Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is an unforgettable city in the desert. This destination attracts all kinds of visitors, from thrill-seeking tourists to entrepreneurs looking for their next big venture.
You certainly want to visit Dubai at least once in your life to marvel at the spectacular architecture, endless jewellery markets, fantastic cuisine, as well as activities for the whole family. Read this guide to learn all about the Dubai Visa for your trip to this unique destination.
Overview
| Visa type | Validity | Cost (USD) |
| 48 Hour Transit Visa | 48 hours from arrival | $10 |
| 96 Hour Transit Visa | 4 days from arrival | $30 |
| Single-entry 30 Day Visa | 30 days from arrival | $90 |
| Multi-entry Short Term Visa | 30 days from the first entry | $175 |
| Single-entry 90 Day Visa | 90 days from arrival | $190 |
| Multi-entry Long Term Visa | 90 days from the first entry | $460 |
Types of Dubai Visa
There are six main types of Dubai visas, depending on the length of your visit and the number of entries you require into and out of the UAE. The most popular Dubai visas are the 30-day and 90-day visit visas. The 30-day Dubai visa is ideal for tourists, while the 90-day Dubai visa is best for business travellers.
Dubai also offers two kinds of transit visas for either 48 hours or 96 hours. Travellers who include Dubai as part of their Middle East holiday should opt for the 96-hour transit visa. This will give three or four days to explore the must-see spots in Dubai.
Business travellers can also opt for multi-entry Dubai visas for attending conferences, meetings and networking across the Middle East, with Dubai as their base. Multi-entry Dubai visas are either 30-day or 90-day visas.
Dubai Visa on Arrival
Travellers from certain countries don’t need to apply for a Dubai visa if their visit lasts 30 days or less. The Dubai visa on arrival is available free of charge by the immigration service at Dubai International Airport. You are eligible for a Dubai visa on arrival if you hold a passport from the following nations and territories:
|
Andorra |
Hong Kong |
Monaco |
Ukraine |
|
Australia |
Japan |
Mauritius |
UK and Northern Ireland |
|
Brunei |
Kazakhstan |
Republic of Ireland |
USA |
|
Canada |
Macau |
San Marino |
Vatican City |
|
China |
Malaysia |
Singapore |
New Zealand |
Dubai Visa Exemptions
In addition to the GCC nations, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, Israeli travellers can now enter the UAE without visas.
The visa agreement between the UAE and Israel came into force early in 2021, with a brief suspension up until July 2021 as a measure to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
In June 2021, Israeli travellers got advised not to visit the UAE due to Covid-19 outbreaks, and no further travel updates have been available at this time (September 2021).
Dubai Visa Requirements
All other travellers must apply for a prearranged Dubai visa to travel to the UAE. The key requirements are:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Coloured copy of your passport biodata page
- Coloured copy of the last page of your pass if it contains important information
- Clear, coloured passport photograph: 600x600px, white background, with at least 80% of your face visible
- A confirmed plane ticket to Dubai
- Proof of residence if your nationality does not match your permanent residency
Certain travellers may provide proof of funds or previous travel to the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or other Schengen countries.
If you are travelling with dependents such as parents over the age of 60 or children under the age of 18, you must have supporting documents that prove the status of your relationship. These documents include birth and marriage certificates.
How to Apply for the Dubai Visa
There are several ways to obtain a Dubai visa for your travels. You can apply for your UAE visa online through the leading airlines that operate flights to Dubai. These include Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia.
You can also get your Dubai visa through a licensed travel agent or hotels provided that you book your stay with them. Keep in mind that UAE embassies don’t issue tourist visas, and make sure that any agencies you use are genuine visa-issuing authorities within the UAE.
Every applicant must make all Dubai visa applications online. You must submit the application documents in JPEG or PDF formats for electronic readability.
The online form will require your travel itinerary, passport details, nationality and country of residence. Provide a valid email address to receive your Dubai visa. Visa payments are acceptable via Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards, after which you will receive a confirmation email.
Dubai Visa Processing and Validity
On average, you will receive your Dubai visa within 5 working days. It is always best to apply for your Dubai visa well in advance of your travel date. However, you can apply for your Dubai visa at least one week before departure to allow for processing.
Dubai transit visas (48 and 96-hour visas) are valid for 14 days from issue, while all other types of Dubai visas (single and multiple entries, 30 and 90 days) are valid for 60 days from the day of issue. This allows you to plan ahead of time for your visa application. In addition, the single entry and multiple entries Dubai visas are renewable.
You can extend your Dubai visa twice more for 30 days each, to give you a total of 60 extra days. Make sure you apply for your visa extension in good time to avoid fines or deportation.
Covid-19 Travel Requirements for Dubai
All travellers arriving in Dubai must have a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test certificate. No other tests take place in Dubai, such as rapid PCR, home testing kits, antibodies, or NHS COVID Test certificates. You must take the test no more than 72 hours from departure. You must also print the certificate or have it in PDF format since SMS test results are not acceptable.
Any travellers arriving from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia must also have a rapid PCR test conducted at their departure airports within six hours of their flight. These tests must have a QR code for verification on arrival in Dubai.
You will also take another PCR test when you land at the Dubai International Airport. You must then remain in your hotel or residence until the test results arrive. Once you get your negative results, you are free to explore Dubai while following Covid-19 protocols such as wearing face masks and social distancing.
Covid-19 vaccinated travellers are also required to take a rapid PCR test on arrival. Register your vaccination status on the Dubai health app, Covid-19 DXB Smart App, available for Android and iOS smartphones.
Conclusion
Dubai is open for travellers all year round. So you can apply for your Dubai visa at any time. If you are looking for one more reason to visit Dubai, how about the Dubai Expo? The 2020 edition is now on schedule for 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022.
The self-titled World’s Greatest Show offers everything from futuristic tech to wholesome family fun, with hundreds of countries, represented all in one place.
Tickets are on sale now, so you can grab your chance and enjoy 6 months of shows, food, shopping and unforgettable experiences in Dubai. Apply for your Dubai visa today.