Over the years, Dubai has solidified its position as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s easy to see why the city is so popular with visitors. Not many places can compete with attractions like the world’s tallest tower – Burj Khalifa, glitzy shopping malls, and artificial islands in Dubai. Consequently, the number of people interested in obtaining a Dubai tourist visa increases annually.
Do you require a visa to travel to Dubai? Let’s find out.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBAI TOURIST VISAS
The Dubai government has a simple visa policy for tourists. Below is an overview of the process, including the different types of Dubai tourist visas and the necessary documentation for application.
If you’re planning to visit Dubai soon, this blog is for you. Just remember, you need to obtain a tourist visa to visit the city for leisure activities.
FIVE-YEAR MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA
This visa is advantageous for families of expats living in the UAE, as it allows them to visit their loved ones without having to go through the application process multiple times.
Passport holders of all nationalities can apply for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, as approved by the UAE Cabinet during a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The visa, based on self-sponsorship, allows the individual to stay in the country for up to a continuous 180 days. Additionally, valid 5-year tourist visa holders can request an extension for 90 days to enter and exit the UAE as often as needed.
The government announced this multi-entry tourist visa in 2022. Tourists do not require a sponsor. However, a six-month bank statement reflecting a 4,000 US dollar balance (or equivalent in other currencies) has to be submitted with the visa application.
VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR 30 DAYS IN DUBAI
Citizens of 19 countries are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival. If you are a passport holder of any of the countries listed below, you do not need to make prior visa arrangements to visit Dubai and the UAE:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong, China
- Macau, China
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Vatican City
DUBAI VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR 90 DAYS
Passport holders of the following countries or territories are eligible for a multiple-entry, 90-day visit visa that remains valid for six months.
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas Islands
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Vincent and the
- Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
Before finalizing plans, remember to visit the official government website, as rules for the 3-month tourist visa for Dubai can change.
DUBAI VISA ON ARRIVAL for 180 DAYS
Mexican passport holders are eligible for a multi-entry visa on arrival, valid for 180 days, and remains valid for six months.
DUBAI VISIT VISA FOR GCC NATIONALS AND RESIDENTS
GCC nationals are eligible for visas on arrival. However, GCC residents must apply for a visa before arriving in the UAE.
DUBAI TOURIST VISAS ON ARRIVAL FOR INDIAN NATIONALS
Citizens of India holding a valid visit visa or green card issued by the USA, a valid residence visa for the UK, or EU residency are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival for 14 days in the UAE. All visas or residence permits must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival in the UAE.
* Please note that the cost of a Dubai tourist visa may change based on the service provider.
UAE residents have the option to sponsor friends and family for visit visas, provided they meet specific conditions.
APPLYING FOR A VISA THROUGH TOUR AGENTS OR HOTELS BASED IN THE UAE
Remember this information: There are numerous tour companies and hotels that can help you with your visa arrangements. You can also find many tour agents and hotels offering these services online. To verify their authenticity, you can always contact a local UAE embassy.
APPLYING FOR A VISA THROUGH AN AIRLINE
The following four airlines provide visa services needed to enter Dubai:
- Etihad Airways
- Emirates Airline
- flydubai
- Air Arabia
* Visa services are offered when you buy tickets from the airline.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR DUBAI TOURIST VISAS
The following documents are mandatory for anyone applying for a Dubai tourist visa:
- Completed visa form.
- 6*6cm photograph (600*600 pixels) with a white background.
- You will need a colored copy of your passport. Some countries’ passports have essential information on the last page, so colored copies of the previous page will also be required.
- A passport is valid for at least six months during travel.
- Confirmed tickets to and from Dubai International Airport
Please note that:
- More documents might be required depending on your nationality
- The time required for the issuance of a visa can vary for each case
RENEWING OR EXTENDING A TOURIST VISA
You can extend all tourist visas twice for thirty days without leaving the country. The cost for renewal is AED 600 plus AED 10 for e-services (if applicable). However, if you apply for a Dubai visa extension after expiry, you must pay a penalty. For tourist visa extensions in Dubai, please visit the GDFRA website.
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES FOR UAE VISIT VISA HOLDERS?
The UAE has implemented strict rules for visitors entering the country on a visit visa. Travelers are required to carry either AED 3,000 in cash or a credit card, a valid return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Failure to comply with these Dubai tourist visa rules may result in being prohibited from traveling.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A UAE VISIT VISA AFTER COMPLETING THE APPLICATION?
Under normal circumstances, you will receive a visit visa within 4-5 working days, provided that all the required documents have been submitted.
IS A SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED WHILE APPLYING FOR A VISIT VISA IN DUBAI?
Visitors of certain nationalities must pay a security deposit. Information regarding this will be provided at the time of application. The deposit will be refunded within four to seven working days after leaving the country.
DO CHILDREN NEED A VISA TO VISIT DUBAI?
Visitors of all ages must have valid travel documents, including passports and visas when traveling to the UAE.
Dubai is a preferred international destination for visitors due to its rich culture and luxurious city lifestyle. The relatively simple and fast visa process is a major advantage. If you have family or friends living in different parts of the world, Dubai could be an ideal location to plan a get-together. All your family and friends can apply for Dubai tourist visas through the same tour company or airline.
