This guide is based on the latest updates from UAE immigration authorities (ICP & GDRFA), airline visa policies, and verified UAE visa service providers.
South African travellers, including kids, need to get a tourist visa for the UAE before they go there. South African citizens are not eligible for a visa on arrival and must apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance. Usually, you can complete your application online via an authorised airline or visa agency. Depending on the kind of service, processing usually takes 24–48 hours.
Here you can have the comprehensive guide to the UAE visa for South African families, with the main documents you need, how to apply online, and the basic requirements of entry to the UAE.
Do South African Families Need a UAE Tourist Visa?
Yes, South African families need a UAE tourist visa. South Africa is not eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free option. When applying for a UAE tourist visa with kids, always carry both digital and printed copies of important documents.
UAE Visit Visa for Children — Requirements
According to the most recent rules for 2026, the UAE tourist visa for families from South Africa requires the following:
Passport Validity & Photo:
- Every member of the family must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after they arrive.
- One recent colour passport-sized picture (with a white background) for each candidate
Kids Under 18:
- An unabridged birth certificate is required for South Africans travelling with children to verify that they are the child’s parents.
- Parental Consent Document: If a child is travelling with only one parent, a notarised parental consent letter from the non-travelling parent is required.
Proof of Money:
- Standard UAE tourist visa South Africa: Applicants may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds (typically recent bank statements), depending on the visa provider.
- For a 5-year multiple-entry UAE tourist visa, applicants must provide a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 over the last six months.
Accommodation and Flights:
- Confirmed tickets for the return flight.
- You need a confirmed hotel reservation or, if staying with relatives, an invitation letter and a copy of the host’s UAE resident visa or tenancy contract.
Always review the latest UAE entry requirements for families to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Step-by-Step UAE Tourist Visa South Africa Application Process
The application for the UAE visa for South African families is very simple. The process is 100% online. You need to select a professional travel agency like Get Dubai Visa. And then follow these steps –
- Select the visa types (e.g., 30 days/60 days—single or multiple entries).
- Upload all required documents
- Make online payments.
- After the process, the visa will be delivered via email.
Want to make a hassle-free UAE visa application from South Africa? Speak to our expert now to secure your visa application and enjoy your UAE exploration.
UAE visa processing time South Africa
The standard time for a UAE visa for South African families is 24-48 hours.
How Much Does a UAE Tourist Visa Cost for Families?
| Visa Type | Adult Price | Child Price |
| 14 Days Tourist | R 1,982.50 | R 1,015.04 |
| 30 Days Tourist | R 2,363.14 | R 1,459.12 |
| 60 Days Tourist | R 4,742.14 | R 3,441.62 |
| 30 Days Multiple Entry | R 5,217.94 | R 3,489.20 |
| 60 Days Multiple Entry | R 5,852.34 | R 3,917.42 |
Note- The prices vary depending on currency rates and the fees that agencies or airlines charge.
UAE Entry Requirements for Families
- Age Limit for “Minor” Status: For tourist visa purposes, anyone under 18 is considered a minor in the UAE and must be accompanied by an adult. The age may go up to 21 for certain administrative actions, such as sponsoring a residence.
- Proof of Relationship: The unabridged birth certificate is the main document that UAE Immigration uses to check the connection between the kid and the parent if they have different last names.
- Medical Insurance: Travel medical insurance is strongly recommended and may be required depending on the visa type or airline.
Tips for Travelling to the UAE with Kids
Here are some important tips you may relay when you visit the UAE from South Africa –
- Family-Only Taxis: In Dubai, look for taxis with pink roofs (family taxis). In Abu Dhabi, you can find family-friendly taxis, but they don’t have a specific roof colour like in Dubai. You can book them through apps or request them at the taxi stands. These taxis are primarily designed for women and families, but availability may vary.
- Child Seats: Standard taxis may not always provide child seats, so it is better to book family-friendly options through apps like Careem (Careem Kids) or Uber (Uber Family), where available.
- Travelling by Metro: The Dubai Metro features Gold Class and Women & Children cars. Using the latter gives strollers more room and makes the area quieter for youngsters at busy times.
- Carry Important Documents: Always keep both digital and printed copies of your child’s unabridged birth certificate, as it may be required at immigration checkpoints.
- Payments: The UAE widely supports card and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, but carrying some cash is still advisable.
- Indoor Activities in Summer: If you go during the summer period (July to September), prepare to spend 90% of your time inside. Popular indoor attractions include KidZania Dubai Mall and Warner Bros. World Yas Island, which are ideal for families during hot weather.
Common Reasons Family Visa Applications Get Delayed
The small mistakes in documents might take a long time to process, or occasionally, you may face visa refusal. So always double-check all documents before uploading.
- Passport validity issues
- Incorrect child details
- Missing documents
- Applying too close to departure
UAE Visa Services South Africa — How to Choose a Trusted Provider
Professional visa assistance will help you to arrange all documents. And help you to upload them carefully. You may look for the following features before selecting any UAE visa services South Africa.
- Licensed travel agencies or airlines
- Transparent fees
- Customer support availability
- Positive reviews
- Secure online application system
Are you confused about which one to choose? Let’s take a look at Get Dubai Visa. Here, you can have transparency fees with real-time tracking of your visa application. We served almost 200+ nationalities and have 8 million happy clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Can families apply together for a UAE visa?
Yes, you may apply together; each traveller will have their own visa.
Do babies need a UAE visa?
Yes, all travellers, no matter how old they are, need a valid visa.
Can a UAE tourist visa be extended?
It depends on the kind of visa; you may extend several tourist visas from within the UAE.
