🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Free visa on arrival — and a medication list worth reading twice.
The UAE is Australia's biggest stopover destination and gives Australians a free 30-day visa on arrival. The thing to actually prepare for isn't the visa, it's the law: several medications sold over the counter in Australia are controlled substances in the UAE, and penalties are serious.
Your United Arab Emirates trip setup
21 things Australians need to sort. Tick them off as you go.
Entry requirements
Free visa on arrivalUp to 30 days View detailsConnectivity
Compare 8 plansFrom $10.50 Compare eSIMsTravel insurance
Compare 5 policysFrom $20 Compare insuranceMoney & payments
Compare 5 cards0.43% – 0.65% conversion fee Compare cardsAirport transfer
DXB → DubaiFrom $3 Compare optionsDriving
IDP requiredDrives on the right Compare car hireTravel essentials
Adapter type GTap water: safe to drink View guideThings to do
Compare 5 experiencesFrom $30 Explore activitiesUnited Arab Emirates at a glance for Australians
Best time to visit
November – March
Summer (June – September) regularly exceeds 45°C and outdoor activity becomes impractical.
14h 30m from Sydney (direct)
Health & safety
Smartraveller: Exercise a high degree of caution
No reciprocal agreement. UAE hospitals are world-class and priced accordingly — payment or an insurer guarantee is required upfront.
Emergency: 999 police / 998 ambulance
Money
Universal. Contactless everywhere including the Dubai Metro.
Everywhere. Local fees are typically AED 20 – 30.
Tipping: Appreciated but not compulsory. 10 – 15% at restaurants (many add a service charge), AED 5 – 10 for porters and drivers.
Language & culture
Arabic
English: Universal in business and tourism
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Australian dollar to UAE dirham
د.إ2.63 AED per AUD
Last recorded rate
These are mid-market rates — the rate banks trade at, published by the European Central Bank. It is not what you will be offered. Expect a card or exchange service to take 0.5% to 5% off it, which is exactly what our travel money comparison is for. Past movement doesn't predict future rates, and none of this is financial advice.
View the numbers as a table
Where Australians go in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
United Arab Emirates FAQs for Australian travellers
Do Australians need a visa for Dubai?
No. Australian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the UAE, extendable once. Your passport needs six months validity from arrival.
Which medications are banned in the UAE?
Codeine, tramadol, some sleeping tablets and ADHD medications, and anything containing CBD are controlled substances. Carry a doctor's letter and original packaging, and check the UAE Ministry of Health list before you pack — penalties for carrying controlled medication without approval are serious.
Does WhatsApp work in Dubai?
Messaging works, but WhatsApp and FaceTime voice and video calls are blocked on UAE networks. An international roaming eSIM that routes traffic through a gateway outside the UAE may keep calls working — confirm with the provider before buying.
Do I need an IDP to hire a car in the UAE?
Yes. Australians need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit, obtained from a state motoring club before leaving Australia, carried with your Australian licence.
What adapter do I need for the UAE?
A Type G adapter — the British three-pin plug. Voltage is 230V, the same as Australia.
Watching United Arab Emirates?
We'll email you if the visa, arrival card or entry fee rules change for Australian passport holders travelling to United Arab Emirates.