Complete Guide For Dubai Visa Process

Complete Guide For Dubai Visa Process

The United Arab Emirates UAE in short is one of the most sought out tourist destinations of the world. In the year 2018, a whopping 15.92 million people visited Dubai. The place is a magnificent tourist destination with something to offer to everybody. So, people often inquire about visa services and formalities to visit the amazing city of Dubai. Since the economy of Dubai is majorly dependent upon Tourism, visa processing is very easy, and the acceptance rate is also high. Also, the visa application process is very easy, and you can apply for the visa online as well. Apart from some countries, most of the travelers must obtain a visa prior to travel. Countries included in the GCC have the benefit of visa on arrival. Citizens who are listed under the GCC can directly arrive at Dubai airport and a visa will be granted there.

Documents and Other Requirements for Dubai Visa

Like in all other countries, there are a set of requirements that must be fulfilled in order to apply for a Dubai visa. People from different countries may have different requirements to obtain a valid visa to enter the UAE. There is the provision of visa on arrival for the citizens of some specified countries. The visa on arrival service dictates that you do not have to apply for the visa prior to the travel date, and you will be granted with either 30 Day visit visa or 90 days Multiple entry visa at Dubai Airport. There is only a limited country whose citizens have the facility of visa on arrival. The countries are as follows:

30 Days Visa:

Australia
Andorra

Brunei

Canada
Hong Kong, China
Ireland
JapanKazakhstanMalaysiaMonaco
MauritiusNew ZealandPeople's Republic of ChinaSan MarinoRussian Federation
Singapore
UkraineUnited KingdomUnited States of AmericaVatican City


90 Days Visa

Austria
Belgium
BrazilBulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech RepublicDenmark
El SalvadorFinlandFrance
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania       
Serbia
Seychelles
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Uruguay
Switzerland

For the citizens whose country is not listed above, they have to apply for the visa prior to their traveling date, as they do not have the facility of visa on arrival. The visa application process is very easy and quick. You can apply for the visa by yourself manually by visiting the embassy, or you can also apply for the visa online. It will be more convenient if you go through the visa process with the help of a travel agency.

There are some documents and forms that must be presented while applying for the Dubai visa. These documents are mandated by the government of UAE. The following are the required documents and other files:

  • Passport size photo (preferably with white background).
  • Scanned copy of the first and last page of the passport.
  • A passport-sized photograph, preferably with a white background.
  • Proof of Residence / A copy of the NIC card (For Certain Nationality only).
  • A copy of the return airline ticket (can be sent after the Visa is approved as well).

Some Other Documents May Required according to Visa Types of Dubai

        • Passport copies of the friends/relatives residing in Dubai
        • Residential proof of friends/relatives residing in Dubai
        • An invitation letter issued by friends/relatives residing in Dubai

        Know complete information about documents required for the Dubai visa application.

        These mandatory documents are to be presented whilst applying for the Dubai visa. The application process of the Dubai visa is simple. All you need to do is submit the required documents online, or to the respective embassy, and you’re done! The visa rate is relatively high, so upon completion of all the formalities, it is very likely that your visa will be granted.


        Types of Dubai Visa

        Travelers visiting the UAE have three different types of visas to choose from, according to the nature and purpose of the visit. Although the visa application process is somewhat the same, there are a few distinctions between them. The following are the types of visa:

        Visit Visa:

        This visa is for those who are visiting Dubai to meet their immediate relative or a close family member. The visa is issued by the government and requires extensive information about the family member or the relative living in Dubai. The family member in Dubai must be the one who applies for the visa. For that, the relative must own a flat in the UAE and should be earning more than AED 4000 and they generally stand as the sponsor for the traveler.

        Tourist Visa:

        For those who are traveling to Dubai for some R&R, or to visit a distant relative should apply for this visa. This type of visa is issued by the Tourism company, not by the government. Hence there are no specific criteria for applying for this type of visa. The standard single-entry visa will grant you to stay for up to 10 days. However, you also have the option of applying for a multiple-entry visa. It would be easier for you to be granted a visa if someone you know applies the visa for you. If you don’t know anyone, you can get the visa via an airline, hotel, or travel agency. Explore about Best Places to Visit in Dubai.

        Transit Visa:

        As the name suggests, this visa is granted to those who are staying in Dubai for a short period of time. The time frame should be at least 8 hours, and no more than 4 days. This visa can be used within 14 days from the issue date.

        My Choice Tourism majorly focuses on a Tourist visa only. You can apply for the visa online with the help of My Choice of Tourism. You can come in contact with one of the agents of MCT, and submit the documents online. However, upon special request, the diligent people at My Choice Tourism will also work on your Visit visa and Transit Visa as well.


        Dubai Visa Application Process

        The visa application procedure for a Dubai visa is very easy. But there can be some differences in the price range of the visa. The process, however, is intact and very straightforward. All you have to do is submit the required documents that are required. Pay the designated amount, and that is it! Then, you wait for your visa to get approved and then you are off to Dubai! The price point of this visa is not exact and will differ, proportionate to the number of days that the visa offers. You can apply for the visa online, or you can visit the respective embassy and apply from there as well. However, it is relatively easier to apply for the visa online as you will also get the local sponsor from the place you apply for the visa. You have to upload the documents and pay the fee online. Then, you will receive the visa online as well, via an email. All in all, the visa application procedure is not complicated at all and is a hassle-free work eve for you to do it yourself.

        7 Days Dubai Visa

        If you are looking for a week-long trip to Dubai for an amazing vacation, I suggest you take the 7 days Dubai Visa into consideration. As the name suggests, this 7-day long Dubai stay will be the epitome of fun and wonders for you and your family. This visa duration is perfect for a family getaway, a romantic week with your loved ones, or even for some personal R&R. The duration of the visa will not affect the requirements for applying for the visa. Since it is a Tourist visa, the travel agency will be the one who will act as the sponsor.

        Regarding the price quote for the 7-day Dubai visa, the price cannot be specified to exact numbers. However, the price range can be narrowed down to AED 310. Since the price can vary according to how you apply for the visa, i.e. by yourself, or through an agency, there is no telling precisely how much it will cost.

        14 Days Dubai Visa

        The 14 days Dubai Visa is another Tourist Visa with a 14-day validation. This visa type is focused on those visitors who prefer short but revitalizing trips and prioritized to business professionals and executives who have to stay for a couple of days. You can come to Dubai, complete your business or other work, and you will still have time for some revitalizing days here in Dubai. You can get on board with one of the tour packages, go shopping, or simply chill by the beach. You can also bring your family for an amazing vacation that you will never forget. All you need is to apply for the 14-day Dubai visa, present the required documentation, pay the visa charge and your visa will be granted! And then you are off to the City of Gold!

        The 14 Days Visa to Dubai will take you around AED 320. The sum amount is to be submitted during the visa application process. Moreover, the deposited amount is non-refundable and the amount can vary. You can apply for the visa yourself, or through an agent or a travel company. It will relatively be easier if you apply through a travel agency, as they will stand as your sponsors. However, in doing so, it can tend to get a bit more expensive than applying it by yourself.

        30 Days Dubai Visa

        No number of days is enough to fully explore the rich culture, the glamorous modernity, and the vast adventure that Dubai has to offer. However, if you are looking for enjoying and experiencing Dubai in all its glory, you can apply for the 30 Days Dubai visa. The visa has a 30-day long validity. Moreover, you can extend your stay quite easily. This visa is perfect for those wishing to escape from their daily monotonous lives, and want to reconnect with themselves. Also, you can bring your family for a perfect holiday vacation here in Dubai. There is something for everyone!

        This amazing 30-day Dubai visa will cost you around AED 340. The price is not constant, it can depend upon various factors, like how you apply for the visa. You can apply it by yourself, or go through with it with an agency or a travel company. It will be more beneficial for you if you go through it with a travel company, as they will stand as your sponsors and will make the whole application process even simpler than it already is. But they will charge you with some money for their services. All in all, the visa process is very simple, and you are most likely to be granted the visa.

        90 Days Dubai Visa

        If you are looking for a long vacation with your family or your loved ones, you can apply for the 90 days Dubai visa. The visa, having a whopping 90-day validity will be perfect for you to explore all of Dubai. From sky-piercing skyscrapers to the vast deserts, you will get the opportunity to explore the entirety of the City of Gold. And even if 90 days isn’t enough for you, you always have the option of extending your visa easily.

        The visa application process is very simple. You can apply for it yourself, or you can contact the visa agency or even a tourism company. All you have to do is provide the required documents and pay the due amount that is required. About the price of the 90 Day Dubai Visa, it will take you approximately AED 780. But the price can change depending on multiple factors. You can either apply for the visa by yourself, or you can apply it form a travel agency. The advantage of applying via an agency is that you don’t have to look for sponsors, they will do it for you.

        30 Days Multiple Entry Dubai Visa

        Multiple Entry visas, as the name suggests allows you to enter and exit and again enter a country without having to go through the trouble of getting a new visa each time you exit and re-enter. This 30 Days Multiple Entry visa allows you to enter and exit UAE multiple times for myriad purposes (meetings, conferences, short trips or for any other personal reasons), visit neighboring countries and return on the same visa without having to apply for separate visas. This will become very convenient to those who have to enter and exit the metropolis multiple times due to work. This visa is valid for 30 days and the application process is similar to that of a normal single-entry visa.

        You can apply for the multiple entry visa by yourself, or with the help of a travel agency. The application process is the same, but since the visa has multiple entry function, the price gets a bit high. As for the price of the 30 Days Multiple Entry visa, it is approximately AED 830. Since it is a multiple entry visa, the process may take a bit longer than usual, but nonetheless, you are likely to be granted the visa.

        90 Days Multiple Entry Dubai Visa

        If the 30 days multiple entry visa is not for you, you can always apply for the 90 Days Multiple Entry Dubai Visa. This visa, much like the previous visa, is a multiple entry Dubai visa, meaning that you can enter and exit the country multiple times without having to apply for a visa multiple times. This visa, valid for 90 ling days is perfect for those having a business meeting in the UAE, and constantly have to move to other places as well. Also, you can get this visa if you are traveling to multiple countries in a short span of time.

        The 90-day multiple-entry Dubai visa is a bit expensive, with the price being around AED 2150. The price is not fixed and is subject to various terms. You can apply for the visa on your own, or you can apply it through a travel agency. If you apply with the help of a travel agency, they will also find you a sponsor for the visa. All you have to do for the visa application is to submit the necessary documents and pay the due amount. Then wait for the visa to get approved. After that, you’re off!


        Complete Dubai Visa Process FAQs

        Is it mandatory to obtain a visa in order to travel to Dubai?

        As mentioned above, it is compulsory to have a visa to enter Dubai or any other state in the UAE. This, however, doesn’t apply to the citizens of GCC nations like Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman.

        Do Children and Infants Need a visa as well?

        Yes. Children, including infants whose parents are not GCC nation’s citizens, require a visa to enter the UAE.

        Is my visa arrival guaranteed?

        The decision of whether to grant a visa is entirely upon the nation’s immigration department. We cannot guarantee that your visa will be granted.

        What documents do I require to apply?

        The people applying for an electronic visa must submit the following documents: Passport-size color photo of the applicant. It is mandatory that the applicant’s face is clear and the photo must have a white background. A scan of the bio page of the passport is required. The passport should have a validity of a minimum of six months on the date of travel. A proof-of-residency is also required. For example, residence visa, phone bill, credit card, bill, utility bill, official printed address page in the passport, etc.

        If my visa gets rejected, will I be refunded?

        In the unfortunate event of your visa getting rejected, there is no provision of refund, as the immigration authorities do not recompense the rejected applicants.

        How many days prior to my visit to the UAE should I apply for a visa?

        Although it will take only 3 to 4 days for the process of your visa, we highly recommend you to apply for the visa at least a week in advance. It will ensure an on-time visa processing and also a hassle-free trip to the city of gold.

        In what cases do the visa gets rejected?

        Since the UAE immigration authorities do not reveal the reason for the rejection of the visa, we cannot say for certain.

        What are the different types of visas?

        Depending on the purpose of your visit, you could apply for tourist, transit, employment or a student visa.

        What about visa on arrival in Dubai?

        The visa on arrival is only provisioned to specific European, North American, and Far East countries. Some of them are Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Iceland, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK, and the USA. We recommend you to inquire with your local embassy or the airline service provider regarding the latest provisions and policies of visa on arrival in Dubai.

        Can I book my tickets before applying for the visa?

        Yes, you can book your tickets beforehand.

        How can I track my visa application status?

        You can track your visa application via the email link which we will send you via email. The email will be sent to you after you have successfully applied for the visa.

        If I have a valid Dubai visa, am I allowed to visit other Emirates?

        Yes, once you have a valid visa for the UAE, you are free to travel anywhere within the country during your visa stay.

        Is there an age limit or criteria for applying for the visa?

        Yes, it is mandatory for females below the age of 30, and male below 22 years of age should apply for the visit visa along with their parents, or husband in order to avoid potential visa rejection.

        Aadat Shrestha

        Dubai Travel Guide