Whereas Dubai is probably the most popular emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one must admit that there is more than this Western Asian country has to offer besides this city. After all, it has up to 7 emirates, each worth a visit.
Besides Dubai, UAE comprises Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Ajman. Despite being in the same country, it is no secret that they are different cities.
That begs quite important questions. How easy and convenient is it to move from one emirate to another?
If I am in Dubai and want to visit Abu Dhabi, what should I do? Is a Dubai visa valid for Abu Dhabi?
Let’s discuss that for a better travel experience in UAE, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Can I Land in Abu Dhabi with Dubai Visa?
It is no secret that Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in UAE. Besides, it is its capital city.
Such facts, its blend of cultural, historic, and modern landmarks and architecture, the city is usually worth a visit. So, what happens if you had applied for a visa to visit Dubai but have some time to spare, considering also going to Abu Dhabi?
It is understandable to refer to it as a Dubai Visa, but it is usually a UAE Visa. After all, UAE is the country, and Dubai is one of its cities, often called the emirates.
As long as you have the UAE Visa, you can visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the country if you deem fit. So, don’t be surprised if you don’t get a “Dubai Visa.”
That answers the million-dollar question. A Dubai Visa, which should be referred to as the UAE Visa, is also valid in Abu Dhabi and any other part of the country.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Interestingly, the answer to this question can be a no or a yes. It narrows down to the country that you hail from.
Some citizens won’t need a visa to visit any emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As for citizens who need one, some must acquire it in advance, whereas others can get one on arrival.
Without much ado, let’s look at various countries and the terms of visa requirements when traveling to UAE.
Citizens Who Can Enter UAE Visa Free
- Argentina but up to 90 days
- Barbados, but up to 90 days
- Brazil but up to 90 days
- Chile but up to 90 days
- China but up to 30 days
- EU member states other than the UK and Ireland but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Honduras, but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Iceland but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Japan but up to 30 days
- Liechtenstein but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Macau but up to 30 days
- Mexico but up to 180 days
- Montenegro but up to 90 days in any 180 days
- Nauru but up to 90 days
- Norway but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Paraguay, but up to 90 days
- Russia but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Serbia but up to 90 days
- Seychelles but up to 90 days
- Solomon Islands but up to 90 days
- Switzerland but up to 90 days in 180 days
- Ukraine but up to 30 days
- Uruguay but up to 90 days
Citizens Who Can Acquire UAE Visa on Arrival
- Andorra but up to 30 days
- Australia but up to 30 days
- Bahamas, but up to 90 days
- Brunei, but up to 30 days
- Canada but up to 30 days
- Costa Rica but up to 90 days
- El Salvador but up to 90 days
- Hong Kong but up to 30 days
- Ireland but up to 30 days
- Kazakhstan but up to 30 days
- Malaysia but up to 30 days
- Maldives but for up to 90 days
- Mauritius but up to 30 days
- Monaco but up to 30 days
- Mongolia but up to 30 days
- New Zealand but up to 30 days
- San Marino but up to 30 days
- Singapore, but up to 30 days
- South Korea but up to 90 days
- United Kingdom but up to 30 days
- United States but up to 30 days
- Vatican but up to 30 days
Citizens Who Can Enter UAE with an ID or Passport
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
Exceptions for Nationals with Service or Diplomatic Passports
If you are a citizen of the following countries with a service or diplomatic passport, you won’t need a tourist visa when visiting UAE. In other instances, you can get a visa upon arrival.
They include the following;
- Albania
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Colombia
- Congo
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Georgia
- Grenada
- India
- Indonesia
- Liberia
- Morocco
- Rwanda
- Saint Lucia
- Serbia
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
As for the following citizens, this exception only applies if you own a diplomatic passport;
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Chad
- Congo DR
- Ethiopia
- Guinea
- Jordan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Mali
- Niger
- Senegal
- Uzbekistan
If none of the above conditions apply, you should acquire the UAE visa in advance.
How to Go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Since your Dubai visa is valid for Abu Dhabi, knowing how to get there would be great. The options are as follows;
- Airport shuttles
- Bus
- Hyperloop
- Renting a car
- Taxi
These modes of transport come in handy when traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back.
What’s the Distance Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Going by the driving route, the distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is 125.24 km. It explains why it takes less than an hour to reach one destination from the other.
On average, reaching Dubai or Abu Dhabi takes about one and a half hours. That gets even shorter if you drive yourself or board a taxi.
The two are the fastest ways of connecting these cities. It means spending around 20 minutes less than average since it takes roughly one hour and 10 minutes.
