20.01.2026
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Can Russians travel to the UAE without a visa? Yes, citizens of Russia may stay in the United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. A special regime for tourists has been in effect since 2017. All you need is a passport for travelling abroad valid for at least six months and medical insurance.
What documents are needed for the trip and are there any special requirements for traveling with children?Required documents include a valid passport and insurance. When travelling with minors, a separate child’s passport is required, as well as a notarised consent from the other parent if traveling with one parent.
Citizens of the Russian Federation may visit the Emirates without a visa. The visa-free regime was introduced in February 2017 and extends to all holders of Russian passports.
Visa-free entry to the country is available exclusively for tourism purposes. Working or studying in the Emirates under a tourist status is prohibited. Violation of this rule entails deportation and a ban on entry to the country.
The visa-free regime applies to all types of Russian international passports — both biometric and the old-style. Citizens of Russia are also exempt from paying visa fees upon entry to the country.
The rules of stay in the country limit the length of stay to no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. The countdown begins on the day of first arrival in the UAE..
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If a tourist has stayed in the Emirates for 90 days, the next visit is possible only after another 90 days following the departure. Any attempts to bypass this rule via a short-term visit to neighbouring countries do not work — the border service monitors such schemes.
Under the visa-free regime, any labour activity in the country is strictly prohibited. One cannot carry out labour activity even unofficially or receive income from entrepreneurial activity in the Emirates. Violations are punished by a fine, deportation, and a lifetime ban on visiting the country.
Exceeding the permitted period of stay entails a fine. For each day of delay, a fine of 200 dirhams (about 55 USD) is charged. In case of a delay of more than 10 days, a ban on subsequent visits to the country is added.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Dubai is the largest city and trading centre of the country. The capital of the country is the city of Abu Dhabi.
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Tourists can visit famous landmarks of Dubai, such as the Burj Khalifa, the city's shopping centres, Dubai's beaches, and other interesting places. The climate in the region is hot, therefore the best time for tourists is from November to March.
Russian citizens will need a minimum set of documents to travel to Dubai and other UAE cities. Border control may demand additional certificates to confirm the purpose of the visit to the UAE.
The international passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the moment of arrival in the UAE. The period of validity of the document is calculated from the date of arrival, not departure from the UAE.
The passport must have at least two blank pages for arrival and departure stamps. The document must not be damaged — torn or damaged pages may result in denial of entry to the UAE.
Medical insurance is a mandatory document for visiting the UAE. The insurance policy must cover the entire period of stay and be valid on the territory of the UAE.
The recommended coverage amount is from 50 to 100 thousand USD. The policy must include emergency medical aid, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation. The cost of travel insurance usually constitutes from 1 to 3 USD per day.
At passport control, you may be asked to provide a return ticket or a ticket to a third country. This confirms your intention to leave the UAE within the specified time.
A hotel reservation confirmation may be required to confirm your accommodation in the UAE. A printed copy of the reservation or an e-voucher in English is sufficient.
Border guards sometimes ask for proof of financial solvency. A bank account statement or cash equivalent to 1000–2000 USD per person will suffice.
Dubai Airport (DXB) is the main air gateway of the UAE. At Dubai Airport, you can receive a free visa upon arrival. Dubai International Airport welcomes millions of tourists annually.
In Dubai and other cities of the UAE, tourists can visit numerous landmarks: shopping centres, skyscrapers, beaches, restaurants, and world-class hotels.
| Document | Requirement | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| International passport | Mandatory | Valid for at least 6 months |
| Medical insurance | Mandatory | Coverage: 50–100 thousand USD |
| Return ticket | Recommended | At the moment of arrival |
| Hotel reservation | May be required | In English |
The visa-free agreement between Russia and the UAE has been in effect since 2017. Visa restrictions for citizens of Russia in the UAE are minimal. Obtaining a visa to the UAE for Russians is not required for tourism purposes. The visa policy in the country is lenient towards Russian tourists.
Airlines offer regular flights from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other cities of Russia to the UAE. The largest airlines operate on routes to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The flight time is about 5–6 hours. Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways provide comfortable flights to the UAE.
Tours to the UAE are very popular among Russian tourists. Travel agencies offer diverse tours to the UAE: beach holidays, excursion tours, and business trips. Online booking of tours to the UAE is becoming an increasingly popular way to organize travel.
Accommodation in the UAE can be booked in advance via specialised platforms. Reviews from other travellers will help you choose suitable accommodation in the UAE. Photos of hotels and apartments can give you an idea about the quality of accommodation in the country.
The security level in the UAE is high. UAE authorities ensure order and the protection of tourists. Strict laws guarantee the safety of visitors. If you have any problems, you can contact the police or UAE tourism officials.
Travelling to the UAE for minors has its own specific requirements depending on the child's age and the composition of the travel group. Children of any age must have their own documents to cross the UAE border.
Every child must have a separate international passport. The inclusion of children in the parents' passport has not been valid for trips to the UAE since 2010. This requirement extends to children of any age, including newborns.
A child's passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the UAE. Children must also have medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay in the UAE.
If a child is traveling with one parent, a notarized consent from the other parent is required. The document must be translated into English.
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The consent specifies the details of the child, the accompanying parent, the destination, and the duration of the trip. If the parents are divorced, a copy of the divorce certificate will be required.
When departing with relatives or third parties, consent from both parents is necessary. Additionally, a power of attorney for the accompanying person with notarised certification will be required.
For infants under one year old, it is recommended to bring a pediatrician's health certificate in English. When breastfeeding, you can carry food for the child in carry-on luggage without restrictions.
Children from 12 to 18 years old undergo dactyloscopy (fingerprinting) on par with adults when crossing the border. Teenagers must have birth certificates translated into English to prove their relationship.
The UAE is a family-friendly destination with a well-developed infrastructure for family vacations. The country offers special programs for family tourism. Many hotels in the Emirates offer nanny services and clubs for children.
Popular places for family vacation in the UAE include theme parks, water parks, zoos, and interactive museums. The UAE climate allows for family vacations all year round, especially in the winter months.
The Consulate of Russia in the UAE provides support to Russian citizens. Consulate contacts can be found on the official website. In emergency cases, the consulate provides assistance to families with children.
The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Dubai is located in the city centre. Consular services include assistance in processing documents and support in emergency situations.
Current international sanctions limit the use of Russian bank cards in the UAE. The majority of cards from Russian banks do not function at retail outlets and ATMs in the country.
Visa and Mastercard cards issued by Russian banks are unavailable for use abroad. This applies to both debit and credit cards from all Russian banks.
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National Mir cards are only accepted at select shops and ATMs of the UAE. They are accepted far from everywhere, therefore relying only on Russian cards is risky.
The national currency of the UAE is the dirham. The rate is pegged to the American currency in a ratio of approximately 3.67 dirhams per unit. It is best to bring USD or Euros to exchange for the local UAE currency.
It is better to exchange currency at official exchange offices in shopping centres and at the airport. The rate in hotels is usually less favourable. In banks, currency exchange is available only if you have a local account.
It is recommended to have cash with you calculated at 100–150 USD per day per person. In many places, the American currency is accepted, but change is given in dirhams.
Chinese UnionPay cards are accepted at most retail outlets in the UAE. These cards can be issued at some Russian banks or obtained from foreign banks.
Digital wallets and mobile applications for payment are popular in the UAE. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are widely accepted in the country, but they require a linked international card.
Some Russians open accounts in banks of Armenia, Kazakhstan, or other friendly territories to obtain cards that work in the UAE.
ATMs in the UAE are widely distributed in shopping centres, hotels, and on the streets. Cash withdrawal fees can reach 3–5% of the withdrawal amount. Many ATMs support the Russian language.
Prices in the UAE are moderate compared to European countries. Goods and services can be purchased with cash or international cards.
Insurance companies offer various options of policies for a trip to the UAE. Many companies have special programmes for families with children. When choosing an insurance company, pay attention to the coverage of medical expenses in the UAE.
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Leading insurance companies offer online policy purchases. Comparing offers from different companies is possible through specialised services. Insurance company ratings help you choose a reliable partner.
Excursions in the UAE are very popular among tourists. Various excursions include visiting historical places, modern landmarks, and natural objects of the UAE. Group excursions and individual tours are offered by travel agents and hotels.
Safari in the desert is one of the most popular excursions in the UAE. Sea excursions on yachts and boats also attract a multitude of tourists. Cultural excursions introduce the traditions and history of the country.
Visa applications for other territories can be resolved through consular services. Many tourists are interested in visa requirements for transit stops. Visa centres provide information about the requirements of different territories.
Visas to neighboring territories can be obtained through local consulates. Visa restrictions may change, therefore you should verify current information. Visa-free agreements are in effect with a number of countries of the region.
The UAE has strict customs regulations, especially regarding alcohol, medicines, and religious materials. Violation of customs regulations can lead to confiscation of goods and fines.
The import of medications containing narcotic or psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited. This applies to many painkillers, sedatives, and antidepressants. Before the trip, check the ingredients of all medications.
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The import of pork and products made from pork in any form is prohibited. Alcohol in a quantity exceeding established norms is also subject to confiscation. It is also prohibited to import weapons, ammunition, and objects similar to weapons.
Religious literature and materials contradicting Islam may be confiscated. This applies to Christian literature for distribution, religious images in large quantities, and religious films.
Persons over 18 years of age may import up to 4 litres of alcoholic beverages or 2 packs of beer (48 cans) duty-free. Exceeding these limits entails confiscation and a fine.
One adult may bring in up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco. Tobacco products cannot be imported by persons under 18 years of age even when accompanied by adults.
Gifts and souvenirs can be imported up to a value of 3,000 dirhams (about 800 USD) per person. Exceeding this limit requires payment of customs duty.
| Item | Allowed quantity | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages | 4 litres | Over 18 years of age |
| Cigarettes | 400 pieces | Over 18 years of age |
| Gifts and souvenirs | Value up to 3,000 dirhams | No restrictions |
| Cash | Up to 60,000 dirhams | Not subject to declaration |
Sums over 60,000 dirhams (about 16,000 USD) are subject to mandatory declaration upon crossing the border. The declaration is submitted in written form at the customs control post.
Jewellery items for personal use do not need to be declared. But jewellery in commercial quantities or worth a large amount may require declaration and payment of duties.
It is important to keep all customs documents until departure from the UAE. Upon departure, customs officers may check that the valuables being exported match those previously declared.
Additional information about UAE customs regulations
The UAE customs service uses modern equipment for baggage inspection. X-ray machines and scanners allow the detection of prohibited items. If there are any doubts, a manual inspection is conducted.
Passengers can use the "green corridor" if they have no goods to declare. The "red corridor" is intended for passengers with declarable goods.
A trip to the Emirates for Russians remains relatively straightforward thanks to the special regime. The main requirements are an international passport valid for at least six months and medical insurance. When travelling with children, additional documents and notarised permissions will be required.
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The main difficulties relate to financial issues due to restrictions on Russian payment systems. It is recommended to arrange other payment methods in advance or take sufficient cash in USD or Euros. Complying with customs requirements will help you avoid problems at the border. Pay special attention to medications in your luggage, as many may be prohibited in the country.
No, a visa is not needed for Russians. Citizens of the Russian Federation may stay in the Emirates for up to 90 days without any special permits as long as they have a valid international passport. Visa formalities are absent for tourism purposes.
Mandatory documents: an international passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and medical insurance. It is also recommended to prepare a return ticket and confirmation of a hotel reservation.
No, every child must have their own international passport. The inclusion of children in the parents' passport for a trip to the UAE has not been valid since 2010.
Yes, when a child travels with one of the parents, a notarised consent from the other parent in English is required. When travelling with third parties, permission from both parents is required.
The majority of Russian Visa and Mastercard cards will not function. Mir payment systems are operating with limited functionality. It is recommended to bring cash or obtain cards from other payment systems.
Persons over 18 years of age can import up to 4 litres of alcoholic beverages or 2 packs of beer duty-free. Exceeding these limits results in confiscation of the goods.
Medicines for personal use are permitted, but medications with narcotic substances are strictly prohibited. Before the trip, you need to check the ingredients of all medicines and get a doctor's prescription in English.
Amounts over 60,000 dirhams (about 16,000 USD) are subject to mandatory declaration upon arrival in the UAE. Smaller amounts do not need to be declared.
Article header image source: TravnikovStudio / shutterstock.com
