidence of funds. If requested, provide bank statements for the last 3 months or a letter of financial support showing sufficient funds for the stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket:
  • Hotel or other accommodation details are not always required for the e-visa, but having a confirmed hotel booking and proof of a return or onward ticket is recommended and may be requested by airlines or border authorities.
  • Photo specification:
  • Photograph requirements: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) head-and-shoulders color photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months, facial expression neutral, eyes open, no headwear unless for religious reasons, no tinted glasses. The file format should be JPEG and the size up to 2 MB.
  • Biometrics:
  • Biometrics are not normally collected as part of the UAE e-visa application. If any biometrics are required, they are handled by the issuing authority or at the border as applicable.
  • Travel health insurance:
  • Travel health insurance is not mandatory for a UAE e-visa but is strongly recommended.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa – 30 days (single entry): Official name Tourist Visa – 30 days. Validity: 30 days from date of issue. Max stay: 30 days. Entry: Single. Approximate fee: AED 250–350.
  • Tourist Visa – 90 days (single entry): Official name Tourist Visa – 90 days. Validity: 90 days from date of issue. Max stay: 90 days. Entry: Single. Approximate fee: AED 600–800.
  • Business Visa – 30 days (single entry): Official name Business Visa – 30 days. Validity: 30 days from issue. Max stay: 30 days. Entry: Single. Approximate fee: AED 350–500.
  • Student/Academic Visa: Official name Student/Academic Visa. Validity and duration: tied to the study program and sponsor; not issued purely online. Entry: Typically single entry with later extension. Approximate fee: Variable; check with sponsoring university and UAE MOE.
  • Work Visa (employer-sponsored): Official name Work Permit/Work Visa. Processed via the employer with sponsorship; not issued via the standard e-visa portal. Duration: usually aligned with the work contract (often 2–3 years). Approximate fee: borne by employer; fees vary by contract and visa type.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id
  • How to apply:
  • Step 1: Visit the official portal and select the visa type you need (Tourist, Business, etc.).
  • Step 2: Prepare scanned documents (passport bio-page, a digital photo, any sponsor letters if applicable). If applying for student or work, obtain the necessary sponsor documents.
  • Step 3: Complete the online application form and upload documents. Double-check that name, passport number, date of birth and nationality are consistent.
  • Step 4: Pay the visa fee online with a credit or debit card.
  • Step 5: Wait for the decision in the portal or by email. If approved, download/print the e-visa.
  • Step 6: Travel to UAE with your passport and the printed e-visa. Border control will verify the document.
  • Step 7: If your application is refused, you will be notified in the portal and can reapply or contact support.
  • Fees and processing time:
  • Fee: AED 300–700 depending on visa type (rough range for Afghan applicants). USD equivalent is approximately USD 82–190.
  • Processing time: 1–5 working days for standard processing; express options (e.g., 24–48 hours) may be available at higher fees.
  • Approval delivery: The e-visa will be issued electronically and can be downloaded/printed from the portal or sent by email.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (typical ranges for Afghan applicants):
  • 30-day Tourist: AED 250–350 (approx USD 68–95)
  • 90-day Tourist: AED 600–800 (approx USD 164–218)
  • Business 30 days: AED 350–500 (approx USD 95–136)
  • Student/academic: variable; depends on institution and study program
  • Work visa: employer-borne; not a standard online visa fee; processing times depend on sponsor and MOI procedures.
  • VFS/BLS service fees:
  • Not applicable for official UAE e-visa processed directly through the UAE portal. If you use a visa service or agent, fees vary (typical service charges could be added by the provider).
  • Total cost estimate:
  • Visa fee plus any service charges if using an agent. For most travellers, AED 250–800 total visa-related costs, plus possible agent fees.
  • Standard processing time:
  • 1–5 working days. Express options may reduce this to 24–48 hours with additional fees.
  • Express/priority option:
  • Available on many visa types with extra charges; exact cost shown during application.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply:
  • Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel; peak seasons or busy periods may require more time.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants:
  • Passport validity less than 6 months remaining at entry
  • Name, date of birth or passport number mismatched between documents and application
  • Photo not meeting requirements (size, background, facial exposure)
  • Incomplete documents or missing sponsor letters for student/work visas
  • Lack of evidence of funds or accommodation details when requested
  • Prior UAE visa refusals or security screening issues
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application:
  • UAE e-visas are issued online through the official portal. There is no standard UAE visa application at a foreign VFS/BLS center for the e-visa. Use the official portal to avoid extra fees and delays.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes:
  • Check your government travel advisories and the UAE government site for current entry rules, health requirements and security notices.
  • Extensions inside the UAE:
  • Some visa types (e.g., 30- or 90-day tourist visas) can be extended in-country for a further stay, typically by up to 30 days per extension, through approved channels. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on visa type and previous approvals; fees apply.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.