United Arab Emirates

Entry requirements Visa-free or visa on arrival Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) do not require a visa and may stay in the UAE indefinitely with no restrictions including on employment. They do not require a passport and may use their National ID Cards to enter the UAE. Citizens of Mexico may visit for up to 180 days without a visa. Citizens of Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Saint Vincent …

The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world with regard to crime. However, there is a very high rate of automobile accidents, so you should take extra care when driving a vehicle or crossing the road. Also, the law enforcement is harsh, with severe punishments for what in most places would pass as just inappropriate behaviour or at most a misdemeanor. Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, and it may carry the penalty of death or life in prison, so gay and lesbian tourists should be discreet and avoid any public displays of affection. Sex outside marriage is illegal, but the penalty is not enforced unless it results in pregnancy. Public displays of affection are also illegal and punishable by fine or jail regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Caution is definitely advised. Public sex, nudity, and any form of sexual activity conducted in public is illegal. …

Emiratis share a common culture with the rest of the Arab world, so what would be good manners in other Arab countries would generally be good manners in the Emirates too. Emiratis are proud but welcoming people and, when not in their cars, are generally extremely civil and friendly. Their culture can be very conservative, but they are quite attuned to the ways, customs, events, media, and manners of the world. Local men usually wear a "Kandoura", a long robe (typically white), and ghutra, a red-checked or white headdress. Local women wear a black robe-like garment (abaya) and a black head scarf (shayla). Travelers should be aware and respect the more traditional outlook in the UAE, but Western travelers will find most of the UAE quite comfortable. Like other Arab countries, Emirati society is very tribal, with a strong emphasis on family honour. …