The GSA
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Country guide

Dubai (UAE)

Visa

Visa required

Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

Time zones

UTC/GMT +4 hours (2 hours ahead of South Africa)

Dialing code

+ 971

Best time to go

November – April

Drinking water

Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but is provided due to desalination therefore visitors may preferred bottled water.

Travel tips

If you are travelling with medication, it should be noted that certain medications are not allowed in the country even with a prescription. Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations.

Visa guide

Visa requirements

See United Arab Emirates Country Guide.

Issuing authorities

Embassy of U.A.E
992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia
PO Box 57090, Arcadia, 0007
Tel: (012) 342-7736
Fax: (012) 342-7738
E-mail: pretoriaemb@mofaic.gov.ae

Consular Section :
Tel: (012) 342 9567
Email: pretoriaemb.visa@mofaic.gov.ae

The Embassy does not issue tourist visas.

Visa cost

UAE Customs and Immigration will be charging 100 AED for any visa cancellations.

All Dubai Stopover packages cancelled prior to 72 hours of arrival will be refunded the entire amount excluding the Visa processing fee and the additional 100 AED cancellation fee.

Packages cancelled within 72 hours of arrival are 100% non-refundable and subject to a 100 AED visa cancellation fee.

It is imperative to ensure all visas are cancelled by the customer or Travel Agent if the passenger has cancelled their DSO package. Failure to do this could potentially deny the passenger entry into the UAE on a future trip.

This cancellation fee is applicable to any visitor to the UAE, irrespective of who they book/process their visa through.

Health / vaccinations

Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio

Public holidays

See UAE

Please check with relevant authorities for the latest updates before travel.

Last updated: 27 July 2026