For Couples
Updated 2026
UAE Visa for Couples
Complete 2026 guide for couples traveling to UAE including married and unmarried requirements, honeymoon packages, costs, documents, family visa options, and application process.
Important Information for Couples
UAE welcomes couples for tourism, honeymoon, and family visits. Requirements differ for married and unmarried couples:
- Married Couples: Can share accommodation, apply jointly with marriage certificate
- Unmarried Couples: Must book separate rooms, apply as individual tourists
- Honeymoon Packages: Special discounts and streamlined processing available
- Family Visa: One spouse can sponsor the other if working/residing in UAE
Visa Options
Visa Types for Couples
Available visa categories for couples visiting UAE in 2026.
Honeymoon Visa Package
Duration: 30/60 days
Cost: AED 900-2,400 (for couple)
Processing: 2-4 days
- Special packages for newlywed couples
- Discounted rates compared to individual visas
- Marriage certificate required (within 1 year)
- Joint application for both partners
- Includes welcome benefits at hotels
- Priority processing available
- Can extend for 30 additional days
Tourist Visa (Individual)
Duration: 30/60/90 days
Cost: AED 900-3,700 (for couple)
Processing: 3-5 days
- Each partner applies separately
- Suitable for unmarried couples
- Single or multiple entry options
- Book separate rooms if unmarried
- Can apply simultaneously
- Same hotel booking for convenience
- Individual passport and documents
Family/Spouse Visa
Duration: 2-3 years
Cost: AED 3,000-5,000
Processing: 2-3 weeks
- One spouse sponsors the other
- Sponsor must be UAE resident/employed
- Minimum salary: AED 4,000-10,000
- Marriage certificate attested required
- Long-term residence visa
- Spouse can work with separate permit
- Medical test and Emirates ID needed
Dependent Visa (Partner)
Duration: Based on sponsor's visa
Cost: AED 3,500-6,000
Processing: 2-4 weeks
- For spouse of employee/business owner
- Tied to sponsor's residence status
- Full residence rights in UAE
- Access to healthcare and education
- Can obtain work permit separately
- Renewable with sponsor's visa
- Bank account and driving license eligible
Visit Visa (Couple)
Duration: 30/90 days
Cost: AED 1,200-2,400 (couple)
Processing: 5-7 days
- Sponsored by UAE resident (family/friend)
- Sponsor assumes responsibility
- Lower cost than tourist visa
- Requires sponsor's documentation
- Can apply for both partners together
- Sponsor needs minimum salary proof
- Extendable once inside UAE
Golden Visa (Family)
Duration: 10 years
Cost: AED 10,000+ (family)
Processing: 4-8 weeks
- Long-term residence for eligible families
- Spouse included in main applicant's visa
- For investors, professionals, entrepreneurs
- No sponsor required (self-sponsored)
- Can stay outside UAE indefinitely
- Work and business ownership allowed
- Children can be sponsored until marriage
Cost Breakdown
Visa Costs for Couples
Complete fee structure for two people traveling together.
| Visa Type | Duration | Single Person (AED) | Couple Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeymoon Package (30 Days) | 30 Days | N/A | 900-1,400 |
| Honeymoon Package (60 Days) | 60 Days | N/A | 1,800-2,400 |
| Tourist Visa (30 Days Single) | 30 Days | 450-750 | 900-1,500 |
| Tourist Visa (60 Days Single) | 60 Days | 1,050-1,400 | 2,100-2,800 |
| Tourist Visa (90 Days Single) | 90 Days | 1,450-1,850 | 2,900-3,700 |
| Visit Visa (30 Days) | 30 Days | 600-800 | 1,200-1,600 |
| Visit Visa (90 Days) | 90 Days | 1,000-1,200 | 2,000-2,400 |
| Transit (96 Hours) | 4 Days | 150-300 | 300-600 |
| Additional Costs (Per Person) | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Test | 500 | For residence visas only |
| Emirates ID | 370 | For residence visas |
| Travel Insurance | 50-150 | Recommended for couples |
| Express Processing | 300-600 | 1-2 days faster |
| Document Attestation | 100-200 | Per document |
| Visa Extension (30 Days) | 600-800 | Applied inside UAE |
Comparison
Married vs Unmarried Couples
Key differences in requirements and considerations.
💑 Married Couples
- Can share hotel room legally
- Eligible for honeymoon packages
- Joint visa applications accepted
- Marriage certificate required (attested)
- Can stay together at Airbnb/apartments
- Lower overall costs with packages
- One can sponsor other for residence
- No legal restrictions on cohabitation
👫 Unmarried Couples
- Must book separate hotel rooms
- Apply as individual tourists
- Cannot use honeymoon packages
- Each needs separate visa application
- Higher total costs (2 individual visas)
- Technically cannot share accommodation
- More discreet travel recommended
- Cannot sponsor each other for residence
UAE Laws on Cohabitation
As of 2021, UAE decriminalized cohabitation for unmarried couples in private residences. However:
- Hotels may still require proof of marriage or separate rooms
- Conservative approach recommended in public
- Some hotels and Airbnbs more flexible than others
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally more liberal
- Check hotel policy before booking
- Discretion advised in public displays of affection
Requirements
Document Requirements
Essential documents for couples applying for UAE visa.
Basic Documents (Each Person)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport copy (bio page)
- Previous UAE visa copies (if any)
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Travel itinerary
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Marriage Documents (If Married)
- Marriage certificate (original + copy)
- Certificate attested by home country
- UAE Embassy attestation in home country
- Translation to English/Arabic if needed
- Wedding photos (for honeymoon packages)
- Wedding date within 1 year (honeymoon visa)
- Both spouses' names on certificate matching passports
- Certificate validity not expired
Accommodation Proof
- Hotel reservation for entire stay
- Confirmed booking in both names (if married)
- Separate room bookings (if unmarried)
- Airbnb/vacation rental confirmation
- Host's invitation letter (if staying with someone)
- Address details and contact information
- Refundable booking until visa approved
- Hotels must be licensed and recognized
Financial Documentation
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months, each person)
- Minimum balance varies by nationality
- Salary certificates or employment letters
- Proof of income or business ownership
- Sponsor's financial guarantee (if applicable)
- Credit card statements
- Combined finances acceptable for married couples
- Sufficient funds for trip duration
For Spouse/Family Visa
- Sponsor's salary certificate (AED 4,000-10,000+)
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and residence visa copy
- Sponsor's employment contract or trade license
- Marriage certificate attested by UAE MOFA
- Sponsor's bank statements (3 months)
- Tenancy contract (accommodation proof)
- NOC from sponsor's employer
- Passport copies of both spouses
Travel Documents
- Round-trip flight tickets (both passengers)
- Travel together or separate dates
- Same destination airport recommended
- Flexible tickets until visa confirmed
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
- Detailed UAE travel itinerary
- Tour package details (if booked)
- Contact details in UAE
Application Process
How to Apply
Step-by-step guide for couples applying for UAE visa.
1
Choose Visa Type
Decide between honeymoon package (married), individual tourist visas, visit visa with sponsor, or residence visa if one partner working in UAE.
2
Prepare Documents
Gather passports, photos, marriage certificate (if married), financial proof, hotel bookings, and flight tickets. Get necessary attestations.
3
Select Application Method
Apply through travel agencies (easiest for couples), online via ICP portal with sponsor, hotels offering visa, or airlines for transit visas.
4
Submit Applications
Submit both applications together if married (joint for honeymoon), separately if unmarried. Pay visa fees and processing charges for both.
5
Track Processing
Monitor application status online using reference numbers. Honeymoon visas typically faster (2-4 days), tourist visas 3-5 days, residence visas 2-3 weeks.
6
Receive Visas
Approved e-visas sent via email to both partners. Print multiple copies. Check all details correct. Complete medical tests if residence visa.
Benefits for Married Couples
- Special honeymoon visa packages with discounts
- Joint application reduces paperwork
- Can share single hotel room legally
- Lower total visa costs with packages
- Priority processing for newlyweds
- Hotel welcome amenities and upgrades
- One spouse can sponsor other for residence
- Family visa options for long-term stay
- Combined financial documents accepted
- No restrictions on accommodation type
Tips for Couples
- Apply 2-3 weeks before travel date
- Book refundable hotels until visa approved
- Married couples: use honeymoon packages for savings
- Ensure marriage certificate properly attested
- Check hotel policy on unmarried couples
- Apply simultaneously for convenience
- Use same travel agency for both applications
- Keep documents organized for both partners
- Consider travel insurance for both
- Print visa copies for immigration
Common Issues to Avoid
- Unmarried couples booking single room (specify 2 rooms)
- Missing marriage certificate attestation
- Insufficient financial proof for both persons
- Different hotel addresses for married couple
- Expired marriage certificate or passport
- Mismatched names on marriage certificate and passport
- Not mentioning spouse in application
- Separate applications when joint option available
- Booking non-refundable hotels before visa approval
- Applying too close to travel date
Honeymoon Special Packages
Many UAE hotels and travel agencies offer honeymoon packages including visa, accommodation, and experiences:
- Luxury Hotels: Burj Al Arab, Atlantis, Jumeirah - visa included with 5+ night stay
- Tour Packages: Visa + accommodation + tours starting AED 3,000 per couple
- Airline Packages: Emirates/FlyDubai offer flight + visa bundles
- Romance Packages: Candlelight dinners, desert safaris, couple spa treatments
- Validity: Must prove marriage within 12 months for honeymoon visa
- Savings: 15-30% cheaper than separate bookings
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE visa for couples.
Can unmarried couples travel to UAE together?
Yes, unmarried couples can travel to UAE together. While UAE decriminalized cohabitation in 2021, practical considerations remain. Each person must apply for separate tourist visa. Hotels may require separate room bookings or may be flexible depending on property policy. Dubai and Abu Dhabi hotels generally more liberal. Book two rooms to avoid issues or confirm hotel policy beforehand. Apply as individual tourists, not as couple. Public displays of affection should be modest regardless of marital status.
How much does UAE visa cost for a couple?
UAE visa for couples costs AED 900-3,700 total depending on visa type and duration. Honeymoon packages for married couples: AED 900-2,400 (30-60 days). Individual tourist visas: AED 900-1,500 for 30-day, AED 2,100-2,800 for 60-day, AED 2,900-3,700 for 90-day (both persons). Visit visa with sponsor: AED 1,200-2,400. Additional costs include travel insurance (AED 100-300 for couple), document attestation if needed, and express processing fees if urgent.
Do married couples need separate visas for UAE?
No, married couples don't need completely separate applications but each person needs individual visa. For honeymoon packages, couples can apply jointly with single application mentioning both spouses, marriage certificate required. For regular tourist visas, technically separate applications but can submit together through same agency. One spouse can sponsor other for residence/family visa if working in UAE. Joint applications reduce paperwork and often cost less. Each person still receives individual visa in their passport.
What is UAE honeymoon visa?
UAE honeymoon visa is special tourist visa package for newlywed couples married within past 12 months. Costs AED 900-2,400 for both spouses (30-60 days duration), cheaper than two individual tourist visas. Requires attested marriage certificate proving recent marriage. Processing faster (2-4 days). Includes hotel welcome amenities and discounts. Offered by travel agencies, hotels, and airlines. Couple applies jointly with single application. Popular packages include visa + accommodation + tours. Can be extended once inside UAE for 30 additional days.
Can unmarried couples share hotel room in Dubai?
Legally yes since 2021 law changes, but hotel policies vary. Many international hotels in Dubai (Marriott, Hilton, Radisson) don't ask for marriage proof and allow unmarried couples in same room. Some traditional/local hotels may still require separate rooms or marriage certificate. Five-star international chains most flexible. Airbnb and vacation rentals generally no issues. When booking, check property policy or ask directly. Book as "2 adults" not specifying relationship. Most Dubai hotels won't ask questions if you book double/twin room through online platforms.
How to sponsor spouse for UAE visa?
To sponsor spouse for UAE residence visa: (1) Sponsor must have valid UAE residence visa and employment, (2) Minimum salary requirement AED 4,000-10,000 depending on emirate and accommodation, (3) Obtain NOC from employer, (4) Submit attested marriage certificate to UAE MOFA, (5) Provide tenancy contract, salary certificate, bank statements, (6) Apply through typing center or PRO, (7) Spouse completes medical test in UAE, (8) Process takes 2-4 weeks, costs AED 3,000-6,000. Spouse receives 2-3 year residence visa matching sponsor's duration.
What documents needed for married couples' UAE visa?
Married couples need: (1) Valid passports for both (6+ months validity), (2) Passport photos (white background, both persons), (3) Marriage certificate (original + attested copy), (4) Marriage certificate attested by home country and UAE Embassy, (5) Hotel booking in both names or joint booking, (6) Round-trip flight tickets for both, (7) Bank statements (both or combined), (8) Completed visa application forms, (9) Travel insurance for both (recommended), (10) Employment letters or income proof. Honeymoon visa additionally requires proof marriage within 12 months.
Is UAE tourist visa cheaper for couples?
Yes, for married couples. Honeymoon packages cost AED 900-2,400 for both persons (30-60 days), while two individual 30-day tourist visas cost AED 900-1,500 separately - savings of 15-30%. Married couples save on joint application fees, combined documentation, and package discounts from hotels/agencies. Unmarried couples must pay for two separate tourist visas with no discount. Additional savings for married couples: shared accommodation proof, combined bank statements acceptable, one travel insurance policy can cover both in some cases.
Can one spouse sponsor other for UAE tourist visa?
For tourist visa, no direct sponsorship needed - both apply separately or jointly. However, if one spouse is UAE resident/employed, they can sponsor other for visit visa (cheaper than tourist visa at AED 600-1,000) or family residence visa (long-term, AED 3,000-6,000). Visit visa requires sponsor's Emirates ID, salary proof, and accommodation details. Tourist visa sponsorship available through hotels, travel agencies, or airlines - not individual sponsorship. For tourism, easiest is honeymoon package if married recently, or individual tourist visas through agency.
How long does UAE visa take for couples?
Processing time for couples: Honeymoon visa 2-4 days, regular tourist visa 3-5 days, visit visa (with sponsor) 5-7 days, spouse/family residence visa 2-4 weeks. Both partners' visas processed simultaneously if applying together. Express processing available for additional AED 300-600 per person reduces time to 1-2 days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel for safety margin. Peak seasons (summer, December, Eid) may add 2-3 days. Document attestation requires additional 1-2 weeks if not done beforehand.
Plan Your UAE Trip Together
Whether honeymoon, vacation, or long-term stay, UAE welcomes couples. Apply early and choose the right visa type for smooth travel.