• August 08, 2021

Home to lofty skyscrapers, business centres for international trade, mega malls, al fresco dining, tallest residential buildings, slick art galleries and a range of thrilling attractions, Dubai is an emirate of ambition and fun. Whether you are here for a layover, a short getaway, a month-long vacation, a job or a business purpose, or any other reason, a Dubai visa is required.

Be it the multi-million dollar mega-mansions and a host of 5-star luxury hotels or the biggest fountain display, the city will win your hearts with its world-class luxury. It is a multicultural pot with thriving food scenes and respect for all ethics. Its picture-perfect backdrop mixes with the cutting-edge facilities and provides a wonderful stay. A Dubai tourist visa will help you soak in the wonders of the metropolis. 

To help you understand the whole picture, here is the ultimate guide to a Dubai tourist visa: 

1. What is a Dubai Visa?

For anyone who desires to travel to Dubai, or enters the UAE, permission is needed. Dubai Visa is a document that indicates the holder is allowed to enter, stay and leave in the region for a specified period. You have to submit supporting documents with your visa application. Once verified, the Dubai visa  arrives in the form of an electronic authorization (E-Visa). 

2. Do I need a Dubai Visa?

Whether you need a Dubai visa or not is dependent on your citizenship.

For example, Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit or to be sponsored by a national or resident in the UAE. They just have to produce their national ID and can effortlessly enjoy their stay in the country. But this is subject to certain conditions, so it’s best to enquire before travelling.

Several passport holders are permitted a visa on arrival at no extra cost. Simply get off your flight at Dubai International airport and head towards immigration. Countries that can take advantage of 30‑day visit visa-free of charge are:

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • China
  • Hong Kong, China
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Macau, China
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Ukraine
  • The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
  • United States of America
  • Vatican City

However, if you are a passport holder of any other country, then you must apply for Visa in advance. For instance, Indians have to follow a routine Visa procedure to travel to Dubai. 

3. What are the Types of Dubai Visa? 

There are different types of Dubai visas available, which vary according to the time duration and the purpose of the visit. Here is a straightforward categorisation of the visas:

  1. Transit Visa: When there are connecting flights that stop in the UAE for more than 8 hours, a transit Via is required to enter any of the emirates beyond the airports. In the case of a transit visa, the holder must leave the country in 96 hours. 
  2. Tourist Visa: Anyone who wants to visit Dubai or other cities in the UAE for leisure or holiday purposes should get a tourist visa. 
  3. Visit Visa: For someone who wants to visit friends or relatives living in the UAE must apply for a visit visa. It is provided by the GDRFA office.
  4. Employment Visa: This visa provides a work permit in the UAE. Employment Visa is provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. 
  5. Residence Visa: Once you get and secure the employment visa, the next step is to procure the residence visa. This allows you to become a lawful resident of the UAE. With the Emirates ID, you can also bring your family along. 

Based on the time you want to stay in the UAE, here is the list of Visas:

  1. 46-hour Visa (Non-extendable)
  2. 96-Hour Visa (Non-extendable)
  3. Tourist Visa for 30 days (Extendable)
  • short term (single entry)
  • short term (multiple entry)

4. Tourist Visa for 90 Days  (Extendable)

  • long term (single entry)
  • long term (multiple entry)

 4. 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Dubai is the fourth most visited tourist destination in the world. Over 20 million visitors arrive every year. Even celebrities from around the world plan a vacay or concerts here to immerse in its unparalleled luxury and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience. To make it more convenient, especially for the residents and expats living in the UAE with relatives and loved ones, the government has announced a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities. People can enter and exit as many times as needed in 5 years. 

5. Can I Renew or Extend my Tourist Visa? If yes, for how many days?

It can be extended for 30 days twice without you leaving the country. The extension does not apply for:

  • visitors and tourists who are residents in GCC countries, or accompanying them
  • those on special entry permits
  • those on 96-hour permits

 6. How to Apply for Tourist Visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa via approved airlines, hotels, travel agencies or tour operators. Licensed travel agents/ agencies can help you deal with all the hassles of a visa application, confirmation and approval. The staff’s knowledge and experience will help you remove the errors from the application and get accepted by the embassy the soonest.

 7. Process of Dubai Visa Application

  • Visit the official site of the visa application.
  • Choose your nationality to know whether you need a visa or not. 
  • Then select your visa type to tell the system about the duration of the stay in the country.
  • Fill up the application form with accurate details. 
  • Attach clear and well-scanned documents.
  • Pay visa processing fees through a secured payment gateway. 

 8. What are the Documents required for a Tourist Visa?

  • Completed visa form
  • A photograph against a white background
  • Coloured copy of your passport, including the last page. Passport has to be valid for at least six months at the time of travel
  • Confirmed airline tickets to and from Dubai airport

There are situations where other supporting documents are demanded. You may have to submit financial records, marriage certificate, sponsorship, or invitation from the family residing in UAE. 

9. What are the Rules and Conditions?

  • Visa fees must be paid upon application.
  • The passenger must travel to and from Dubai. 
  • The ticket is non‑refundable if the visa has been issued and utilized.
  • During Covid-19, the RTPCR test is compulsory to get the visa. 
  • Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.
  • All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, while the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
  • It is illegal to work or conduct business with or without pay if you are on a tourist visa. 

 

Conclusion

Applying for a Dubai tourist Visa may seem like a lot of work. But with the right tourist agency by your side, it all becomes seamless and a piece of cake. So, contact a reputable agency and make your holiday to Dubai’s dream come true.