It’s not too tricky, when you know how
Planning a trip to Dubai? With its dazzling architecture, endless activities and unique attractions, it’s always a good idea to visit.
Passport-holders of certain countries are eligible for a tourist visa-on-arrival, but if you aren’t a citizen of the eligible countries, don’t fret.
There are plenty of ways to apply for a Dubai visa. Firstly, you need to decide which tourist visa suits your trip (we’ve listed the four choices for you), and then it’s on to securing your visa (we’ve covered this too).
Which type of Dubai tourist visa do I need?
There are four types of tourist visas in Dubai. Which one you require depends on how long you want to be in the city and how many times you wish to enter. Each visa is priced differently.
There is a short-term tourist visa, single entry, which lasts for 30 days from the date of entry and is not extendable. This is priced at Dhs200 when applying in advance of your trip plus two additional Dhs10 Knowledge and Innovation fees.
For an additional Dhs100, you can get a 60-day single entry tourist visa.
If you intend on visiting Dubai and the other emirates multiple times in the next few years then you may perfer to get a multi-entry tourist visa. This one is valid for five years and can be used for several short-term trips. Fees for this one come to a total of Dhs3,713.5 which includes issuance fees, service fees and a Dhs3,000 guarantee amount.
Those with a friend or relative residing in Dubai can get their hands on a visit visa for one entry to Dubai. This visa will allow you to stay with your friend or relative for a period of 30, 60 or 90 days. To qualify, you’ll need to make a financial security deposit of Dhs1,000. Flat fees for the various visit visa periods are as follows:
- 30-day visit visa: Dhs200
- 60-day visit visa: Dhs300
- 90-day visit visa: Dhs400
5 easy ways to get a Dubai tourist visa
1) An application through the GDRFAD
You can apply for a Dubai visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai portal (GDRFAD) online portal or via the app. All you need to do is log in, fill out the form online, upload relevant documents, pay the fee and submit your application.
2) Through a travel agency
If you’re booking your flight tickets through a specific travel agency, an easy way to sort your visa is via the same agency. You will need to fill out an application form and provide them with certain documents, including proof of flight and hotel bookings. Some visa agencies in Dubai you could try include Regal Dubai Travel Agency, Arabiers Tours Dubai and Green Apple Travel and Tourism.
3) Via Emirates
Flying with Emirates? If you’ve booked your flights with Emirates, you can easily book your visa through the website or app, too. Emirates has a country eligibility list for various kinds of visas, so take a look before filling out your application. There’s the option to apply for pre-arranged visas, ranging from 48-hour visas and up to 60 days, for single and multiple entries.
4) At a travel shop
There are bound to be many travel shops in your home country where you can apply for a Dubai tourist visa. You are most likely able to sort travel insurance, hotel bookings and more when at a travel shop.
5) Get a transit visa instead
Can’t get a visa on arrival and have a flight in the next 48 or 96 hours? Then you can opt for a 48-hour transit visa, which is free of charge and a 96-hour visa, priced at Dhs50. A transit visa application takes three to four days to process, so apply a few days before you plan to arrive in Dubai. You can apply for this visa with a UAE-based airline or a travel agency via the (GDRFAD) online portal.
What do I need for a tourist visa application?
Before you find the portal or company to process your Dubai visa, getting your documents in order will make the process a breeze. The documents may vary by visa type and your home country, but some general documents you may need include:
- Return ticket.
- Health insurance, in some cases.
- A colour photograph.
- Proof of accommodation (e.g. a hotel booking).
- Colour passport copy.
