Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Khalid Al Suwaidi
August 04, 2023 | 13 min read
If you plan on driving into the UAE from neighboring countries, knowing the requirements for driving on a visit visa is essential. Visitors in the UAE require a valid visit visa, an international driving permit, and valid vehicle insurance. This blog will cover all the details you must be aware of before planning a road trip to the UAE with your visiting visa for UAE.
The first step to visiting the UAE by road is to obtain the necessary visa. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and can be done online at the UAE government website or through a reliable visa provider like Arabiers. The visa application requires basic information, such as your passport details, travel dates, and purpose of the visit. You must also submit scanned copies of your passport and photo taken against a white background.
Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive confirmation of your application via email. The approval process typically takes a few business days. It's always recommended to apply for your visa in advance and check for updates frequently.
Travelers from Oman can also apply for their UAE visa from Oman by road at the border, just like how travelers can apply for an Oman visa from Dubai by road at the border. Similarly, travelers from Saudi can also get their UAE visa by road from the Saudi-UAE border.
Driving in the UAE requires a valid license and a visit visa. Visitors can use their valid driving licenses issued by their home countries if their license is eligible for driving in the UAE. Citizens from certain countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States can drive with their driving license issued by their home countries.
Residents of GCC countries can drive in the UAE with their driving license issued by their country.
Before hitting the road, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the driving safety regulations and responses to road accidents in the UAE. The UAE government website provides information on driving safely on their roads, including rules and regulations to follow. It's recommended to read up on driving etiquette and take caution when driving on the highways and city streets.
If you're planning to drive in the UAE, knowing the rules and safety steps is crucial to have a safe and enjoyable time on the road. To prevent any problems, it's necessary to follow the government's traffic laws. Here are some driving safety tips we suggest:
If there's an accident, call the police right away at 999. They'll guide you and make the area safe. If no one's hurt, you can move your car to the side to avoid blocking traffic. Listen to the police and stay at the scene.
Stick to speed limits, and don't drive after drinking alcohol. Going too fast can lead to significant fines and losing your license. The UAE doesn't allow driving under the influence of alcohol.
Don't use your phone while driving, even for texting. It's against the law to talk on the phone while driving in the UAE. Put your phone away. If you need to answer calls, use a hands-free device or ask a passenger.
Check your tires often, about every two weeks, as recommended by the UAE's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Good tire condition keeps you and others safe. Under-inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents.
The UAE has a system where you get black points for breaking traffic rules. Your license can be taken away if you collect too many black points. This system is to make sure everyone follows the traffic laws. To avoid getting black points, follow the rules carefully.
If you're enjoying your time in the UAE and wish to extend your visit, consider several options to prolong your stay. Understanding the available avenues for extending your visit visa can offer you the flexibility to make the most of your time in this vibrant and diverse country. Here, we'll discuss two popular methods for extending your visit visa, offering insights into each approach to help you make an informed decision.
If you possess a prepaid tourist visa sponsored by an airline or tour operator, you can extend your stay by renewing the visa twice. Each renewal grants an additional 30 days, allowing you to prolong your visit. It's essential to stay informed about potential changes due to recent reforms, as this option might be affected. This approach provides a convenient way to extend your stay without the requirement to leave the country.
The "Dubai Visa Run" is an alternative method for extending your visit visa by taking a short trip to Oman and then returning to the UAE. This self-drive option involves exiting the UAE through Oman's borders and reentering later. Depending on your nationality and visa type, you can obtain an on-arrival or prepaid visa upon re-entry. This option is prevalent among on-arrival visa holders, allowing them to secure an additional 30-day visa extension for free. Similarly, individuals with a 90-day on-arrival visa can use this approach to acquire a prepaid visa after leaving Oman.
Visiting the UAE by road on a visit visa can be an exciting and convenient way to travel to the country. However, it's crucial to know the requirements for driving, including having a valid visit visa, an international driving permit, and valid vehicle insurance. In addition to these requirements, make sure you're familiar with the UAE's driving safety regulations and responses to road emergencies. Finally, if you're enjoying your stay and want to extend your visit, the process is simple and can be done with the help of a UAE resident sponsor.
It’s been amazing journey collecting, organizing & publishing UAE travel related information. We often hear our guests says it was some thing useful when I found Arabiers, that give me motivation to sit hours & hours with subject experts to extract right information that are useful but updated. I would love to write some thing that useful for any travelers, Recidents & locals, we at Arabiers trying our level best provide right information & aiming at updating our information page as much as we can, looking forward your feedback.
