Since February 2017, Russian citizens enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa. The free entry stamp is placed right at passport control — there is nothing to arrange in advance.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. You may stay up to 90 days in total within any 180-day period. At the border, the officer may ask for a return ticket and a hotel booking. Overstaying is usually penalised at around 50 AED per day. Citizens of other countries need an eVisa.
01 / The ruleVisa-free entry for Russians
A visa for a tourist trip is not required. On arrival, a free stamp is placed in your passport granting up to 90 days in the country. The limit is counted in total: if you spent two 30-day stays in the UAE over six months, you have 30 days left. The period is measured as a rolling 180-day window.
02 / At the borderHow entry works
The procedure takes a few minutes. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports the stamp is increasingly replaced by digital registration via Smart Gates, but keep your documents to hand.
Have your passport ready
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival and has a free page for the stamp.
Go to a desk or Smart Gate
Russians can use automated e-gates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi after a first facial enrolment. Without it, use a regular officer desk.
Answer the questions
The officer may ask the purpose of your trip and request your return ticket and hotel booking. Keep them on your phone in advance.
Get your entry
You receive a stamp or a digital entry record. The 90 days start from this moment — note your arrival date.
03 / OverstayIf you overstay
Exceeding your permitted stay is a serious violation. The fine is usually around 50 AED per day of overstay, payable on departure. The exact amounts and rules change periodically — check before your trip.
- Count the days in advance. Include the arrival and departure days — both count toward your stay.
- Extension is possible. The visa-free stay can be extended via a visa centre or a visa run — a short exit and re-entry.
- Unpaid fines block departure. Accumulated overstay must be paid at the airport before you fly.
04 / Other passportsIf your passport isn’t Russian
The visa-free regime applies specifically to Russian citizens. If you travel on another country’s passport, check its status: many nationalities need an eVisa, arranged online within a few days. Some countries get a visa on arrival, others must apply in advance.
05 / FAQFrequently asked
Do I need to arrange a UAE visa in advance?
No. Russian citizens don’t need a visa — a free stamp is placed on arrival at passport control.
How long can I stay?
Up to 90 days in total within any 180-day period. You may enter across several trips as long as the total stays under 90 days.
How long must my passport be valid?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. With less validity you may be refused entry.
What happens if I overstay?
A fine is charged — usually around 50 AED per overstayed day, payable on departure. The amounts change periodically.