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🇿🇦 Does a South African need a visa for the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪?

What this means for your trip

You apply at an embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre of the destination, usually with an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.

Processing takes days to weeks, and some embassies require an interview; start the application well before your trip.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Where to apply in South Africa

If you live in South Africa, visas for the United Arab Emirates are issued by its missions there. Many of them use an outsourced visa application centre: the mission's website says where to apply and which office covers your region.

• Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Pretoria · 992 Arcadia St, Arcadia 0083 Pretoria RSA · mofaic.gov.ae

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

United Arab Emirates at a glance

Capital: Abu Dhabi · Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham (AED, د.إ) · Official languages: Arabic · Calling code: +971

Plugs and voltage

Some of your plugs fit (C); for type D, M, N plugs bring a travel adapter for the United Arab Emirates's sockets (C, G). Mains voltage differs (the United Arab Emirates: 220 V; South Africa: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering the United Arab Emirates →

Your embassy in the United Arab Emirates

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United Arab Emirates, contact the embassy of South Africa:

• Embassy of South Africa in the United Arab Emirates · Villa No 1 - 151 Cnr Jabal A Marfa & Al Niwayi Streets · dirco.gov.za

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near the United Arab Emirates for South African passport holders

• 🇬🇪 Georgia — Visa-free 360 days
• 🇶🇦 Qatar — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇮🇱 Israel — ETA required 90 days
• 🇦🇲 Armenia — Visa on arrival
• 🇯🇴 Jordan — Visa on arrival
• 🇴🇲 Oman — Visa on arrival
• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — Visa on arrival

The other way round

🇦🇪 Emirati passport holders visiting South Africa: Emirati passport holders can visit South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days.

The South African passport at a glance

All destinations for South Africa passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the United Arab Emirates →

Questions