The City of Dubai has become a popular tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the rich culture and glamorous city lifestyle. Last year itself, Dubai had welcomed 5.35 million international guests. There are 6.04 million Dubai tourists and counting.
In order to visit Dubai, tourists need to obtain a UAE tourist visa or a visit visa. A tourist visa should be obtained if the person visits Dubai for leisure activities. They may have to exit the country after 30 or 90 days.
Table of Contents
- What are the types of Visit Visa in Dubai?
- Dubai Visit Visa Provisions
- Where to apply for Dubai Visit Visa?
- Dubai Visit Visa Requirements
- Dubai Visit Visa Fees
- FAQS
A UAE visit visa can also be obtained for 30 (short term) or 90 days (long term). The person may or may not exit the country and this visa can be converted to an employment or a residence visa.
Tourists who wish to stay in the UAE for longer than 14 days or those coming on family or business visits can apply for Visit Visas. Both visas are non-renewable. Apart from the standard visa fees, there should be a deposit paid by the local sponsor/relative/resident which will be reimbursed after the visa holder has left the country.
What are the types of Visit Visa in Dubai?
90-Day Long-Term Visit Visa
- Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
- Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable
30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa
- Valid for 30 days from the issue date and non-renewable
- Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable
Dubai Visit Visa Provisions
There are many factors that are considered when applying for a UAE visit visa. The nationality, purpose, and duration of the visit are all taken into consideration.
For GCC nationals, they are granted a visa upon arrival to the UAE with passports or national IDs. However, for non-GCC passport holders, they need to check the visa requirements for their respective countries.
*Citizens of these countries don’t require a visa to enter the UAE and can easily obtain a Dubai visa upon arrival for 90 days.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
It is important to take note of the following:
- Visa on arrival can be obtained for citizens of the above countries using their normal passports
- The issued visa is not renewable
- Passport should be valid for at least 6 months
- The 90-day visa upon arrival must be consumed 180 days from first entry
- Indian citizens with a valid visa and passport (student visa or green card) can obtain a 14-day visa on arrival
*Similarly, citizens of the following countries do not require prior visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- The Vatican
- United Kingdom
- United States
Notes:
- Citizens of the countries listed above can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days from the date of entry with their normal passports
- The visa is extendable and the total validity, if extended, would be 60 days from the date of entry
- Passports should be normal and valid for more than six months
- This visa is considered a multi-entry visa, which allows the visa holder to consume the 30-day visa validity regardless of whether the visa holder is inside or outside the UAE. Any number of days the visa holder stays outside the UAE would be calculated from the 40-day validity of the visa
Visitors can contact the AMER service call centre at 8005111 to check the validity or visa status in UAE.
SEE ALSO: How to Get Residency Visa in Dubai (GUIDE)
Where to apply for a Dubai visit visa?
If you are a citizen of the countries listed above and can get a visa on arrival, you can obtain a UAE visit visa at the destination airport.
However, you may contact your hotel, airline, or any travel agent. Here’s a list of some agencies and other entities which process a Dubai visit visa:
Dubai Visit Visa Requirements
American citizens:
- Passport should be valid within 6 months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE
- A round trip airline ticket should be confirmed
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens:
- No visa is required to visit the UAE
- Non-citizens but high-level officials such as doctors, managers, engineers or public sector employees along with their families can have a 30-day non-renewable visa at all the airports in the UAE upon arrival
Tourists from all other nationalities need to apply for a visa before they enter the UAE. They can go to their respective embassy, a local UAE sponsor, or a hotel or travel agency in the UAE.
Documents required for visit visa
- Completed application form
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport and family member’s passport
- Photo of the family member
- If sponsoring a spouse, a marriage contract attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UAE Embassy is required
- If sponsoring children, the attested birth certificates are required
- Relationship proof from the Embassy (if not available in the passport)
- If working in the public sector, the attested job contract is required if the sponsor works in a private company; salary certificate and travel insurance is also required
SEE ALSO:
Dubai Visit Visa Fees
Residents can sponsor a visit visa for UAE for their family members or relatives. They need to have at least a monthly salary of AED 4000 to AED 5000. Sponsoring other relatives may require a minimum monthly salary of AED 6000 to AED 7000. To sponsor friends, a minimum salary of AED 10,000 is required.
A deposit may be asked but is refundable. This may amount up to AED 2000 (depending on the agency providing the visa). This may be asked from expatriates who want to sponsor a spouse or first-degree relatives. The visa has a validity period of 3 months and is renewable for 30 days. Fees may apply for renewal.
Short Term Visit (30 Days)
- Single Entry – AED 370
- Multiple Entry – AED 650
*Extra fees for typing charge/deposit applicable.
Long Term Visit (90 Days)
- Single Entry – AED 700
- Multiple Entry – AED 1750
*Extra fees for typing charge/deposit applicable.
SEE ALSO: Best Places to Visit in Dubai
FAQs about Dubai Visit Visa
1. How many days it takes to get my visa?
Upon submission of complete documents and requirements, the visa is issued within four to five working days after application.
2. When can I apply for a visa?
It is advised to apply for a visa less than 2 months (58 days) before you travel. You can still apply up to a minimum of four working days before you travel.
3. Do I need to apply for a visa at the same time as I book my tickets?
No. As mentioned above, you can apply for a visa at any time up to four working days before you travel.
4. What is the security deposit, and will I have to pay it? How does it work?
The security deposit is an amount payable by residents of certain countries and will be refunded after you have left the UAE. Based on your country of residence, the system will automatically include the security deposit.
5. When will my security deposit be refunded? What if I have unsuccessful visa application?
Once you have left the UAE, and the immigration authorities have recorded your departure, the agency will refund your security deposit within four international working days. However, it is important that you obtain an exit stamp in your passport as you leave the UAE. This will be proof of departure. Same applies when you have an unsuccessful visa application.
6. What documents do I need to apply? Do all family members need to submit documents?
Every passenger requiring a visa will need to submit the following documents, in an electronic and colored format. Please refer to the required documents listed above.
7. My passport is expiring soon. Can I still get a visa?
The UAE requires all visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. You may have to renew your passport to get a UAE visa.
8. Do children or infants need a visa?
Yes. All passengers, including children and infants, must have a visa to enter the UAE. This also includes infants.
9. How will I receive my visa?
All visas are electronic copies sent by email. You need to print it out and present it at the Immigration Office.
10. Do I have to submit my passport for stamping before I travel?
This is not required. An electronic visa will be issued which will serve as your official visa.
For more accurate and latest information please visit your nearest embassy or visit
https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/visa-provisions