UAE entry rules for Russian and CIS travellers in 2026
Visa-free, on-arrival, e-visa and how to extend — current as of May 2026.
Quick summary
- Russia and Belarus — visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day window. No visa needed, stamp on arrival.
- Kazakhstan — visa-free up to 30 days.
- Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan — e-visa required (issued online in 2–4 working days).
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
What to have ready at passport control
Immigration officers usually don't ask questions, but they may request:
- A return ticket within the allowed window
- Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation from a UAE-resident host
- Proof of funds (around USD 1,500 per couple for a week)
- Travel insurance covering the UAE — not officially mandatory, but private-clinic care without it runs into tens of thousands of dirhams
In practice, Russian and Belarusian guests almost never get questioned. Uzbek and Tajik travellers should prepare the full pack.
If you need to stay longer than 90 days
Options for Russians who want to extend:
- Visa run — fly to Oman or another nearby airport and re-enter. No guaranteed new stamp; officers have tightened up in recent years.
- 60/90-day tourist visa — arranged through a local travel agency (us included) in 1–3 days, costs 200–400 AED.
- 5-year multiple entry — for frequent flyers. Filed online via GDRFA Dubai, requires a 6-month bank statement showing USD 4,000+.
- Golden Visa (10 years) — for investors, property owners from AED 2M, specialists, and freelancers with verified income.
Overstay fines
Since 2022 the rate has been unified: AED 50 per day plus an AED 200 admin fee on exit. The previous 10-day grace window is gone; the counter starts immediately.
If the overstay is significant, don't try to leave as is — officers may issue an entry ban. Settle it via an Amer Center or with our manager, it takes 30 minutes.
Children and group trips
- Children enter on their own international passport; old Soviet-style children's passports are not accepted.
- Consent from the second parent is not required at the border, but airlines may ask at check-in — better to have it.
- A group of 5+ is easier to process via a single agency-arranged e-visa than queuing individually.
What we recommend
For a standard trip up to 30 days: fly in with a return ticket and a hotel booking, that's it. For longer stays or edge cases (overstays, frequent travel, relocation with family) — message us and we'll arrange the visa to fit your scenario.
This article reflects rules as of May 2026. Confirm with GDRFA or your local UAE embassy before travel — regional immigration laws can change without notice.