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Émirats arabes unis : à savoir avant de partir

L’essentiel

  • Regional conflict since early 2026: the UK FCDO warns of a high risk of sudden escalation, possible airspace closures and flight cancellations. Check advisories and your airline before travel.
  • Narcotic, psychotropic and controlled medicines (e.g. codeine, tramadol, strong sleeping pills, ADHD drugs) need prior online approval from the UAE Ministry of Health; without it you risk prosecution.
  • CBD products and poppy seeds are illegal; even trace drugs in your blood can lead to arrest.
  • Public decency laws are strict: no public displays of affection, swearing or rude gestures (also online), and no photographing people without consent.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.

Entrée et visas

Many nationalities get a free visit visa or visa-free entry on arrival: UK, Russia, Belarus and most EU states 90 days (within 180), US 30 days, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine 30 days. Indian citizens can get a 14-day visa on arrival only if they hold a valid US, UK or EU visa/residence or a residence permit of approved countries. Others need a visit visa arranged in advance (via airlines like Emirates/Etihad, hotels or ICP/GDRFA). Lists change - confirm with ICP before travel.

Validité du passeport: At least 6 months from the date of arrival.

À la frontière, on peut vous demander

  • Eye scan/photo at immigration; smart gates for some nationalities.
  • Taxis from airports are metered; Careem and Uber operate.
  • Overstay fines accrue daily.

Douane

  • Controlled medicines need prior Ministry of Health approval; carry prescriptions and original packaging (up to 3 months' supply, or 1 month for listed controlled drugs).
  • Prohibited: narcotics, CBD, pork products, pornography, gambling equipment, items offensive to Islam.
  • Declare cash over AED 60,000 (or equivalent).
  • Weapons and related items need prior permission.

Vérifié le 29 octobre 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, khaleejtimes.com ↗, thenationalnews.com ↗, u.ae ↗

Argent

La carte est acceptée presque partout. Cartes acceptées presque partout.

Réseaux de paiement : Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay, Diners, JCB

Apple Pay — fonctionne · Google Pay — fonctionne

Où changer de l’argent

  • Licensed exchange houses in malls (e.g. Al Ansari, Lulu Exchange) - compare posted rates
  • Bank ATMs with a low-fee card

Où éviter de changer

  • Airport arrival counters for large amounts
  • Hotel desks
  • Dynamic currency conversion at terminals

Distributeurs: ATMs everywhere accept foreign Visa/Mastercard; some charge a local fee plus your bank's fee.

Pourboires: Many restaurant bills include service; otherwise 10–15% is appreciated. Round up taxis; tip hotel porters a few dirhams.

  • Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere; small souk shops and some taxis prefer cash.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad and Mir is not accepted; bring USD/EUR cash to exchange or a foreign-issued card.
  • Dirham is pegged to the US dollar (about 3.67 AED per USD).

Vérifié le 29 octobre 2026 · Sources: u.ae ↗, visitdubai.com ↗

Règles et interdictions

Interdit

  • Bringing controlled medicines without Ministry of Health approval (codeine, tramadol, diazepam and similar).
  • CBD products and poppy seeds; any drug use, including traces in blood.
  • Public drunkenness and any drink-driving (zero tolerance). Alcohol is banned in Sharjah.
  • Public displays of affection, swearing and rude gestures, including in messages and online.
  • Photographing or filming people without consent, or posting such images; photographing government and military sites.
  • Social media posts that insult the government, religion or individuals; unlicensed fundraising.
  • Flying drones without prior approval from local authorities.
  • Eating, drinking or smoking in public in daytime during Ramadan is disrespectful and can be penalised in some emirates.

Lois que les visiteurs enfreignent sans le savoir

  • Alcohol: legal drinking age 21; drink only in licensed venues or private homes.
  • Same-sex relations and cross-dressing are illegal.
  • Bounced cheques and unpaid debts can lead to travel bans.
  • Working on a visit visa is illegal.

Vérifié le 29 octobre 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture et tenue

Religion: Islam is the state religion; other faiths may worship privately or in designated places.

Tenue: In malls, souks and public places cover shoulders and knees; avoid see-through or very tight clothing. Swimwear only at beaches and pools. Women need a headscarf and full cover at mosques (abayas are provided at Sheikh Zayed Mosque).

Savoir-vivre

  • Greet with the right hand; wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
  • Do not photograph Emirati women or families.
  • Use the right hand for eating and passing items.
  • Ramadan: be discreet with food and drink in public during daylight; dress more conservatively.
  • Friday midday is prayer time; some places open later.

Vérifié le 29 octobre 2026 · Sources: visitdubai.com ↗

Climat

Desert climate: warm, sunny winters and extremely hot, humid summers (40°C+ from June to September). Very little rain, mostly in winter. Dubai shown.

Mois par mois
  • janvier: Jan: 24°C / 15°C, pleasant; cool evenings
  • février: Feb: 25°C / 16°C, pleasant; occasional rain
  • mars: Mar: 28°C / 18°C, warm; good
  • avril: Apr: 33°C / 22°C, hot
  • mai: May: 38°C / 26°C, very hot
  • juin: Jun: 40°C / 28°C, extremely hot, humid
  • juillet: Jul: 41°C / 30°C, extreme heat and humidity
  • août: Aug: 41°C / 30°C, extreme heat and humidity
  • septembre: Sep: 39°C / 28°C, very hot
  • octobre: Oct: 35°C / 24°C, hot, easing
  • novembre: Nov: 30°C / 20°C, warm; season starts
  • décembre: Dec: 26°C / 16°C, pleasant; peak season

Meilleure saison : November–March for warm, sunny weather.

Vérifié le 29 octobre 2026 · Sources: ncm.gov.ae ↗

À emporter

  • Type G (UK three-pin) adapter
  • Clothes covering shoulders and knees for malls and old town
  • Scarf/shawl for mosques and cold indoor air-conditioning
  • High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
  • Prescriptions plus Ministry of Health approval for controlled medicines

À ne pas emporter / interdit à l’importation

  • Codeine, tramadol or other controlled medicines without approval
  • CBD products, poppy seeds
  • Pork products and pornographic material
  • Revealing clothing outside beaches/pools

Pratique

Prises: Type G, 230V, 50Hz

Eau: Tap water is desalinated and treated, but most people drink bottled or filtered water.

Circulation: à droite

Mobile et eSIM: Tourist SIMs/eSIMs from du and Etisalat (e&) at airports with a passport; fast 5G.

Applications: Careem, Uber, RTA Dubai, nol Pay, Talabat, Google Maps

Internet: Some websites are blocked. Voice/video calls on WhatsApp and FaceTime are often restricted; licensed apps like Botim work. Using a VPN to commit a crime or access illegal content is an offence.

Santé: No vaccinations required (yellow fever certificate only if arriving from a risk country). Excellent private hospitals; treatment is expensive. Heatstroke risk in summer.

Assurance: Not required for visa-on-arrival visitors; strongly recommended (healthcare is costly).

Urgences: Police 999; ambulance 998; fire 997

Vérifié le 29 octobre 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Les règles d’entrée changent. Avant le voyage, consultez le site de l’ambassade ou du service d’immigration du pays.