United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa
UAE Tourist Entry Permit · For Pakistan citizens
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.
UAE Tourist Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Pakistan citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE
Colored scan of your Computerized National Identity Card
Recent colored photograph with white background
Police character certificate from Pakistan Bureau of Immigration
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from UAE
Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Valid health insurance covering UAE for the duration of stay
Letter from employer confirming employment status
Recommended (Optional)
NOC from employer or guardian, attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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.
1. 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
2. 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.
3. Gather Required Documents
- 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Fees
| 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 |
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:1
- 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
Processing Times
Standard tourist visa processing times:23
| Channel | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| GDRFA/ICP Portal | 48 hours |
| Airlines (Emirates, Etihad) | 3-5 working days |
| Travel Agencies | 7-14 working days |
| UAE Embassy | Up to 14 working days |
Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in UAE) and public holidays.3 Pakistani applicants may experience extended processing due to mandatory security screening. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
Current Situation (2024-2025)
Pakistani applicants face significant challenges in obtaining UAE visas due to policy changes:12
- Increased scrutiny: UAE has implemented stricter verification using AI-based systems
- Police verification requirement: All Pakistani applicants must provide character certificates
- High rejection rates: Approval rates have dropped to approximately 25-35% overall
- Young male applicants: First-time applicants and males under 40 face the highest rejection rates
- Security concerns: Refusals often cite vague “Security-01” codes
Despite these challenges, well-prepared applications with complete documentation continue to receive approvals. Focus on demonstrating strong ties to Pakistan, genuine travel intent, and financial stability.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your e-visa will be emailed to you. At UAE immigration:
- Present your printed e-visa and passport
- You may be asked about your accommodation, travel plans, and purpose of visit
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
- Have your hotel booking confirmation and return ticket ready to show if requested
- Carry sufficient cash (minimum AED 3,000 recommended) or a valid credit card6
- Overstaying incurs fines of AED 50-100 per day plus administrative fees1
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa is rejected:
- Review the refusal code: “Security-01” indicates security screening issues; other codes may indicate specific document problems
- Assess your documentation: Identify any potential weaknesses
- Wait before reapplying: Allow 3-6 months to address issues and build stronger documentation
- Strengthen your profile: Improve employment stability, increase savings, obtain additional ties to Pakistan
- Consider professional help: Immigration consultants can advise on complex cases
Most rejections for Pakistani applicants are related to security screening or documentation concerns. A rejection does not permanently prevent future applications, but addressing the underlying concerns is essential before reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Security Screening Concerns
Applications flagged during security screening, often resulting in vague 'Security-01' refusal codes. UAE has implemented stricter AI-based verification systems for Pakistani applicants due to reported concerns about criminal activity and documentation fraud.
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.
Incomplete or Suspicious Documentation
Missing documents, documents that cannot be verified, or suspected fraudulent credentials. UAE authorities have heightened scrutiny of educational and professional certificates from Pakistan.
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.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Inability to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Pakistan. Young, single males under 40 face particularly high scrutiny. Concerns about potential overstays drive many rejections.
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.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing insufficient funds or suspicious patterns like large unexplained deposits close to the application date.
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.
Previous Visa Issues
Prior visa refusals to UAE or other Gulf countries, overstays, or violations in previous visits.
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 2025?
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 2024-2025, 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.