United Arab Emirates (UAE)
About
| From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. In recent years, the country has rocketed to the forefront of the international tourism stakes. Go haggling in Dubai's famous souks, magnets for those in search of gold and jewellery bargains, and also for photographers or those who just want to experience the sights, smells and hubbub. Experience off-road driving in the desert - vehicles are for hire either with or without guides. Numerous operators offer desert driving trips. Take your golf bag - Dubai is one of the world's top golfing destinations. Venues like the Emirates Golf Club regularly host top international competitions, and others are dotted around the UAE. You can even try your hand at sand golf. Sun yourself on Dubai's superb white sandy beaches. Much of the long expanse of Jumeirah Beach in Dubai is dominated by luxury hotels and their facilities but there is a good stretch of public beach available. If you're travelling with kids, take them to the Magic Planet children's centre in the Deira City shopping mall, or to Dubai's Wonderland family fun park, which offers a wide range of watery attractions for the youngsters. |
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| Capital: | Abu Dhabi (AUH) |
| Currency: | UAE Dirham (AED) |
| Language: | Arabic. English is widely understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 971 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +4 hours (2 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | November – April |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but is provided due to desalination therefore visitors may preferred bottled water. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. |
| Customs: | 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). Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Public displays of affection should be avoided. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. [Note: in Sharjah, women are not allowed to wear bathing suits in public] |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Homosexuality and adultery are illegal. Non-married couples are not allowed to share hotel rooms, although this is rarely enforced. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan is prohibited during daylight hours (visitors are excluded from this but should do so in private). Drug trafficking carries severe penalties (certain medications are banned; please check before travelling with over-the-counter or prescription medication). |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | If you are travelling with medication, it should be noted that certain medications are not allowed in the country even with a prescription. Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into the United Arab Emirates without incurring customs duty: • 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 500g of tobacco. • 4L of wine or spirits or 24 cans of beer. • Goods to the value of AED3,000. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Narcotics, goods from boycotted countries (eg Israel), ivory, rhino horn, gambling devices, original engravings, prints or sculptures, any immoral publications or media contradicting Islamic teachings, counterfeit currency, and cooked or homemade food. If you are planning to carry medication into the country, check with your embassy in advance, as some common, over-the-counter medicines that are freely available elsewhere in the world are prohibited in the UAE. Penalties are severe - you could go to prison if you’re caught. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pretoria
992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia
Tel: 012 342 7736
E-mail: pretoriaemb@mofaic.gov.ae
Web: www.mofaic.gov.ae/en
The embassy does not issue tourist visas.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 31; Apr 1-2; Jun 6-8, 27; Sep 5; Dec 2-3
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 20-22; May 26-28; Jun 17; Aug 26; Dec 2-3
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA Passport Holders.
NOTE: Requirements differ by airline and destination.
APPLICATIONS: EMIRATES AIRLINES
Apply via VFS Global:
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/are/
Monday to Friday (08:30 – 16:30)
JOHANNESBURG: Building 11, Bedfordview Office Park, 3 Riley Rd, Bedfordview
Tel: 011 783 0410 / 783 1941
Email: infodvpcsa@vfsglobal.com
CAPE TOWN: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town
Tel: 021 001 8502
Email: infodvpccpt@vfsglobal.com
DURBAN: Unit – 4, Crystal Rock 16 Solstice Road, Umhlanga Ridge New Town, Umhlanga Ridge
Tel: 031 396 3309
Email: infodvpcdur@vfsglobal.com
APPLICATIONS: ETIHAD [Abu Dhabi]
Apply via Etihad website: www.etihad.com/en/fly-etihad/visas
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 - refer to the visa application centres above. 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:
1. A passport valid for at least six months
2. A travel ticket to continue his journey or a ticket to leave the country.
3. Valid health insurance in the country.
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Villa No 1 - 151, Cnr Jabal A Marfa & Al Niwayi Streets, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi
Tel: + 971 (2) 417 6400
Email: abudhabi.dha@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/abudhabi/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
