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Do Polish citizens need a visa to visit the UAE? A guide to formalities

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TwoContinents

TwoContinents

15 January 2026

Documents required for the UAE.

Planning a trip to the Middle East requires careful checking of current immigration regulations, which can change from year to year. The most important question that tourists preparing for a flight ask themselves is whether Polish citizens need a visa to visit the UAE. Thanks to international agreements, Polish citizens enjoy significant facilitations, which makes the border crossing process quick and hassle-free. Understanding the current rules for Poles entering Dubai allows you to prepare for your holiday with peace of mind and avoid unnecessary stress at the airport. We invite you to read on.

Current visa requirements for the UAE Poland - do Polish citizens need a visa?

The current tourist regulations of the United Arab Emirates are very favourable for Polish citizens. Many people wonder whether a visa to Dubai is mandatory for Polish citizens before leaving the country. It is worth knowing that Poland is on the list of countries whose citizens are exempt from the obligation to apply for an entry permit at the consulate. Therefore, Poles travelling to Dubai do not need to have such a visa. In practice, the UAE visa requirements for Poland are limited to having the appropriate identity document, and the residence permit itself is issued directly at the border.

This procedure involves stamping the passport during passport control at any airport in the emirate. Such a tourist visa for the United Arab Emirates entitles Poles to multiple entries and exits, which is extremely convenient for those planning to visit neighbouring countries in the region.

Types of visas and formalities for a longer visit to the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a country with very precisely defined residence rules, which depend on the purpose of the visit and the type of document held. Although for most tourists from Poland, a visa to Dubai boils down to a free stamp in a biometric passport, it is worth knowing that the Arab Emirates apply different regulations for holders of special-purpose documents. Holders of diplomatic passports, service passports or special passports should always verify the current scope of visa exemptions, as international agreements in this area are regularly updated. If your tourist visa proves insufficient and you plan to stay in the United Arab Emirates for purposes other than leisure, you will need to complete additional formalities.

If you are planning a longer stay, for example for professional purposes, you will need a work visa. The entire procedure begins with the submission of an appropriate visa application by the inviting entity or employer. A legible scan of your passport and accurate information about the date of your planned entry must be uploaded to the system. Please note that each subsequent tourist visa issued after the 90-day limit has been exhausted requires you to leave the country or contact your local immigration office to regularise your status. Some travel agencies offer an online ‘order a visa’ service, which can make the process easier if your current tourist visa is about to expire. The Arab Emirates place great emphasis on the legality of residence, so staying in the United Arab Emirates without valid authorisation can result in heavy fines. If you plan to settle for a longer period, a work visa and contact with the authorities are key steps you must take to ensure that your time in the United Arab Emirates is completely safe. Well-prepared documentation will ensure that your next visa to Dubai is granted without unnecessary delays, and the Arab Emirates will remain a hospitable and friendly place for you.

Are you planning to obtain a golden visa in Dubai? Check out all the necessary information about what a Golden Visa in Dubai is and how to obtain it.

Useful information and rules for staying in the UAE

When planning your trip, it is worth gathering all the useful information about local laws and customs to avoid misunderstandings on the spot. After landing at the international airport, your first step will be to go to the immigration desk. Although the standard visa process for tourists from Poland is simplified, please note that an identity card is not a document entitling you to cross the border – only a valid passport is required in Dubai. An official will verify your details and the date of issue of the document to ensure that it complies with the requirements.

Remember that religion and tradition are the main sources of law here, so you should be particularly careful in public places. This applies especially to issues such as drinking alcohol. Although alcohol consumption is permitted in designated areas, such as hotel bars, public displays of intoxication are strictly controlled and severely punished.

Tourists are also not allowed to purchase alcoholic products in places such as local liquor stores without a proper licence. It is also important to remember not to smoke in no-smoking areas and not to consume drinks or food on public transport in order to make the most of your holiday. When checking into a hotel, a refundable deposit is often charged, which is worth bearing in mind when planning your budget. Be careful when photographing government buildings and always respect the culture of the country's inhabitants. By following the media operating in the region, you will be kept up to date with any changes in regulations that apply even within the transit zone.

What documents are required to enter the UAE?

When preparing for your trip, you need to know exactly what documents you need to prepare for entry. The basic and most important document is a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your planned arrival in the country. This is an absolutely crucial element when it comes to entry formalities for Dubai and the other emirates, as a document with a shorter validity period may result in you being denied boarding.

In addition to your passport, it is a good idea to have your return ticket confirmation and accommodation documentation with you. Although immigration officials rarely ask for it, having confirmed reservations for accommodation in Dubai may be verified upon entry. It is also worth remembering that temporary passports are often not accepted for tourist entry, so it is always recommended to use a standard biometric document.

How much does a UAE visa cost for British citizens and how long is it valid for?

One of the most common questions on travel forums is how much a UAE visa costs for Polish citizens. According to the agreements in force, a standard entry permit for tourist purposes is free of charge. This means that no additional visa fees are charged to Polish citizens at airports or land crossings.

An important issue is how long you can stay in the UAE on a tourist visa. Polish citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Such a short-term UAE visa is sufficient to see all the most important attractions of Dubai and take a trip to the capital in Abu Dhabi. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a different type of permit, which involves specific costs and formalities.

Can you obtain an e-visa for the UAE from Poland?

For standard holiday trips, a UAE e-visa is not required for Polish passport holders, as the procedures are completed on site. However, if you are wondering how to obtain a visa to the United Arab Emirates as a Polish citizen for the purpose of work or study, the process is different and requires the support of your employer or university.

For tourists, information on whether it is possible to obtain an e-visa to the UAE from Poland is mainly relevant in the context of people travelling with passports from other countries that are not covered by visa-free travel. Information on any changes in regulations and detailed guides for travellers can be found at Two Continents, which is a great source of knowledge about the region.

 

UAE visa requirements.
Photo: pexels

Summary of entry rules for the United Arab Emirates - additional documents

In summary, a visa to the UAE for Polish citizens for tourist purposes is granted in the form of a free permit at the border. The fact that there is no need to apply for documents in advance makes a trip to this country one of the easiest options for travelling outside Europe. Just remember to check the validity of your passport and observe the 90-day stay limit.

Are you wondering where Dubai's enormous popularity comes from and whether it is really worth going there? Find out more about the phenomenon of the city of the future.

Questions and answers - FAQ

  • Do British citizens need a visa to visit the UAE?

No, for tourist stays of up to 90 days, a visa is stamped in your passport free of charge upon arrival.

  • How long can you stay in the UAE on a tourist visa?

The maximum length of stay is 90 days within a six-month period (180 days).

  • How can I obtain a visa to the United Arab Emirates as a Polish citizen?

You do not need to submit any applications before your trip. You will receive a tourist visa free of charge directly at the airport upon arrival (a so-called visa on arrival) in the form of a stamp in your passport.

  • Is a visa to Dubai mandatory for Polish citizens?

Formally, yes, but for Polish citizens, this boils down to a free entry permit issued at the border. It allows for a stay for tourist purposes of up to 90 days within each 180-day period.