The guidelines below apply to students studying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a period of over 1 month or for one semester up to one academic year. Please contact Education Abroad if you have any questions.
  
Is a Visa required for US Citizens?

• Yes! US Passport Holders are required to apply for a visa in order to stay in the UAE for more than 1 month stay.
• If you are not a US passport holder, you can click here to see if you need a visa to enter the UAE based on your Nationality.

*Subject to go up, information about changes will be provided to you by the institution in UAE

For more information,  please visit the UAE Visa Information page. 
 
Important notes

In the UAE, student visas are processed by the institutions after the student has been accepted as a visiting abroad student. They will send you an email with a form that will you need to fill out as well as request the following documentation:

• A color copy of of all pages of the passport
• Four passport sized colored photos with white background (shoulders covered, neutral face, no glasses or earrings)
• Letter of enrollment from UAE institution in Arabic

Once an online Visa application is completed, students will receive their Visas (by email) 2 to 3 weeks before arrival in the UAE.
 
The fee will be collected during orientation week in the UAE** Then the student's Visa will be transferred from Student Entry Permit to Residence Visa.
 
In order for the transfer to happen:

• They will first be taken for the mandatory x-ray and blood test
• They will then fill out the application for the Emirates ID Card

Once this is completed their visa will be transferred to a Resident Visa within 2 weeks.
 
**Depending on the institution, more information will be provided by them in regard to application, next steps, and payment


This page was last updated 8/29/22