Travel to Dubai by ship; Conditions, routes and costs of 2026

Traveling to Dubai has always been one of the most popular tourism options for Iranians and Persian Gulf tourists. But did you know that it is possible to travel to Dubai by boat? This route not only provides a different and relaxing travel experience, but it is also an opportunity to see the scenery of the Persian Gulf and spend a few days in the heart of the sea.

In this article, we will fully review the conditions for traveling by ship to Dubai in 2026, the available routes, types of ships and costs so that you can plan with a complete and accurate view and have an enjoyable experience.

Travel to Dubai by ship from Iran

Traveling to Dubai by boat from Iran is an attractive option for many tourists, especially for those who are looking for a different travel experience. There are specific routes from the southern ports of Iran, such as Bandar Abbas or Bandar Lange, to the UAE. In these routes, the ships usually travel between 5 and 8 hours on the Persian Gulf route and provide the opportunity for passengers to enjoy the sea views and the relaxing atmosphere of the cruise, while the cargo carrying limit is less than that of the plane and you can carry a larger amount of cargo. Traveling by ship from Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas or Bandar Lange is usually done to Sharjah or Dubai port, and from there you can reach the center of Dubai by land transfer.

Why choose to travel to Dubai by ship?

Traveling by ship is a completely different experience than traveling by air. Ships usually have more facilities for comfort; From open space and seaside seating to cabins that are wider than airplane seats, making the journey part of the journey, not just the means to the destination.

Another reason for choosing a cruise to Dubai is the lower cost compared to the plane; Ferry tickets are usually cheaper than air tickets, especially when flight prices fluctuate. Also, the limit of carrying cargo on a ship is much less than on an airplane, and passengers can carry more cargo with them.

Advantages and disadvantages of a cruise to Dubai

A cruise to Dubai by ship is a very different experience than traveling by air or land; Where the travel route itself can be a part of the attractive travel experience. The possibility of enjoying the sea views, ship amenities and lower costs compared to airplanes have made many tourists choose this type of travel. However, cruises may not be for everyone as you will be traveling longer and depending on weather conditions and ship facilities can affect your travel experience.

Advantages:

• lower cost than airplanes; Ferry tickets are usually cheaper than flights and can be up to half the price of flights.
• Experience natural scenery on the way; Seeing the Persian Gulf, sunrise and sunset, and sea views along the way creates an unforgettable experience.
• comfort and entertainment facilities on the ship; Some ships have facilities such as restaurants, living areas, even recreational areas that make the trip easier.
• Carry more cargo; Compared to airplanes, the load limit is less and it is possible to carry more items.
• A different and calmer travel experience; This trip has a different mood and the route itself is an important part of the trip.

Disadvantages:

• You will spend more time on the road; Traveling by ferry usually takes a few hours and is more time consuming than flying.
• dependence on weather and sea conditions; Sea waves, wind and weather conditions may cause delays or changes to the schedule.
• More limited amenities on some ships; If the chosen ship does not have full entertainment facilities, the trip may become boring.
• The possibility of experiencing unpleasant seasickness for some people; For those who are sensitive to movement on water, this may be annoying.

Routes to travel by ship to Dubai + the duration of the ships on each route

There are several main options for traveling by ship to Dubai from Iran, each of which goes from the southern ports of the country to the United Arab Emirates. These routes offer a different experience than air travel; They are usually done within a few hours on the water of the Persian Gulf and passengers can enjoy the sea views and ship facilities. The travel time varies slightly depending on the distance from the port of origin to the destination and the type of ship, but in most routes, the journey takes between 4 and 8 hours. Note that the ship schedule may change depending on the season, weather conditions, and shipping companies.

Bandar Lange route to Dubai

The sea route from Bandar Langeh in Hormozgan province to Dubai is one of the most common options for sea travel from Iran to the UAE. The ships of this route usually depart from the passenger terminal of Bandar Langeh and after crossing the waters of the Persian Gulf, they dock at Bandar Rashed in Dubai. The duration of the departure of these ships is between 5 and 8 hours, which may be a little less or more depending on the type of ship and sea conditions.

The route from Bandar Abbas to Dubai

The Bandar Abbas to Dubai route is also one of the main options for sea travel, especially when direct flights from Iran are limited. Of course, ships go from Bandar Abbas to Sharjah port near Dubai. The duration of this trip is approximately 7 to 8 hours. After arriving in Sharjah in the UAE, there is a short land distance to central Dubai, which can be done by taxi or transfer.

Route from Kish Island to Dubai

The cruise route from Kish to Dubai has recently been opened and the duration of this trip is about 4 hours.

The cost of traveling to Dubai by ferry

The cost of traveling to Dubai by ship in 2026

The cost of traveling to Dubai by ferry in 2026 depends on several key factors, including the route, the type of ticket, the type of service and facilities of the ship, the exchange rate and the season of travel. Unlike air travel, where prices are usually more stable, in sea travel, ticket prices can be changed according to demand, booking time, cabin type, and customized services.

The cost of the ferry ticket

For the Langeh port route to Dubai, a one-way ticket is around 4,545,000 Tomans and a round-trip ticket is between 7,000,000 and 8,000,000 Tomans. The route from Bandar Abbas to Sharjah is a bit more expensive; A one-way ticket is around 4,772,250 Tomans and a return ticket is between 7,500,000 and 8,500,000 Tomans. These figures may change slightly depending on the season and the type of ferry service.

UAE visa fee for cruise

For a cruise to Dubai, one of the important costs is the UAE visa fee, which varies depending on the age of the traveler, the type of visa, and the length of stay. For adults with a single visa, the cost of a 10-day visa is about 310 dirhams, a 1-month visa is 330 dirhams, and a 2-month visa is 550 dirhams.

If a multi-entry visa is required, adults must pay 550 dirhams for one month and 880 dirhams for two months. Children under 18 years old have a lower cost; Single visa for 10 days or one month is 170 dirhams and 280 dirhams for two months, and multi visa for the same age group is 280 dirhams for one month and 380 dirhams for two months.

In addition to these cases, it is also possible to extend visas for adults and children; To renew a single visa, the fee is calculated between 70 and 2200 dirhams depending on the duration of the extension. Also, if your trip to Dubai is a short-term transit, the 48-hour visa is free and the 96-hour visa costs only 50 dirhams, which is a very affordable and suitable option for sea travelers who intend to make a short stopover.

The cost of freight and additional services

In a cruise to Dubai, in addition to the cost of the ticket, the cost of carrying cargo and additional services is also very important. Up to 40 kg of cargo is exempt from tax, but each passenger can carry up to 100 kg of cargo, which is charged 36,000 Tomans per kilogram at the Iranian customs and 10 dirhams at the UAE customs.

Also, carrying special items such as bicycles, motorcycles, or cars has separate costs and needs to be booked in advance. Some ships also offer additional services such as meals, more comfortable seats, travel insurance and ground transfers, which may incur a separate fee.

Conditions and documents required to travel to Dubai by ship

To travel to Dubai by ship, it is very important to know the necessary conditions and documents so that your trip can be done smoothly and with complete planning. Before departure, passengers must provide documents such as a valid passport with at least six months validity, a visa or electronic confirmation of entry into the UAE, and a valid ship ticket. In addition, some cruise lines may request health forms, travel insurance and additional identification documents. Complying with customs laws and cargo restrictions, knowing the date and time of the ship’s departure, and coordinating with the shipping company or the ticket agency are also part of the essential conditions of the trip in order to have a safe and relaxing experience on the Persian Gulf route.

General conditions of sea voyage

General conditions Cruise to Dubai It includes a set of safety, health and administrative rules and requirements that travelers must follow. These conditions include being at the ship terminal at least 1 to 2 hours before departure, carrying valid identification documents and tickets, complying with cargo transportation regulations, and following marine safety and rescue instructions. Also, ships usually have restrictions on carrying pets, dangerous goods, and bulky cargo, and compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. These conditions make the cruise to Dubai safe, orderly and problem-free and provide an enjoyable experience for passengers.

Documents required to obtain a visa

In order to obtain a UAE visa for a cruise to Dubai, it is necessary to prepare and submit certain documents so that the visa application can be considered. These documents include identity information, travel documents, and itinerary details, and their accurate completion increases the speed of visa issuance. The documents required to obtain a visa are:

• Completing the visa application form
• Passport size photo (6×4)
• Presentation of passport and color scan of its first and last page
• Providing travel plans

Procedures for obtaining UAE visa for traveling by ship

To get an Emirates visa to travel by ship to Dubai, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa; These conditions include having a passport with a validity of at least six months, proof of financial ability and a return ticket. After reviewing these, you can apply for a visa in two main ways: first, online through official UAE government portals such as www.onlinedubaivisa.com, which provides a simple and quick process of submitting documents and obtaining a visa; And second, by going to your travel agency or airline, because many agencies offer visa services for travelers.