All you need to know about Dubai tourist visas
- Dubai Tourist Visa Types
- 5-Year Visa
- Visa on Arrival
- Fees
- Application
- Documents
- Renewal of Tourist Visa
- FAQs
Over the years, Dubai has strengthened its position as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And it’s easy to guess why the city is popular with visitors. Not many places can rival attractions like the world’s tallest tower – Burj Khalifa, glitzy shopping malls and artificial islands in Dubai. As a result, the number of people interested in getting a Dubai tourist visa grows yearly.
Do you need a visa to travel to Dubai? Let’s find out.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBAI TOURIST VISAS
The Dubai government has a straightforward visa policy for tourists. Below is an overview of the process, including the different types of Dubai tourist visas and the required documentation for application.
If you plan to visit Dubai soon, this blog is for you. Remember, you must get a tourist visa to visit the city for leisure activities.
FIVE-YEAR MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA
This visa benefits families of expats residing in the UAE, as they can visit their loved ones easily without going 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 will allow the individual to stay in the country for up to continuous 180 days. Furthermore, 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.
DUBAI VISA ON ARRIVAL
Passport holders of some countries do not require a visa to visit Dubai. Dubai tourist visa requirements may change depending on your nationality.
If you belong to any of these nations, you can buy a ticket and start your dream holiday.
DUBAI VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR 30 DAYS
Citizens of the following 19 countries are offered a 30-day visa-on-arrival facility. As stated earlier, if you are a passport holder of any of the countries listed below, you don’t need any 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
The passport holders of the following countries or territories are offered 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 finalising plans, remember to visit the official government website, as 3 months tourist visa Dubai rules can change.
DUBAI VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR 180 DAYS
Mexican passport holders are eligible for a multi-entry, 180-day visa on arrival that 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
Indian nationals with a valid visit visa/ green card issued by the USA, a valid residence visa of the UK or EU residency can get a visa on arrival for 14 days in the UAE. All visas or residence permits should have at least a six months validity from the date of arrival into the UAE.
If you are travelling from the capital city to the land of the free, there is the option of preclearance for US immigration in Abu Dhabi.
DUBAI TOURIST VISAS FEES
Here is a look at Dubai tourist visa price.
Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Visa Type Transit visa 48-Hour | Fee AED 37 |
Visa Type Transit visa 96-Hours | Fee AED 180 |
Visa Type Tourist – short term (single entry) | Fee AED 330 |
Visa Type Tourist visa (Multiple Entry) | Fee AED 500 |
Visa Type Tourist – long term (single entry) | Fee AED 650 |
Visa Type Tourist – long term (multiple entry) | Fee AED 850 |
* Dubai tourist visa cost is subject to change according to the service provider
HOW TO APPLY FOR A TOURIST VISA?
Tourist Visas or entry permits are typically offered via a sponsor, which can be:
- A UAE-based airline
- A UAE-based hotel or tour agent
UAE residents can also sponsor friends and family for visit visas, provided certain conditions are met.
APPLYING FOR A VISA THROUGH TOUR AGENTS OR HOTELS BASED IN UAE
There are a plethora of tour companies and hotels that will assist you in your visa arrangements. Also, you can find many tour agents and hotels offering these services online. To confirm the 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.
- Coloured copy of your passport. Some countries’ passports have important info on the last page. Coloured copies of the last page will also be required in this case.
- A passport valid for at least six months at the time of 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
All tourist visas can be extended for thirty days twice without leaving the country. Renewal will cost AED 600, plus AED 10 for e-services (if applicable). However, a penalty must be paid if you apply for a Dubai visa extension after expiry. For tourist visa extensions in Dubai, visit the GDFRA website.
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES FOR THE UAE VISIT VISA HOLDERS?
UAE has enforced some strict rules for those travelling to the country on visit visa. Travellers must carry either AED 3,000 in cash or a credit card, a valid return ticket and proof of accommodation. The passport must also be valid for at least 6 months. Those who fail to follow Dubai tourist visa rules, may be barred from travelling.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A UAE VISIT VISA AFTER COMPLETING THE APPLICATION?
Under normal circumstances, you will be issued a visit visa within 4-5 working days, provided 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 and the info regarding this will be supplied at the time of application. Once you exit the country, this deposit will be refunded within four to seven working days.
DO CHILDREN NEED A VISA TO VISIT DUBAI?
Yes, visitors of all ages must have valid travel documents, including passports and visas, while travelling to the UAE.
Undoubtedly, Dubai is an international visitor’s destination of choice for its rich culture and glamorous city lifestyle. And the relatively simple and rapid visa process is a big positive. If you have family members or friends residing in different parts of the world, Dubai could be an ideal location to plan a get-together. In fact, all your family and friends can apply for Dubai tourist visas from the same tour company or airline.
Moving around the city isn’t a hassle, either. For instance, tourists only need basic documents to rent a car in Dubai. There are many apps for Dubai tourists that can make your trip fun and comfortable. And for accommodation, you can opt for all-inclusive hotel deals in Dubai.
If you want to move to the UAE long-term, you need a UAE residence visa. If you already have one, keep track of the validity. Our guide on the UAE visa status can be helpful! Read our Dubai visas guide to learn more about the different types of visas. You should also be careful about not overstaying in the country. If you do for some reason, here is the process for the UAE overstay fine check.
