Dubai, a vibrant metropolis known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and lively nightlife, is a popular travel destination. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s important to understand the process and requirements of obtaining a Dubai visa.
Keep reading to determine whether you need to pre-arrange for a visa to enter Dubai and to find out what are the different Dubai visa prices and requirements.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?
GCC Citizens and Residents
- GCC Citizens: Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE) can enter Dubai visa-free. They need only their GCC country passport or national ID card.
- GCC Residents: GCC residents must carry a copy of their residence permit. They can also apply online for a Dubai e-visa.
Other Travellers
- Dubai Visa on Arrival: Visitors from certain countries can obtain a Dubai visa on arrival free of charge. Check if your country is on the list of eligible countries.
- Pre-arranged Visa: If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, you must apply for a Dubai visa in advance and pay a fee.
Types of pre-arranged UAE Visas for Visiting Dubai
Dubai Tourist Visas
The UAE offers several types of tourist visas, each with specific durations, fees and entry allowances:
- Short-term Dubai Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
- Duration: 30 days
- Fee: AED 250
- Short-term Dubai Tourist Visa (Multiple Entries)
- Duration: 30 days
- Fee: AED 690
- Long-term Dubai Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
- Duration: 90 days
- Fee: AED 600
- Long-term Dubai Tourist Visa (Multiple Entries)
- Duration: 90 days
- Fee: AED 1740
Tourist visas can be extended for an extra fee of AED 600. To extend your Dubai tourist visa, refer to this page.
Dubai Transit Visa
Dubai transit visas are of two types and cannot be extended:
- Duration: Either 48 hours or 96 hours
- Fee: The 48-hour visa is free of charge while the 96-hour visa costs AED 50
- Eligibility: Issued for stopovers in Dubai airports lasting more than 8 hours and less than 96 hours. More information is available here.
Requirements for Dubai Visa Application
To apply for a pre-arranged Dubai visa, the requirements vary with the type of visa. In most of the cases you will need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the UAE.
- A completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of onward or return travel.
- Financial proof (such as bank statements).
- Health insurance.
- Proof of visa fee payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Dubai transit visa for a 2-8 hour stopover?
No, a transit visa is not required for stopovers of 2-8 hours. You can use the airport lounges and restaurants during this period.
Do US citizens need a visa for Dubai?
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai for a stay of up to 30 days. This is free of charge and no visa arrangements need to be done beforehand. For longer stays, a visa should be arranged in advance.
Do I need a visa for Dubai from the UK?
Similar to US citizens, UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai for stays of up to 30 days. They don’t cost anything and need no preparation in advance, but for longer stays a pre-arranged visa should be acquired.
Do Schengen visa holders require a visa for Dubai?
Individuals with a Schengen region passport can get a visa on arrival in Dubai. Those with a Schengen visa should check their eligibility based on their nationality.
Can Indian nationals get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Yes, Indian nationals with a normal passport valid for at least 6 months and a valid US visa (any type) / Uk residence visa / European residence visa can obtain a Dubai visa on arrival for a stay of up to 14 days. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days.
How can I extend my Dubai visa?
To extend your stay, visit the GDRFA website and apply for a Dubai visa extension.
For more detailed information, refer to the official UAE tourist visa and transit visa pages.
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