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UAE Visa for Nepali Citizens

Up-to-date UAE visa requirements, processing time, and embassy info for Nepali passport holders. Yatra handles the full application — document review, dummy ticket, and tracking.

At a glance — UAE Tourist Visa

Processing time
24 hours (express) to 3–5 working days (standard).
Stay duration
30 days (extendable once for 30 more) on the 30-day visa; 60 days (extendable once for 60 more) on the 60-day visa; 90 days per entry on the 5-year multi-entry visa.
Visa validity
30-day single, 30-day multi, 60-day single, 60-day multi, or 5-year multi-entry from issuance.
Entries
Single or multiple — five sub-variants in total.
Bank balance / financial proof
Bank balance ≈ USD 4,000 (≈ NPR 540,000) over the last 6 months for the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa; lower for 30/60-day variants but still recommended.
Where to apply
Sponsored by a UAE airline (Emirates / Etihad / Flydubai / Air Arabia), hotel, or licensed travel agent. The UAE Embassy in Kathmandu does NOT issue tourist visas. Apply online via uaevisaonline / yatraforfun / similar agents, or directly via ICP / GDRFA portals.

Visa categories available

TouristTourist Visa

Leisure travel, sightseeing, family or friends visits, attending events, and short-term tourism.

Stay
30 days (extendable once for 30 more) on the 30-day visa; 60 days (extendable once for 60 more) on the 60-day visa; 90 days per entry on the 5-year multi-entry visa.
Processing
24 hours (express) to 3–5 working days (standard).

TransitTransit Visa

Travellers transiting the UAE en route to a third country who need to step out of the airport.

Stay
48 hours or 96 hours.
Processing
2–4 working days.

BusinessBusiness Visit Visa

Attending meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, exhibitions, and short-term commercial engagement.

Stay
Up to 30 days or 60 days, mirroring the tourist single / multi-entry options.
Processing
2–5 working days.

WorkEmployment Residence Visa (Work Permit)

Entering the UAE for paid employment under a UAE sponsor (employer); converted to an Emirates ID + residence visa within 60 days of arrival.

Stay
2 years per renewal cycle (Mainland / Free Zone employment).
Processing
4–8 weeks total: MOHRE work permit (1–2 weeks) → entry permit (~5 working days) → arrival, medical, EID biometrics (1–2 weeks) → residence stamping (1 week).

Family VisitFamily Sponsorship Residence Visa

UAE residence-visa holders sponsoring spouse, children (sons under 25, unmarried daughters), or parents to live with them in the UAE.

Stay
Tied to the sponsor's residence visa — 2 years (standard) or 5–10 years (Golden / Green sponsor).
Processing
3–6 weeks per dependant (entry permit, arrival, medical, EID biometrics, residence stamping).

StudentStudent Residence Visa

Pursuing a recognised programme at a UAE university, college, school, or training institute.

Stay
1 year per renewal (standard); 5 years for outstanding students under the Golden Visa pathway.
Processing
4–8 weeks after the institution issues the offer letter.

MedicalMedical Treatment Visit Visa

Receiving medical treatment at a UAE-licensed hospital or clinic.

Stay
Up to 90 days per entry; extendable on hospital recommendation.
Processing
3–5 working days after the UAE hospital issues the appointment letter.

missionMission Visa

Short-term contract work, project-based engagements, NGO assignments, and inter-governmental missions in the UAE.

Stay
Up to 90 days per entry, single-entry, non-extendable.
Processing
5–10 working days.

DiplomaticDiplomatic / Official Visa

Diplomatic, official, and consular duty travel — including UN / international-organisation officials.

Stay
Up to 90 days per entry; longer for accredited diplomats with credentials.
Processing
Variable (courtesy processing).

goldenGolden Visa (Long-Term Residence)

Long-term self-sponsored residence for investors, exceptional talents, scientists, doctors, executives, athletes, PhD holders, outstanding students, and humanitarian / frontline heroes.

Stay
Indefinite (within renewal cycle); no 6-month outside-UAE forfeiture rule.
Processing
1–4 weeks after eligibility verification and document attestation.

greenGreen Visa (5-Year Self-Sponsored Residence)

Self-sponsored 5-year residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and self-employed professionals — no employer sponsor required.

Stay
5 years per cycle, renewable.
Processing
2–6 weeks after MOHRE freelance / self-employment permit issuance.

blueBlue Visa (10-Year Environmental-Contribution Residence)

10-year residence for individuals with exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability inside or outside the UAE.

Stay
10 years per cycle, renewable.
Processing
4–8 weeks after eligibility nomination.

jobseekerJobseeker Visit Visa

Searching for employment in the UAE without a local sponsor — for skilled foreigners and recent top-university graduates.

Stay
60, 90, or 120 days (single trip).
Processing
2–5 working days.

investorInvestment Exploration Visit Visa

Exploring investment, business set-up, or property purchase opportunities in the UAE before committing to a Golden Visa or company licence.

Stay
Up to 30 days per entry (extendable once).
Processing
2–5 working days.

remoteWorkVirtual Working Programme (Remote Work Residence)

Allowing remote employees and digital nomads of foreign employers to live in the UAE for one year while working remotely for an overseas employer.

Stay
1 year (renewable).
Processing
1–2 weeks online.

RetirementRetirement Residence Visa (5-Year)

Long-term residence for retirees aged 55+ wishing to live in the UAE.

Stay
5 years per cycle, renewable while financial conditions are met.
Processing
2–6 weeks after eligibility verification.

Required documents — UAE tourist visa

  1. Original passport

    Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended entry date, with at least 2 blank visa pages.

    Required
  2. Passport bio-page scan

    Clear colour scan of the data page (PDF/JPEG, both sides if required).

    Required
  3. Passport-size photograph

    Recent colour photo, white background, 43 × 55 mm, head straight, both ears visible, no glasses.

    Required
  4. Citizenship copy

    Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.

    Required
  5. Confirmed return / onward airline ticket

    Showing arrival in and departure from the UAE within the visa validity.

    Required
  6. Confirmed UAE accommodation

    Hotel reservation in the applicant's name, or sponsor's residence proof (Ejari / tenancy contract) for guests.

    Required
  7. UAE-valid travel / health insurance

    Mandatory from 2025 — must cover the full visa validity inside the UAE.

    Required
  8. Bank statement (last 3–6 months)

    Original, signed and stamped on every page; minimum closing balance ≈ NPR 200,000 / USD 4,000 recommended depending on visa type.

    Required
  9. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

    Mandatory from 2025 for visit and work visas. Chain: Nepal Police HQ → Nepal MoFA → UAE Embassy Kathmandu (VFS Global Thapathali). PCC must be issued within the last 90 days.

    Required

UAE embassy in Nepal

Mission
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates — Kathmandu
Address
Panipokhari, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone
+977 1 421 7776, +977 1 400 6767, +977 8 004 44444
Hours
Sun–Thu, 09:30–16:30 (closed Fri/Sat and on UAE/Nepali public holidays). Visa-counter window: 09:30–13:00.
Application centre
VFS Global UAE Attestation Centre — Kathmandu — Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal — handles document attestation only (police clearance, education, experience, marriage certificates) for the UAE Embassy.

Important notes

  • UAE embassies do NOT issue tourist / visit / transit visas — those must be sponsored by a UAE-based airline (Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia), hotel, travel agent, employer, or family member, who applies on behalf of the traveller via ICP Smart Services or the GDRFA Dubai portal.
  • The Embassy of UAE in Kathmandu handles document attestation (police clearance, education / experience / marriage certificates), Nepal-side endorsements for residence-visa applicants, and select diplomatic / mission visas.
  • Effective 2025, all Nepali applicants for visit and work visas must submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — issued by Nepal Police, attested by Nepal MoFA, and finally attested by the UAE Embassy Kathmandu (or counter-attested in UAE).
  • Required document attestation chain (Nepal-side): Issuing authority → Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy Kathmandu (lodged via VFS Global Thapathali for the Embassy step).
  • For employment visas, additional Nepal-side compliance is mandatory: DoFE (Department of Foreign Employment) labour permit, Wafid / GAMCA medical fitness certificate, Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) certificate, Foreign Employment Insurance, and Social Security Fund (SSF) contribution receipt.
  • Health insurance is mandatory for every UAE visa from 2025 — typically AED 600–1,200 / year for a basic compliance plan; auto-bundled into visa fees on most online portals.
  • A 5 % VAT applies on top of most published government visa fees.
  • Issuing authorities: ICP (icp.gov.ae) for Abu Dhabi / Sharjah / Ajman / Ras Al Khaimah / Umm Al Quwain / Fujairah; GDRFA Dubai (gdrfa.gov.ae) for Dubai-issued residence and visit visas.
  • Nepali nationals are NOT eligible for UAE visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry — every traveller must hold an approved e-visa, sponsored visit visa, or residence visa before boarding.
  • Overstay fines start at AED 50 per day from the day after expiry; clearance is required at the airport before re-entry.

Machine-readable version: /visa/uae/markdown

Frequently asked questions

How long does a United Arab Emirates tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?
24 hours (express) to 3–5 working days (standard).
What bank balance is required for a United Arab Emirates visa?
Bank balance ≈ USD 4,000 (≈ NPR 540,000) over the last 6 months for the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa; lower for 30/60-day variants but still recommended.
How many days can Nepali citizens stay in United Arab Emirates on a tourist visa?
30 days (extendable once for 30 more) on the 30-day visa; 60 days (extendable once for 60 more) on the 60-day visa; 90 days per entry on the 5-year multi-entry visa. (Tourist Visa).
Where do Nepali citizens apply for a United Arab Emirates tourist visa?
Sponsored by a UAE airline (Emirates / Etihad / Flydubai / Air Arabia), hotel, or licensed travel agent. The UAE Embassy in Kathmandu does NOT issue tourist visas. Apply online via uaevisaonline / yatraforfun / similar agents, or directly via ICP / GDRFA portals.
What documents are required for a United Arab Emirates tourist visa from Nepal?
Required documents include: Original passport; Passport bio-page scan; Passport-size photograph; Citizenship copy; Confirmed return / onward airline ticket; Confirmed UAE accommodation; UAE-valid travel / health insurance; Bank statement (last 3–6 months).
Where is the United Arab Emirates embassy in Nepal?
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates — Kathmandu — Panipokhari, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal. Phone: +977 1 421 7776.
Can Nepali citizens apply for a United Arab Emirates business visa?
Yes — Business Visit Visa. Attending meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, exhibitions, and short-term commercial engagement. Processing: 2–5 working days..
Is there an online portal to apply for a United Arab Emirates visa?
Yes — apply online at https://icp.gov.ae (Federal — non-Dubai emirates) · https://gdrfa.gov.ae (Dubai).
How is the United Arab Emirates visa fee paid?
Card / online wallet on ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai portals; cash / card at the airline / travel-agent sponsor in Nepal; NPR or USD draft for Embassy attestation fees at VFS Global Thapathali.
Can Yatra help with a United Arab Emirates visa application?
Yes — Yatra provides end-to-end visa assistance for United Arab Emirates including document preparation, appointment booking, application review, and a PNR-backed dummy ticket (NPR 999) when the embassy requires proof of onward travel.

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