Passports
Virtually every traveler entering the U.A.E. is required to show a passport. It is advised always to have at least one or two consecutive blank pages in your passport to allow space for visas and stamps that need to appear together. If you have no room, you will need to apply for a new passport. It is also important to note when your passport expires.
The websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing applications.
For Residents of Australia -- Contact the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit www.passports.gov.au.
For Residents of Canada -- Contact the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800-567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).
For Residents of Ireland -- Contact the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01-671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).
For Residents of New Zealand -- Contact the Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011 (tel. 0800-225-050 in New Zealand or 04-474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).
For Residents of the United Kingdom -- Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN (tel. 0300-222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).
For Residents of the United States -- To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel. 877-487-2778) for automated information.
Visas
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States (as well as those of various other countries) do not require visas to visit the U.A.E. for stays of less than 30 days. They will be granted a free-of-charge One Entry Visit Visa upon arrival, and can extend for up to a total stay of 60 days for AED 620. A penalty of AED 100 per day is charged to visitors who overstay. For longer stays, travelers must obtain a visa before arrival in the U.A.E.
For complete information about visa requirements for all nationalities, visit www.dubaitourism.ae.
Customs
What Can You Bring into the U.A.E -- Every visitor to the U.A.E. may bring in, free of duty, their personal effects and 400 cigarettes, 2 kg (4[b/f]1/2 lb.) of tobacco, and up to AED 3,000 worth of gifts. It is illegal to import drugs or pornography. For a list of prohibited medicines in the U.A.E., visit the "tourist tips" section of www.dubaitourism.ae. After collecting your luggage at the airport, your bags will be X-rayed for inspection. There is also a duty-free sales outlet in the Dubai International Airport Arrivals hall. Duty-free allowances include 10 cigarette cartons, 100 cigars, 2 liters of spirits and 2 liters of wine (non-Muslim adults only), and perfume for personal use. See www.customs.ae for additional information.
What Can You Take Home from Dubai -- For information on what you're allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:
U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877-287-8667; www.cbp.gov).
Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L8 (tel. 800-461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
U.K. Citizens: HM Revenue & Customs, Crownhill Court, Tailyour Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BZ (tel. 0845-010-9000; from outside the U.K., tel. 020-8929-0152; www.hmrc.gov.uk).
Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service, Customs House, 5 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City, ACT 2601 (tel. 1300-363-263; from outside Australia, tel. 612-6275-6666; www.customs.gov.au).
New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington, 6140 (tel. 04-473-6099 or 0800-428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).
Medical Requirements
No health certificates are required for entry to the U.A.E., except for visitors who have been in an area infected by cholera or yellow fever during the past 14 days. However, an HIV/AIDS test is required for work or residence in the U.A.E., and testing must be performed after arrival. For more information, visit www.dubaitourism.ae.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
