Planning Your Trip to Dubai

If you are staying in Dubai for up to 90 days, you will not need a visa. In this case, the only document required to enter the United Arab Emirates is a passport.

Be sure to check your passport’s expiration date! It must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip; otherwise, you may be denied entry at customs.

We can’t stress this enough: getting travel insurance can be really helpful. Of course, we hope nothing bad happens to you during your stay in Dubai, but unfortunately, if you do need to go to the hospital, keep in mind that medical costs are very high.

A visit to a general practitioner costs about 400 AED (100€). If you’d like your doctor to speak French, expect to pay 600 AED (150€). As for hospitalization costs, they can rise very quickly depending on the medical issue.

By planning your trip 4 months before your departure, you should be able to find airline tickets at attractive rates. Also keep an eye on flight comparison sites and other flash sales that offer special fares.
There are two airlines that operate the Paris–Dubai route: Emirates and Air France. Both airlines offer excellent service. The flight time from Paris to Dubai is 6 hours and 45 minutes.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodations in Dubai. The number of hotels and apartments in the city is impressive. Check out Booking to help you make your choice.

You’ll likely choose your hotel based on its location and your itinerary. If you’re traveling with family, opt for Dubai Marina. If you’re looking for the city’s picturesque side, head to the Old Quarters, and if you want to party, we recommend Downtown or Palm Jumeirah. Find all our tips in our special guide.

A tip: Book your accommodations as early as possible. The longer you wait, the higher the price will be.

Dubai International Airport is magnificent and ultra-modern. It’s about 20 minutes from downtown. There are several ways to get to your hotel: private shuttle, taxi, or metro.

We recommend that you plan your transfer in advance. You’ll be tired from your trip and will most certainly want to drop off your luggage quickly so you can enjoy your stay. Personally, we opt for a private shuttle. It’s truly the most comfortable and convenient option.

Check out our tips, as well as the pros and cons for each mode of transportation in our special feature.

Among the various iconic activities, such as visiting the Burj Khalifa or the Burj Al Arab, XXL-sized attractions, or even a <a href="https://www.partir-a-dubai.com/must-see-attractions/dubai-desert-sunset-tour—one thing’s for sure: you won’t get bored in Dubai!

That’s why we recommend creating a itinerary and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, booking your activities as soon as possible.
Dubai is a city renowned for its shopping, its architecture, and its nightlife. But there’s much more to it than that! Don’t forget to include in your itinerary a visit to the souks and the two picturesque neighborhoods, Bur Dubai and Deira. You’ll be charmed!

Finally, to save some money, consider getting a tourist pass. To help you choose, check out our special feature on the different city passes.

Power adapter, time difference, dirham/euro conversion… Discover all our useful information to best prepare for your trip.

In this practical guide, we also explain the various rules and customs to follow during your trip.