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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Requirements:
1x completed Application form
Copy of the first few pages of the passport
Detailed itinerary confirming date of arrival and flight details
Valid passport (valid minimum of 6 months) Read More
General Rules:
Everyone who intends to visit the United Arab Emirates must have a sponsor, either U.A.E.
national, or an expatriate being in the U.A.E. legally.
Visit visa is for the purpose of visiting family members in the U.A.E., i.e.: father, brother etc.
Relatives in U.A.E. should organise the visit visas from the authorities concerned.
The Embassy does not issue tourist visas.
DUBAI Visas have set up a special website for South African customers to simplify the process of applying for visas to the emirate.
The whole process is online and agents or clients can log in to www.dubaivisas.co.za/sa. All that is needed is a copy of the passport, a form to be completed and the payment. Visas will then be emailed to agents or their passengers.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
The UAE has a desert climate with sweltering summers and mild winters. Coastal humidity can be high, but winter offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
- Spring (March to May): Spring in the UAE is warm and increasingly hot as it progresses, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities before the intense summer heat sets in. Desert safaris, beach outings, and exploring cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are popular during this season.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is extremely hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 45°C, particularly in inland areas. The high humidity along the coast can make it feel even hotter. Most outdoor activities are limited during the day, but indoor attractions such as malls, museums, and aquariums remain fully operational and popular.
- Autumn (September to November): Temperatures begin to drop slightly in autumn, ranging from 25°C to 38°C. Humidity levels also start to ease, making it more comfortable for outdoor experiences. This transitional season is ideal for evening strolls, beach visits, and cultural events.
- Winter (December to February): Winter is the most pleasant season in the UAE, with mild and comfortable temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. It’s the peak tourist season, ideal for sightseeing, beach days, and desert excursions. Rainfall is rare but possible in brief, light showers.
- Best Time to Travel: Winter (December to February) is the best time to visit due to the mild climate, perfect for all types of outdoor activities. Spring (March to early May) is also favourable for travel before temperatures become too high.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Capital City: | Abu Dhabi |
| International Airports: | – Abu Dhabi International Airport – Al Ain International Airport – Dubai International Airport – Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport – Fujairah International Airport – Ras Al Khaimah International Airport – Sharjah International Airport |
| Area: | 67,300 km² |
| Population: | 3,051,016 (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | GMT/UTC +4 hours |
| Religion: | Predominantly Islam |
| Language: | Official: Arabic Widely Spoken: English |
| Currency: | Emirati Dirham (AED or DHS) Linked to US Dollar Coins: 25 fils, 50 fils, 1 dirham Notes: AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 |
| Exchange Rate: | Consult your local bank as rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Accepted everywhere; carry cash for markets. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Readily available |
| Dialling Code: | +971 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220/240V Three-pin 13A British-style plugs. |
| Water: | Drink bottled water. |
| Business Hours: | – Government & Businesses: Sunday to Thursday; some operate Saturday to Wednesday – Dubai & Abu Dhabi Businesses: 07:00 – 13:00 & 15:00 – 18:00 – Shops: 09:00 – 22:00/23:00 daily, except Friday (10:00 – 12:00 / 14:00) – Restaurants and bars: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Wine shops: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Private offices: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Banking Hours: | Sat-Wed 08:00 – 15:00, Thur 08:00 – 12:00. Most ATMs are 24-hour. |
| Photography Restrictions: | Ask for permission before photographing people in national dress. |
| Tipping: | 10% is customary but not obligatory. Hotel porters and helpers: AED 2 |
| Vaccination Requirements: | No specific vaccinations required; consult your medical professional. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Dress modestly in mosques; otherwise, the UAE is tolerant of western fashion. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Respect women; avoid prolonged eye contact. – Public affection is generally frowned upon. – Dining is a social event; arriving 15 minutes late is considered polite. |
FESTIVALS
- Dubai Shopping Festival: End January/February
- Dubai Marathon: January/February
- Dubai International Jazz Festival: February/March
- Dubai Tennis Championship: February/March
- Dubai Desert Classic: March
- Dubai World Cup: Last Saturday in March
- Taste of Dubai: March
- Dubai International Boat Show: March
- Art Dubai: March/April
- UAE (Abu Dhabi) Desert Challenge: March/April
- Al Gaffal Dhow Race: April
- Dubai International Film Festival: November/December
- Dubai 7’s: November/December
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: December
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“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
– Francis of Assisi