Considering a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to visit family or for a brief vacation? Learning about the visa process can be challenging, but you have arrived at a resource that will provide comprehensive information on UAE visit visas.
Whether you need a UAE visa depends on your nationality. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about UAE’s visit visa.
A UAE Visit Visa, often referred to as a Dubai Visit Visa, is intended for individuals from foreign countries who do not qualify for either visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival privileges when traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This type of visa is designed for short-term stays, meaning that its validity is limited to a brief duration. Should you overstay beyond the expiration date indicated on your visa (date of issuance), penalties will be incurred.
The UAE Visit Visa permits people to spend quality time with their family and friends who hold long-term residency visas within the UAE. The duration of validity for a visit visa is determined by the specific visa category; nevertheless, extensions are possible.
There is a slight difference between these two visa categories. To elaborate, the difference is that you can apply for a tourist visa on your own without the need for sponsorship from a family member who is a resident of the UAE.
On the other hand, a visit visa for the UAE is intended for visiting friends, relatives, or family members of those who are residents of the UAE with a valid residence visa.
For this type of visa, sponsorship is required, and your family member must initiate the application on your behalf through online government platforms such as ICP or GDRFA services.
Sometimes, people use the terms interchangeably and may mistakenly think that one category is the same as the other. However, fundamentally, a visit visa for the UAE is used when your purpose is to visit friends or family members.
The type of visit visa you choose depends on how long you plan to stay in the UAE. Fortunately, these visa categories can be extended if you require a longer stay. The UAE government extends the following types of visit visas:
Visa Type | Description | Validity Period | Entry/Exit Allowance |
30-Day Single Entry Visit Visa | Allows one entry and exit within 30 days | 30 days | Single entry |
30-Day Single Multiple Visit Visa | Permits multiple entries and exits within 30 days | 30 days | Multiple entries |
60-Day Single Entry Visit Visa | Allows one entry and exit within 60 days | 60 days | Single entry |
60-Day Multiple Entry Visit Visa | Permits multiple entries and exits within 60 days | 60 days | Multiple entries |
90-Day Single Entry Visit Visa | Allows one entry and exit within 90 days | 90 days | Single entry |
90-Day Single Multiple Visit Visa | Permits multiple entries and exits within 90 days | 90 days | Multiple entries |
These various visit visa options cater to different stay durations and entry/exit allowances to suit your requirements while adhering to UAE government regulations.
The expenses associated with a UAE visit visa vary as per the visa type and your chosen application route. This means that the visa fee might differ based on the method you select.
However, if you decide to apply via the GDRFA platform, the following charges are applicable:
Visa Type | Application Method | Visa Fee (AED) – Single Entry | Visa Fee (AED) – Multiple Entries |
3-Month Visit Visa UAE | GDRFA | 505 | 805 |
90-Day Visit Visa UAE | GDRFA | 950 | 1855 |
30-Day Single Entry Visit Visa UAE | ICP Portal | Approximately 330 | Approximately 430 |
30-Day Multiple Entry Visit Visa UAE | ICP Portal | Approximately 470 | Approximately 670 |
60-Day Single Entry Visit Visa UAE | ICP Portal | Approximately 630 | Approximately 930 |
60-Day Multiple Entry Visit Visa UAE | ICP Portal | Approximately 630 | Approximately 930 |
It’s important to note that the provided visa fees are subject to change and may vary based on the specific application process.
In general, if you have all the required documentation, visa processing in the UAE should take no more than 3 to 5 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays. However, in some cases, it may take longer, depending on the specifics of your visa application.
Before your sponsor can apply for an entry permit through the online portal, it’s essential for them to fulfill specific eligibility requirements.
Here’s an overview of the criteria that the sponsoring individual in the UAE must meet:
It is important to remember that you must provide copies of the required documents to the sponsoring individual in the UAE so that they can begin the application process on your behalf. Following these procedures will ensure a smooth application process for a UAE visit visa.
When applying for a UAE tourist visa on your own, without a sponsor, certain documents are essential. These documents help prove your eligibility for the visa and ensure a smooth application process.
Here’s a list of the documents you’ll require:
It’s important to note that handwritten passports are not accepted for visa applications; your passport should be machine-readable. These documents collectively serve as a formal and complete representation of your readiness to visit Dubai under a tourist visa arrangement.
For a successful application for a UAE visit visa, your passport and photographs must meet specific criteria. These formalities ensure a smooth visa process while maintaining official requirements.
By adhering to these passport and photograph guidelines, you align with the UAE’s formal requirements and set the stage for a seamless visit visa application process.
Embarking on a UAE visit involves sticking to specific financial and documentation guidelines to ensure a seamless journey. Let’s explore these requirements in an easy-to-grasp yet formal manner.
Sponsors need to fulfill the security deposit payment, which ranges from AED 1,025 to AED 2,025 based on the required visa type.
If you’re applying for the visa independently, a critical aspect is providing three months’ bank statements.
These statements should demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover expenses for yourself and your family during the trip. The minimum balance in your account should not fall below AED 3000.
When applying for minors, ensure you have attested copies of their birth certificates. This documentation verifies their identity and relationship to you.
Notably, a Cabinet resolution from July 2018 offers a special provision. Children under 18, and accompanying adults, can obtain a free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.
However, an exception applies to females below 18, who are only eligible for this visa if they travel to Dubai accompanied by their parents.
Getting a UAE visit visa online is easier than you think, thanks to the GDRFA platform. The application process may vary depending on your situation, but here are the steps your Dubai-based sponsor will need to take to apply for you on the GDRFA website:
If you’re residing in Emirates other than Dubai, you can apply for a UAE visit visa online through the ICP portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
It’s important to follow the steps carefully and provide accurate information and documents. The ICP portal offers an easy way for those residing outside Dubai to apply for a UAE visit visa.
When it comes to checking the status of your visit visa for the UAE, you can easily do it online. Follow these simple steps:
After this, you should be directed to a page where you can choose your visa application and track its current status.
Following these steps, you should be able to access and download your approved visa if it’s ready.
If you’re wondering whether you can extend your UAE visa, the answer is yes. Whether you hold a visit or tourist visa, you have the option to extend it for up to 30 days, not once but twice. You can do it without leaving the country.
Here’s how to go about it:
Eligibility | No need to apply in advance |
Stay Duration | Specific days allowed |
Countries Eligible for Visa On Arrival (VOA) | |
VOA for 30 days | VOA for 90 days |
Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, The United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City | Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Demark, 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 |
Indian passport holders who meet certain requirements can apply for a UAE visa on arrival, while individuals from countries not listed must obtain a visit visa before traveling. Mexican passport holders can get a visa on arrival for up to 180 days.
Eligibility | GCC citizens do not need a visa |
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Travel | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
Via Atlys