The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an Islamic federation of seven regions or kingdoms, including Dubai. The overarching government is based on a constitutional republic, lead by a president and ministerial council. The Federation's culture is based on religious ideals, therefore its customs and laws flow from this philosophical construct. Dubai itself is a very modern kingdom, and its urban infrastructure will be easily understood by U.S. citizens, including its sophisticated governmental bureaucracy. Travel to Dubai involves one of two visa types, a temporary visitor or formal long-stay visa.
To travel to Dubai for a visit lasting under 30 days, a valid U.S. passport is acceptable for entry; however, a free visitor visa must be secured at the country's port of entry. There are no health requirements in the case of short-stay travel, but passports need to be valid for six months from the time of arrival in the country.
If you intend to stay for longer than 30 days, you will have to secure a formal visa prior to travel. Travelers must have a passport valid for six months beyond their arrival in the country and provide information on their sponsor or host in Dubai as well as information related to employment or bank records showing an account in good standing with sufficient funds. Additionally, a complete medical exam is required along with an HIV/AIDS test. The latter requirement must be executed after arrival in-country, as a U.S. medical waiver will not suffice.
Military personnel who travel to Dubai must carry a valid U.S. passport and secure a port-of-entry visitor visa, since military ID is not sufficient for entry. In the case of diplomatic travel, a formal visa (including various health requirements) must be secured in addition to a valid U.S. passport.
