Citizens of Uzbekistan can stay in the UAE for up to 30 days visa-free. A passport stamp is issued directly at the airport upon arrival, and there are no tourist entry fees. However, visa-free entry does not guarantee automatic admission: the final decision is made by border control officers. This guide covers everything you should prepare before traveling, from documents and bank cards to mobile connection and car rental.
Do you need a visa for the UAE
For tourism or transit, a visa is not required — a valid international passport is enough. A 30-day entry stamp is issued free of charge at any airport in the UAE.
If your trip is longer than 30 days or related to work, study, or business, you must apply for a visa in advance through an airline, a travel agency, or an employer. Available options include:
tourist visa (30 or 60 days)
work visa
student visa
family visa
For those planning a long-term stay, the UAE offers the Green Visa (for self-employed and qualified specialists) and the Golden Visa (10 years), designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with rare skills.
Detailed conditions and current requirements for each visa type are published on the official UAE government portal u.ae.
All long-term residency statuses lead to obtaining an Emirates ID, the main identification document for UAE residents.
Example of an entry stamp issued upon arrival in the UAETypes of UAE visas for foreign citizensExample of an Emirates ID
What has changed at border control
Visa-free entry for Uzbekistan citizens remains in place, and most tourists enter without issues. However, border control has become noticeably stricter over the past few years.
Additional questions at passport control are more common for travelers who:
are visiting the UAE for the first time
have no travel history
travel alone without family
do not have a confirmed hotel booking or a clear travel plan
To pass border control smoothly, prepare your hotel booking and return ticket in advance and be ready to briefly explain the purpose of your visit. Questions are usually standard, so calm and accurate answers are enough.
If you are denied entry, trying to enter through another UAE airport will not help — the country uses a unified database.
Required documents for entry
At border control, officers check not only the purpose of travel but also whether you have the necessary documents. It is recommended to prepare the following in advance:
International passport. It must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Medical insurance. Official tourism portals of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah state that all tourists must have medical insurance. It is recommended to purchase a policy before departure. The price depends on the length of stay and coverage.
Driver’s license. Required if you plan to rent a car. Uzbekistan national driving licenses are accepted.
Documents required when traveling with a child
In addition to the standard documents, several extra requirements apply.
Each child must have their own international passport. If a minor is included in a parent’s passport but does not have a separate document, entry may be refused.
If a child travels without parents or with an adult who is not a legal guardian (for example, with a grandmother, coach, or another escort), a notarized permission to travel abroad is required.
If the child and the accompanying parent have different surnames, it is recommended to prepare a notarized English translation of the birth certificate in advance. This helps confirm the relationship at the border.
How payments work in the UAE
Not all Uzbekistan-issued cards work abroad, so it is important to prepare payment options in advance.
Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Uzbekistan banks. This is the main and most reliable option. These cards are widely accepted in stores, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. Most major banks in Uzbekistan issue such cards. Before traveling, check with your bank whether international transactions are enabled and what limits apply.
Co-badged UzCard / UnionPay cards. A backup option. UnionPay acceptance is fairly wide but not as universal as Visa and Mastercard. Before departure, make sure international payments are activated.
Cash US dollars. Accepted almost everywhere. You can exchange USD into dirhams at the airport or at city exchange offices. Rates in city exchange points are usually better than at the airport.
Mobile connection and internet in the UAE
The UAE has legal restrictions: voice and video calls via WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, and FaceTime are blocked. Text messaging works normally. For internet calls, only local apps are officially allowed, primarilyBOTIM.
There are several ways to stay connected.
BOTIM app
Tourist SIM card at the airport
This is the easiest option. Local operators (Etisalat and Du) sell tourist SIM cards directly in arrival areas at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Only a passport is required.
Approximate prices (as of early 2025): a 2–4 GB package with 30 minutes of local calls for 28 days costs around 49 AED (~$13), while a 10 GB package with 60 minutes costs around 99 AED (~$27). Sometimes, passport control provides a free SIM with 1 GB for one day.
eSIM (pre-activated before departure)
You can activate an eSIM in advance from home. For example, an eSIM can be purchased via the Attoapp before the trip. You need to download the app, choose a UAE eSIM plan, pay, and receive a QR code for activation.
After that, the eSIM is installed in your phone settings by scanning the QR code. Mobile internet starts working immediately upon arrival. This is convenient if your smartphone supports eSIM. Prices and data volume depend on the plan, but it is usually cheaper than roaming.
Atto app interface
Roaming from a Uzbekistan operator
Roaming works, but it is significantly more expensive than local options. It is suitable for emergency calls. For regular internet access, it is better to use a local SIM or eSIM.
Roaming tariffs differ by operator, so check the conditions with your provider before traveling.
Some services may be unavailable for download in the UAE.
The table compares popular Uzbekistan mobile operators based on roaming coverage, internet packages, and call tariffs abroad.
Rules of stay in the UAE
The UAE has strict laws, and they apply to tourists the same way they apply to residents.
Alcohol is allowed only in licensed venues such as bars, licensed restaurants, and hotel rooms. Drinking in public places or appearing intoxicated in public may result in criminal liability.
In public areas, clothing should cover shoulders and knees. This applies to shopping malls, government buildings, and streets. There are no restrictions at beaches and swimming pools.
Photography of government buildings, military facilities, and police stations is prohibited. Taking photos of people without their consent is also not allowed.
Public displays of affection are restricted. Kissing and hugging in public may formally violate the law.
Social media posts that criticize UAE authorities or insult public morality may lead to detention.
More details on UAE laws and regulations are available on the official government portal u.ae.
How to rent a car in the UAE
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to travel in the UAE: public transport is not equally developed everywhere, and taxis can become expensive during longer stays. Car rental usually costs $30–40 per day, but there are important details to consider.
Required documents
international passport
Uzbekistan national driving license
Visa or Mastercard bank card in the driver’s name (for deposit blocking)
Booking
Booking online in advance is usually cheaper than renting on the spot. When booking, pay attention to conditions: deposit amount, whether insurance is included, and whether mileage is limited. Prepayment usually equals 10–20% of the total cost.
Vehicle pick-up
You can pick up the car at the airport, at the rental office, or request delivery to the hotel. Before signing the contract, carefully read the terms, especially the deductible section (the amount you are responsible for in case of an accident) and mileage limits.
Before the rental starts, inspect the car and photograph all existing damage to avoid disputes during return.
Return
The fuel level must match the level at pick-up (usually a full tank). The vehicle is inspected by a rental company employee. The deposit is not released immediately — typically within 7–30 days.
Fines for traffic violations and toll roads (Salik system) may be charged later.
Example of confirmation
Key things to remember
International passport: valid for at least 6 months
Medical insurance: purchased before departure
Hotel booking and return ticket: recommended for border control
Visa / Mastercard bank card: international transactions enabled and limits checked
Connection: activated eSIM or communication apps installed in advance
Car rental (if needed): a bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit
