UAE Visa for Children 2026

Yes, every child needs a separate UAE visa regardless of age - even newborn babies and infants require their own visa. Children cannot be added to or travel on parent's passport for UAE entry. Each child must have their own individual passport and separate visa application. There are no age exemptions - whether your child is 1 day old, 5 years old, or 17 years old, they need their own visa. This applies to all visa types: tourist visa, family sponsorship visa, student visa, etc. The cost and requirements are the same whether child is an infant or teenager (though tourist visa costs same as adults while family sponsorship costs slightly less).

UAE visa costs for children in 2026: Tourist visas cost the SAME as adults - 30-day visa AED 350-450 (PKR 35,000-45,000), 60-day visa AED 650-750 (PKR 65,000-75,000), 90-day visa AED 900-1,000 (PKR 90,000-100,000). There is NO child discount on tourist visas. However, for family sponsorship (residence visa), children cost slightly less than adults at AED 2,590-2,920 (PKR 259,000-292,000) compared to adult family visa of AED 2,640-3,020. Newborns, infants, toddlers, and teenagers all pay the same rates - no age-based pricing. Medical test for children under 12 is cheaper at AED 150-250 vs adults AED 320-500.

No, newborn babies cannot travel on parent's passport to UAE - they must have their own individual passport and separate visa. Even babies just a few weeks old need their own passport and visa to enter UAE. The UAE immigration system requires every individual, regardless of age, to have their own travel documents. You should apply for your baby's passport immediately after birth (usually takes 2-4 weeks depending on country). Once you have baby's passport, apply for UAE visa (costs AED 350-450 for tourist visa). For babies born in UAE to parents with residence visas, you must register the baby and get residence visa within 120 days of birth using UAE birth certificate.

Documents required for children's UAE visa: Child's valid passport (6+ months validity), passport-sized photographs (white background), child's birth certificate, parents' passport copies, visa application form, flight booking confirmation, hotel reservation. Additionally: If traveling with one parent - notarized consent letter from other parent; If traveling without parents - consent letters from both parents plus guardian details in UAE; For family sponsorship - parent's Emirates ID, salary certificate, tenancy contract, bank statements, attested birth certificate; For student visa - school admission letter, NOC from school. All documents should be clear scans. Birth certificate attestation required for residence visa but usually not for tourist visa.

Medical test requirements for children vary by age: Children under 1 year are completely exempted from medical tests. Children ages 1-11 years require basic medical screening (less comprehensive than adults) costing AED 150-250. Children 12 years and above require full medical test like adults (blood test, X-ray, infectious disease screening) costing AED 320-500. Medical test is only required for residence visa (family sponsorship, student visa, etc.), NOT for tourist visa. For family sponsorship, medical test must be done within 30 days of entering UAE at MOHAP-approved medical centers. Test results are valid for 3 months. Children found with infectious diseases may be denied residence visa.

Yes, children can travel alone to UAE but with specific requirements and age restrictions. Children ages 5-11 must use airline's unaccompanied minor service (mandatory), which costs USD 50-150 extra and includes airline staff escort from departure to arrival. Children ages 12-15 can optionally use unaccompanied minor service or travel independently. Children 16+ can travel alone like adults. Required documents: Valid passport and UAE visa, notarized consent letters from both parents, parents' contact information, receiving guardian details in UAE (name, phone, address, Emirates ID copy). Guardian must be present at UAE airport to receive child with valid ID. Airlines have strict protocols - book unaccompanied minor service in advance when purchasing ticket.

For babies born in UAE to parents with residence visas: Get UAE birth certificate from hospital immediately after birth, get birth certificate attested by UAE MOFA, apply for passport at your country's embassy in UAE (takes 2-4 weeks), once passport received apply for baby's residence visa through ICA or typing centers within 120 days of birth, complete medical screening if required (babies under 1 year usually exempted), apply for baby's Emirates ID. Cost: approximately AED 2,200-2,500 (PKR 220,000-250,000) including all fees. Baby gets same visa duration as parents (usually 2 years). Processing takes 10-20 days. If you miss 120-day deadline, fines apply (AED 100 per day). Baby cannot leave UAE without residence visa stamped in passport.

Yes, parents working in UAE can sponsor their children on residence visa if they meet minimum salary requirements: For sponsoring spouse plus children, parent needs minimum AED 5,000-6,000/month (PKR 500,000-600,000) salary or equivalent. Additional requirements: Suitable accommodation with registered tenancy contract, salary certificate attested by MOHRE, 6 months bank statements, parent's valid residence visa and Emirates ID. Children under 18 can be sponsored by either father or mother. Sons can be sponsored until age 18 (can be extended for students until 21-25). Daughters can be sponsored until marriage regardless of age. Cost per child: AED 2,590-2,920 (PKR 259,000-292,000) for 2-year residence visa. Processing takes 15-25 days.

When children turn 18 years old in UAE, their dependent/sponsored visa status changes significantly: Sons - family sponsorship automatically expires at age 18. They must either get their own work visa (if employed), student visa (if studying in university), or leave UAE. Extension possible until age 21-25 if enrolled in UAE university with proof. Daughters - can remain on parent's sponsorship until marriage regardless of age. At 18, children are considered adults for visa purposes and cannot be renewed on parent's visa (except daughters). If child turns 18 mid-visa period, they can complete current visa duration then must change status. Many families plan ahead - child starts work/university before turning 18 to ensure smooth transition.

Yes, consent letters are required in specific situations: If child is traveling with only one parent, notarized consent letter from the other parent is required stating permission for travel, including travel dates, destination, and parent traveling with child. If child is traveling without either parent (with relatives, friends, or school group), notarized consent letters from BOTH parents are mandatory, plus guardian details in UAE and contact information. If traveling with both parents together, no consent letter needed. Consent letter should include: Child's full name and passport number, parent's names and signatures, travel dates and destination, notarization stamp. Airlines and UAE immigration may request to see consent letter. Keep original copy plus photocopies. Single parents should carry divorce decree or sole custody papers.