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United Arab Emirates for Canadian passport holders: Visa-free

Your circumstances

Passport:
🇨🇦 Canadian
Lives in:
Not specified (general rule)
Going to:
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Purpose:
Holiday

Route summary

Visa-free

No visa needed – visit visa granted free on arrival (90 days)

Canadian passport holders do not need to arrange a UAE visa in advance: MOFA lists them as "Visa Free" and a free visit visa is stamped on arrival, allowing 90 days (multiple entry, within 6 months).

Conditions

  • Passport valid at least 6 months.
  • Multiple-entry; valid 6 months from issue with a total stay of 90 days.
  • Lists can change – u.ae advises checking with the UAE embassy before travel.

About this route

Route type
Visa-free: no visa application needed.
Documents
Document list not published by the official source.
Fee
No visa fee (as published).
Processing
Processing time not published by the official source.

Next step

Steps not published by the official source — use the official link to start.

Official sourcemofa.gov.ae ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Last checked 4 Oct 2026 against mofa.gov.ae · Read in browser on official page

Documents

Document list not published by the official source.

Fees

Official government fee
No visa fee
Visa-centre / service fee (not a government fee)
None stated by the official source
Notes from the source
No fee – Emirates states the visa on arrival is free of charge.

These notes may mention other charges that we have not yet separated into government and service fees. Visa-centre, service or other third-party charges are never official government fees.

Processing and validity

Processing time
Not published by the official source
Validity
Not published by the official source
Maximum stay
90 days (multiple entry, within 6 months)

Requirements for all visitors to United Arab Emirates

These apply on top of the visa rules above, whatever your passport, unless an item says otherwise.

  • HealthYellow fever certificate if arriving from a WHO yellow-fever risk country

    Applies to: travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from a country WHO lists as a yellow-fever risk country; also after an airport transit of more than 12 hours in such a country.

    Official source: cdn.who.int · Also checked: wwwnc.cdc.govNot official · Last checked 25 Oct 2026

Quick answers

Do Canadian passport holders need a visa for United Arab Emirates?

No visa needed – visit visa granted free on arrival (90 days). Canadian passport holders do not need to arrange a UAE visa in advance: MOFA lists them as "Visa Free" and a free visit visa is stamped on arrival, allowing 90 days (multiple entry, within 6 months). Source: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/visa-exemptions-for-non-citizen

Business, work or just passing through?

The rules above are for a holiday: tourism and visiting family and friends. Business visits, paid work and transit are covered separately below.

Business visits to United Arab Emirates

Option 1
Visa-freeBusiness visit (meetings, conferences – not paid work)

Business visit: No visa needed – visit visa granted free on arrival (90 days)

Short business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations – not paid work) follow the same route as a holiday, because the official source covers business visits (Tourism, visiting, business (short stay)). Canadian passport holders do not need to arrange a UAE visa in advance: MOFA lists them as "Visa Free" and a free visit visa is stamped on arrival, allowing 90 days (multiple entry, within 6 months).

Conditions

  • Passport valid at least 6 months.
  • Multiple-entry; valid 6 months from issue with a total stay of 90 days.
  • Lists can change – u.ae advises checking with the UAE embassy before travel.
Government fee
No visa fee
No fee – Emirates states the visa on arrival is free of charge.
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Not verified yet
Max stay
90 days (multiple entry, within 6 months)
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Read in browser on official page

Official wording

“UAE MOFA visa-exemptions list (updated 4 Oct 2026): Canada – "Visa Free". Emirates UAE visa page lists Canada for the 90-day visa on arrival.”

Working in United Arab Emirates

Main work visa routes for United Arab Emirates

These are the main routes and what they require. Whether you qualify depends on your circumstances; the official page decides.

Standard work visa (employer-sponsored)

For: Employees of private or government employers in the UAE

  • The employer applies for the work visa
  • A MoHRE work permit is required to work in the private sector
  • Residence permit for private-sector workers (medical examination for those over 18)
Fees
Dubai (GDRFA) residence permit fee AED200 plus small charges (AED500 extra if issued inside the country)
Processing
GDRFA Dubai: expected completion 48 hours (residence permit)
Length
2 years, renewable

Source: UAE Government portal – Work visa (u.ae).

What the source says

"A foreigner can get a normal employment visa, valid for two years and renewable subject to terms and conditions set by the visa-issuing authorities. The employer must apply for the standard work visa." … "it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)." (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/Sector-of-employment/employment-in-the-private-sector/work-permits) … "A residence permit entitles private sector workers to the right to reside in the country for a period of two (2) years, renewable" (https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/bf4095ea-56e2-11ea-0320-0050569629e8) … "Residence permit fee: AED200" (https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/bf4095ea-56e2-11ea-0320-0050569629e8)

Green Residence – skilled employee (self-sponsored)

For: Skilled employees with a UAE job who want a residence not tied to an employer sponsor

  • Valid UAE employment contract
  • MoHRE occupational classification level 1 to 3
  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • Monthly salary of at least AED 15,000
Length
5 years, renewable

Source: ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) – Green Residence (icp.gov.ae).

What the source says

"It is granted for a period of five years, with the option of renewal, and enables holders to live and work in the UAE without the need for a sponsor." … "The applicant must have a valid employment contract within the UAE." … "Meet a minimum monthly salary requirement of AED 15,000"

Green Residence – freelancer / self-employed

For: Freelancers and self-employed people

  • MoHRE freelance or self-employment permit
  • Bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent
  • Freelance income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years, or financial solvency
Length
5 years, renewable

Source: ICP – Green Residence (icp.gov.ae).

What the source says

"Hold a freelance work permit or a self-employment permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation."

Checked 16 Oct 2026. Overview: UAE Government portal – Work permits. Requirements, fees and thresholds change; confirm on the official page before applying.

Transit through United Arab Emirates

Option 1
Visa-freeAirside transit (changing flights without entering)

Airside transit: no visa needed; transit visa (48/96 h) to leave the airport

You only need a UAE transit visa if you want to step out of the airport and aren't eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. A transit visa is for 48 or 96 hours, single entry, cannot be extended and is arranged through a UAE-based airline, travel agency or airport hotel.

Conditions

  • Check with your airline whether your connection lets you stay airside; if you must clear immigration (e.g. to collect baggage or change terminals/airlines) the normal entry rules apply.
Government fee
Fee not officially published
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Not verified yet
Max stay
Not verified yet
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Checked on the live official page

Official wording

“UAE Government portal – Transit visa (updated 28 Jul 2026): 'If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE, and intend to step out of the airport, then you need a pre-arranged transit visa. ... A transit visa is issued for either 48 or 96 hours. It is a single-entry visa and cannot be extended.'”

Alert me if this route changes

Get an email when we update the guidance for Canadian passport holders going to United Arab Emirates, after we've checked the change against the official source. Nothing else.

Tell me about changes to

We send a confirmation email first. Unconfirmed sign-ups are deleted after 7 days.

Before you go to United Arab Emirates

Customs cash limits and the scams official travel advice warns about in United Arab Emirates.

Cash you can bring in and take out

Bringing cash in
Declare more than AED 60,000 (or equivalent) in cash, financial instruments, precious metals or valuable stones when entering.
Taking cash out
Same declaration when leaving the UAE.

Official source: u.ae · Last checked 4 Oct 2026 · Details

Common tourist traps

  1. Drink spiking

    How it works: Criminals spike drinks to assault or rob.

    How to avoid it: Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave yours unattended.

  2. Unpaid hotel bills = crime

    How it works: Fraud or not paying bills (including hotel bills) can mean prison, frozen accounts and no bail for non-residents.

    How to avoid it: Pay all bills and resolve disputes before you leave.

  3. Photos of people and secure sites

    How it works: Photographing government or military sites, or people without permission, has led to arrests.

    How to avoid it: Ask before photographing people and avoid photos near secure sites and airports.

All 6 traps for United Arab Emirates →

Emergency numbers in United Arab Emirates

Other traps paraphrased from official travel advice: gov.uk · FCDO page updated 24 Jul 2026 · Last checked 4 Oct 2026.

Explore United Arab Emirates

Planning more than the paperwork? Our United Arab Emirates guide picks out places to visit, things to do and where to shop, with a source for every tip.

Places to visit:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque · Louvre Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi Corniche
Things to do:
Cross Dubai Creek by abra · Global Village
Shopping:
Al Ain Souk and Mina Market · Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall · The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
Read the full United Arab Emirates guide

Canadian passport: of the 155 destinations with a rule verified from an official source, 107 visa-free, 20 visa on arrival, 24 eVisa or travel authorisation, 4 embassy visa.

United Arab Emirates: rules verified from an official source for 194 of 198 passports. United Arab Emirates guide and every passport →

Where else can Canadian passport holders travel? See every destination we cover →

Optional travel offers

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Plan your trip to United Arab Emirates

Verify with the embassy before you book. Visa rules change without notice. We link every rule to its official source and last checked it on 4 Oct 2026, but the embassy, official e-visa portal and your airline have the final say. MyVisaPort is not a visa agent and is not affiliated with any government.