Before preparing for your trip to the UAE, it is very important you know UAE visa application process and visa requirements. Our update today outlines and details the core visa requirements and application process for UAE (United Arab Emirates) visas.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Dubai or the Other Emirates?
Whether or not you require a UAE visa depends on your nationality. The rules vary, and citizens of certain countries can enter the Emirates without a visa or obtain one upon arrival, while others must obtain it prior to their travel.
Below are lists indicating who needs a UAE visa and who is exempt:
| Country | Visa Needed? | Country | Visa Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Mauritius | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Argentina | Visa free for up to 90 days | Mexico | Visa free for up to 180 days |
| Australia | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Monaco | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Bahamas | Visa on arrival for up to 90 days | Mongolia | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Bahrain | Enter UAE with a passport or ID | Montenegro | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period |
| Barbados | Visa free for up to 90 days | Nauru | Visa free for up to 90 days |
| Brazil | Visa free for up to 90 days | New Zealand | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Brunei | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Norway | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period |
| Canada | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Oman | Enter UAE with a passport or ID |
| Chile | Visa free for up to 90 days | Paraguay | Visa free for up to 90 days |
| China | Visa free for up to 30 days | Russia | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period |
| Costa Rica | Visa on arrival for up to 90 days | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period |
| El Salvador | Visa on arrival for up to 90 days | San Marino | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland) | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period | Saudi Arabia | Enter UAE with a passport or ID |
| Honduras | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period | Serbia | Visa free for up to 90 days |
| Hong Kong | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Seychelles | Visa free for up to 90 days |
| Iceland | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period | Singapore | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Ireland | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Solomon Islands | Visa free for up to 90 days |
| Japan | Visa free for up to 30 days | South Korea | Visa on arrival for up to 90 days |
| Kazakhstan | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Switzerland | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period |
| Kuwait | Enter UAE with a passport or ID | Ukraine | Visa free for up to 30 days |
| Liechtenstein | Visa free for up to 90 days in any 180 day period | United Kingdom | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Macau | Visa free for up to 30 days | United States | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
| Malaysia | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days | Uruguay | Visa free for up to 90 days |
| Maldives | Visa on arrival for up to 90 days | Vatican | Visa on arrival for up to 30 days |
**Note:** Nationals of certain countries with a diplomatic or service passport are also exempt from a UAE tourist visa or eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival. For the list of these countries, please refer to the provided information in the original text.
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UAE Visa Application
Regardless of the type of visa you apply for, all applicants must undergo a medical test and submit a clear criminal record certificate.
The process of applying for a UAE visa typically involves the following steps:
- Determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit.
- Gather the required documents, including a passport with at least 6 months validity, a confirmed return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and any additional documents required for the type of visa you are applying for.
- Complete the visa application form and submit it along with the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time you choose.
- Wait for your visa to be processed. The processing time varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time you choose, but typically takes 3-5 working days.
- Once your visa has been approved, you can collect it and make arrangements to travel to the UAE.
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- Any of the following airlines provided that you’ll be flying with them:
It is important to note that visa requirements and the visa application process are subject to change without notice, so it is always best to check with the relevant authorities before applying for a visa.
How much is UAE visa fee?
The cost of a visa for the United Arab Emirates varies based on the type of visa and the length of stay. Some common types of visas and their fees include:
- Tourist visa: AED 220 ($60)
- 96-hour transit visa: AED 50 ($13.50)
- 30-day single-entry tourist visa: AED 250 ($68)
- 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 400 ($108)
- 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 1,000 ($272)
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change and additional charges, such as processing fees, may apply. It’s best to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
How long does it take visa application to be approved in UAE?
The processing time for a visa application in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the time of year, and the workload of the visa processing center.
A tourist visa application can typically be processed within three to five working days. However, during peak travel seasons, processing times may be longer. For expedited processing, some visa processing centers offer express or rush services for an additional fee.
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It’s important to note that visa processing times are subject to change and can vary based on individual circumstances. It’s best to check with the relevant authorities or visa processing center for the most up-to-date information.
UAE Visa Requirements
When applying for a tourist visa in the UAE, you need to prepare several documents to support your application. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
-
Passport Documents:
- Photocopies of your passport and your sponsor’s passport (if applicable).
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity.
- Photocopies of relevant pages (original passport may not always be required).
-
Passport Photos:
- Passport-size pictures complying with UAE visa photo requirements.
-
Special Requirements for Female Solo Travelers:
- If you’re a woman traveling alone, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your father or husband.
-
Travel Arrangements:
- Confirmed round-trip airline ticket or onward travel ticket, especially if applying through a specific airline.
-
Accommodation Proof:
- Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel reservation.
-
Medical Insurance:
- Proof of purchased travel medical insurance valid for the UAE.
-
Personal Statement:
- A letter from you stating the purpose and duration of your visit.
-
Proof of Legal Residence:
- If you’re not a citizen of your current residence country, provide proof of legal residence like a visa or residence permit.
-
Host-related Documents (if applicable):
- Proof of relationship with your host.
- Proof of their residential status, including a copy of your host’s UAE Resident Visa and/or Emirates ID.
- Proof of their financial status, such as a certified copy of their work contract or salary certificate.
-
Travel History Documentation:
- Copies of entry and exit stamps to the UAE from your passport if you visited in the last year.
- Copies of visas to specific countries (USA, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Russia, Australia, or New Zealand) received in the past 5 years.
-
Possibly Required Additional Documents:
- Proof of financial status.
- Proof of your current address.
- Marriage certificate.
- Any additional documents specified by the relevant visa issuing authorities in Dubai/UAE.
Ensuring that you have all the necessary documents will help streamline your visa application process.
How much bank balance is required for Dubai visa?
There is no specific bank balance requirement for a visa to Dubai. However, the visa authorities may look at financial stability as a factor in the visa application process, as it assures that the applicant will be able to support themselves financially during their stay in Dubai.
Having a minimum of AED 2,000 ($544) per month of your stay in Dubai is recommended to cover your living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and transportation. This amount may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the length of your stay.
In the case of sponsored visas, the sponsor (such as an employer or a relative) is typically required to provide proof of their financial stability and ability to support the applicant during their stay in Dubai.
Why does UAE visa get rejected?
A visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be rejected for various reasons, including:
- Incomplete or incorrect information on the visa application form
- Invalid or expired passport
- Insufficient funds to support the stay in the UAE
- A criminal record or prior immigration violations
- Previous overstaying or violating visa conditions in the UAE or other countries
- Health issues that pose a risk to public health or safety
- Lack of a clear purpose or ties to the home country
- Suspicion of being involved in illegal or unethical activities
It’s important to note that the visa authorities reserve the right to reject a visa application for any reason deemed necessary. Visa rejection decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
To increase the chances of a successful visa application, it’s recommended to provide accurate and complete information on the visa application form, have a valid passport, and demonstrate financial stability and ties to the home country.
How long can I stay in the UAE with a visa?
Once you receive a UAE visa, you typically have around 60 days to use it and enter the country. Upon arrival, the duration of your stay in the UAE is determined by the purpose of your visit.
As a tourist, you’re allowed to stay for up to 30 days. For those in transit, the permitted stay is limited to a maximum of 4 days. Employment visas are issued for a maximum of 2 months, during which you must either convert it into a Residence Visa or exit the country.
Can I extend a UAE visa?
Yes, you can. Since 2018, you have the option to extend nearly any UAE visa or entry permit twice, each time for an additional 30 days, by paying a fee of AED 600. It’s crucial to apply for a visa extension before the expiration of your current visa to avoid fines for overstaying.
However, certain categories of individuals are not eligible for a UAE visa extension, including visitors or tourists who are residents of a GCC country, GCC residents accompanying a GCC national, holders of special entry permits, those with a 96-hour permit for special missions, and individuals seeking a UAE Residence Visa extension due to widowhood or divorce.
What happens if I overstay in Dubai on a tourist visa?
Overstaying on your Dubai visa comes with a penalty of AED 100 for each day exceeded. To avoid these fines, it’s advisable to apply for a visa extension if you know you need to stay longer.
Can I work in Dubai with a tourist visa?
No, you cannot. A tourist or visitor visa for the UAE does not grant permission for employment. If you intend to work, you must apply for a UAE Work Visa and Work Permit. Engaging in unauthorized work in the UAE, even if unpaid, can lead to deportation and potential fines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UAE visa application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a matter of days. By following the steps outlined above and ensuring you have all the required documents, you can secure a visa for your visit to the UAE and enjoy all this vibrant country has to offer.