- Capital
- Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Dialing Code
- + 971
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +4 hours
- Language
- Arabic
- Best Time to Go
- November – April
- Currency
- UAE Dirham (AED)
Travel Tips
- English is widely understood
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but is provided due to desalination therefore visitors may preferred bottled water
- United Arab Emirates is a liberal Islamic country and foreign women can dress as they like, but should dress more conservatively when out in public areas (shoulders and knees covered)
- Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours (visitors are excluded from this but should do so in private)
- If you are travelling with medication, it should be noted that certain medications are not allowed in the country even with a prescription
Last updated 8 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pretoria
992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia
Telephone: 012 342 7736
E-mail: pretoriaemb@mofaic.gov.ae
Website: www.mofaic.gov.ae/en
The embassy does not issue tourist visas
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
March: 20 - 22
May: 26 - 28
June: 17
August: 26
December: 2 - 3
Visa Application Centre
APPLICATIONS: EMIRATES AIRLINES
Apply via VFS Global:
Website: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/are/
Monday - Friday, 08:30 – 16:30
JOHANNESBURG: Building 11, Bedfordview Office Park, 3 Riley Rd, Bedfordview
Telephone: 011 783 0410 / 783 1941
Email: infodvpcsa@vfsglobal.com
CAPE TOWN: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town
Telephone: 021 001 8502
Email: infodvpccpt@vfsglobal.com
DURBAN: Unit – 4, Crystal Rock 16 Solstice Road, Umhlanga Ridge New Town, Umhlanga Ridge
Telephone: 031 396 3309
Email: infodvpcdur@vfsglobal.com
APPLICATIONS: ETIHAD [Abu Dhabi]
Apply via Etihad website: www.etihad.com
APPLICATIONS: QATAR AIRWAYS
Passengers can obtain an e-visa before departure at smart.gdrfad.gov.ae (for Dubai) or smartservices.icp.gov.ae (for other Emirates)
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African Passport Holders.
Requirements differ by airline and destination, May include:
- Completed application form
- 6x6cm photograph in colour (minimum of 600x600 pixels) with a white background (at least 80% of your face should be visible)
- Colour copy of bio page of passport
- Valid passport with at least six months validity at the time of travel
- Accommodation bookings
- Confirmed ticket travelling into UAE and onwards from UAE
- Invite from your immediate family members
- Letter from the bank (Original letter stating that applicant has sufficient funds to travel to the UAE)
- Letter from Employer (Original letter stating that applicant is employed at the said company and the position held)
Entry Requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A travel ticket to continue his journey or a ticket to leave the country
- Valid health insurance in the country
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
Villa No 1 - 151, Cnr Jabal A Marfa & Al Niwayi Streets, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: + 971 (2) 417 6400
Email: abudhabi.dha@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/abudhabi/