For US Green Card holders, the question of visa requirements for a UAE (Dubai) visit can be confusing.
While a Green Card grants permanent residency in the United States, meaning you can work and live there, it does not equate to having US citizenship. Therefore, the answer to whether you need a visa is Yes.
What determines whether you need a pre-approved visa or not is your nationality, not your Green Card status.
A Green Card does not override the UAE’s visa policies based on your country of citizenship.
If your current country of nationality requires a pre-approved visa for entry into the UAE, you will need to obtain one, regardless of your Green Card.
Visa on Arrival
The UAE offers visa-on-arrival to citizens of a select list of countries. If your country is on this list, you can obtain a visa upon arrival at any UAE airport.
However, if your country is not on the list, you must apply for a pre-approved visa before your visit.
Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival in the UAE (Subject to Change):
- Many European countries (e.g., United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain)
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- China
- Russia
- Several South American Countries
This is not an exhaustive list. To get that, read our article on countries eligible for visa on arrival to visit the UAE.
If your country is not on this list, you will require a pre-approved visa.
Requirements for Green Card Holders Traveling to the UAE
- Visa – A pre-approved visa allowing you to enter UAE
- Valid passport – A passport with at least 6 month validity
- Proof of Onward/Return Travel – Flight tickets to and from the UAE
- Sufficient Funds – At times, you may be required to show a certain amount of money to ascertain you can fund your stay in the UAE
