Are you planning a trip to Dubai while living in the U.S. on a green card? The golden rule is simple: UAE entry is based on your passport nationality, not your U.S. green card. Your green card helps you return to the U.S., but it doesn’t grant special entry to Dubai/UAE (with one popular exception for Indian passports, detailed below). This guide explains who needs a visa, who gets visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry, documents, how to apply, transit options, fees, and timelines.

Do US green card holders need a Dubai visa?

Maybe. It depends entirely on your passport:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival passports: Enter without applying in advance (immigration stamps you on arrival). Lists vary by nationality, with some getting 30 days and others 90 days on arrival. You can check the official website to see whether you need a visa or a VOA.

• All other passports: Get a pre-arranged tourist visa (30 or 60 days) through a UAE-based sponsor, commonly your airline, hotel, or a licensed travel partner like Atlys.

Exception case: Indian citizens holding a valid U.S. green card can obtain a single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival at the UAE immigration, provided all documents are valid for at least 6 months. Bring your physical green card, passport, proof of onward/return ticket, and be prepared to show funds and accommodation if asked by immigration or airline staff. Airline counters often pre-check eligibility.

What are the Dubai visa requirements for U.S. Green Card Holders?

If your passport isn’t visa-free/VOA, you’ll need a tourist visa sponsored by a UAE entity:

• Passport 

• Photo

• National ID from the country of origin

Passport

• Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining on the day you land in the UAE. If you’re close to that window, renew first.

• Blank pages: Keep 1-2 blank pages free for entry/exit stamps.

Photo 

• Size/format: Typically 45-50mm high x 35-40mm wide (or 600 x 600 px for digital), with a plain white background.

• Quality: Recent (last 6 months), high resolution, colour, no filters, shadows, or red-eye.

• Pose: Neutral expression, eyes open, facing forward; no glasses (unless medically required with proof), no headwear unless for religious reasons (keep full facial features visible).

• File: JPEG/PNG as requested; keep file under portal limits, often 1-2 MB.

National ID from the country of origin

Some UAE sponsors/airlines request a national identity card in addition to your passport for applicants holding passports from Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, or Afghanistan. Treat it as mandatory when asked; it can be the difference between instant processing and a hold.

How to get a Dubai visa for US green card holders? 

To apply for a Dubai visa, you can follow the steps below:

• Visit Atlys: Visit the Atlys website or download the app to start your visa application.

• Submit your documents: Use your laptop or phone's camera to take a photo of yourself or upload your photo and passport directly from your device.

• Select a co-traveller: If you have a co-traveller or family member, you can include them in your application to complete it together.

• Proceed to checkout: Pay your visa fee.

• Receive your visa: After approval, you can download your approved visa through the “My Profile” section on Atlys.

What does a Dubai visa look like?

Most visitors who need a visa get a digital entry permit. You receive it as a PDF to print or show on your phone. It usually displays:

• Applicant details: full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number.

• Permit/visa details: visa/entry-permit number, visa type, number of entries, permitted stay and validity window

• Verification elements: a barcode/QR and notes/conditions printed on the document.

How much is the Dubai visa fee for U.S. green card holders?

Your U.S. green card doesn’t change the price; Dubai/UAE visa fees depend on your passport and visa type.

• Indian passport + valid U.S. green card/visa: Visa on arrival = AED 100 (14 days). You can extend once for AED 250 (another 14 days).

• Transit visas (if you’re only connecting): 48-hour visa: free · 96-hour visa: AED 50.

• Pre-arranged tourist eVisas: 30-day tourist visa fee: AED 300. 60-day tourist visa fee: AED 500.

How long does a Dubai visa take to process for a US green card holders?

• Visa-free/VOA passports: Issued at the airport, so no pre-approval required.

• Pre-arranged tourist eVisa (30/60 days): Typically 2–5 working days. It can take longer or be faster during peak seasons or when extra checks are requested.

• Transit visas (48h/96h): Usually 24-72 hours through your UAE airline.
  
  

Plan ahead: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Keep your eVisa PDF handy for airline check-in.

What should I do if my Dubai visa application is rejected?

• Read the notification carefully: UAE eVisas are processed by GDRFA/ICP. You may not get a detailed reason, but status notes often hint at issues, e.g., document clarity, mismatched data.

• Fix the cause and reapply: Common fixes include re-scanning a clear passport bio page, using a compliant photo, aligning flight/hotel dates, adding bank statements/employment letter, and correcting name/DoB typos.

Can I extend my Dubai tourist visa?

• Pre-arranged tourist visas: Many can be extended from within the UAE (commonly by 30 days; sometimes twice) for a fee if you’re not on an overstay or subject to restrictions.

• Visa-on-arrival: Extension rules depend on nationality. Example: An Indian passport + valid U.S. green card/visa can extend the 14-day VOA once for a fee. Some other VOA nationalities may not be eligible to extend their stay.

Overstay fines: Expect daily fines if you exceed your permitted stay; always extend or exit before your last valid day.

Do I need to submit a separate Dubai visa application for my child?

Yes. You must apply separately for your child. Every traveller to the UAE, including infants and children, needs their own visa or visa-on-arrival eligibility based on their passport, not the parents’ U.S. green card.

• Visa-on-arrival (VOA): If your child’s passport qualifies for VOA, the child also gets VOA at the airport. Bring the child’s passport (6+ months validity) and any required supporting documents.

• Pre-arranged tourist eVisa: If your child’s passport is not VOA/visa-free, submit a separate eVisa application for the child. Fees are generally the same as for adults for the same visa type.

Extra documents for minors 

• Child’s passport valid for 6+ months and passport photo white background, recent.

• A birth certificate to prove the relationship.

• Parental consent letter (both parents/guardians) if the child travels with one parent or with relatives/friends.

• Parent/guardian IDs (passport copies; U.S. green card copies if applicable).

• Travel plan (return ticket, hotel/host details).
  

Your U.S. green card doesn’t set UAE fees or rules; your passport does. First check whether you’re visa-free/VOA or need a pre-arranged eVisa, then submit clean, consistent documents (passport scan, photo, tickets, hotel, funds). Apply early; carry your eVisa PDF (if applicable) and your physical green card for airline checks on your return to the U.S.