What Do You Need to Know About Dubai Tourist Visa

When you your dream holiday destination, Dubai is on everyone’s list. Let the dreams of luxury shopping experiences, modern architecture and epic nightlife seep into your system here in Dubai. The city offers you some of the best restaurants from around the world. One of the best things about visiting Dubai, by extension, UAE, is that the country has an easy visa-on-arrival process for most passport holders. This article sheds light on the information of apply for Dubai tourist visa. 

What is the Dubai Tourist Visa?

Dubai tourist visa for UAE tourist visa is available on a short-term and long-term basis. You can get a UAE visa for 14, 30, 90 and 180 days. The visa requirements depend from country to country. At the same time, some countries have the option of a visa on arrival, although with the change in rules, certain passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. For example, Indian citizens cannot avail of visas on arrival anymore. If you plan to visit Dubai before 2023 ends, check all the guidelines before booking your plane tickets and accommodation.  

Visa On Arrival Dubai

Dubai tourist visas can be availed for people of many nationalities on arrival. It depends on the country the citizen belongs to, which also dictates the maximum number of days someone can stay in Dubai. Details regarding who receives a visa on arrival and for what duration are given below.

• Five-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

You can choose from different time durations you want to be in the country. Families of expats living in the UAE benefit from this visa since it makes it easier for them to visit their loved ones without having to submit several applications. The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is available to passport holders of all nations, as agreed by the UAE Cabinet at an assembly presided over by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The self-sponsorship visa will permit travellers to remain in the nation for up to 180 consecutive days. Holders of a valid 5-year tourist visa may also ask for an extension of 90 days to enter and leave the UAE as often as necessary.

This multiple-entry tourist visa was introduced by the government in 2022. Visitors don’t need sponsors for the visa. The main requirement is to have USD 4,000 (or equivalent currency) in the last six months in their bank account. 

• Dubai Visa On Arrival

Most passport holders do not need a visa stamp before entering the country. Citizens of the following countries can avail of visas on arrival. 

• Dubai Visa On Arrival For 30 Days

The Citizens of 19 countries can get a visa on arrival. 

1. • Andorra
   • Australia
   • Brunei
   • Canada
   • 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 following countries are allotted a multi-entry visa in the United Arab Emirates for six months. 

1. • 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

• Dubai Visa On Arrival For 180 Days

Only Mexican citizens are allowed 180 days visa on arrival. 

• Dubai Visit Visa For GCC Nationals And Residents

GCC nationals and residents do not need a visa to enter Dubai. They can simply show their valid passport or national ID card upon entry. However, if you are a GCC resident and want to bring your family or friends to Dubai, they must apply for Dubai tourist visa. The visa application process for GCC residents can be completed online on the official website of the GCC. You will need to provide the following documents:

• • Your valid passport
  • Your valid Iqama (residence permit)
  • A recent passport-sized photograph
  • A copy of your sponsor’s passport and iqama (if you want to apply for Dubai tourist visa for your family or friends) 

You can apply for Dubai tourist visa for up to 30 days, 90 days, or 180 days. The cost of the visa depends on the length of stay. Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-visa to present at the airport on arrival.  

• Can Indian Nationals Get a Dubai Tourist Visa on Arrival?

Indian nationals can no longer obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Dubai. All Indian nationals must now apply for a visa in advance, either online or at a UAE embassy or consulate. If you are an Indian citizen planning to travel to Dubai, you must apply for Dubai tourist visa in advance. You can do this online at the UAE government website or by visiting your region’s embassy or consulate. The visa application process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few days. The cost of a tourist visa for Indian nationals is AED200 (US$54). The visa is valid for 30 days and can be a single or multiple entry.

To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• • A valid passport
  • A recent passport-sized photograph
  • A completed visa application form
  • A visa fee
  • Proof of accommodation in Dubai
  • Proof of financial support
  • A return ticket to India

If you are applying for a visa at a UAE embassy or consulate, you may also be required to provide an interview. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa sticker to affix to your passport. 

UAE Visa Extension New Rules – 2023

The Immigration and Citizenship Platform of UAE has announced changes in the visa rules. Some of them are listed below.

• • According to the new regulations, visitors may renew their 30-day and 60-day visit visas for an extra 30 days from within the country.
  • You can only stay in the country for 120 days in a calendar year. Thus you cannot extend your visa beyond this period. 
  • You can extend your Dubai Visa on Arrival during your stay in the UAE.
  • It is also feasible for tourists with 90-day tourist visas to extend their stay by an extra 90 days. Additionally, extending all types of tourist visas for an extra 30 days is now possible. The cost of a UAE visit visa extension is around AED 1,100.

Difference Between a Tourist Visa And a Visit Visa

A tourist visa allows individuals to enter a foreign country for tourism, leisure, and recreational activities. The primary intent of a tourist visa holder is to explore the destination, experience its culture, visit landmarks, and enjoy various attractions. While a visit visa, on the other hand,  encompasses different purposes of travel beyond just tourism. While it can include tourism, a visit visa can also cover other purposes such as visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, participating in conferences, seeking medical treatment, or short-term educational pursuits. Depending on the destination country’s regulations, a visit visa might have a more flexible duration than a strict tourist visa.

What are the Fees for a Dubai Tourist Visa? 

Dubai Tourist Visa Fees vary depending on the length of stay in the country. A table showing the visa prices for UAE is given below.

What is the Application Process for Dubai Tourist Visa? 

• • Choose a visa application service provider Many visa application service providers can help you apply for a UAE tourist visa. Some of the most popular providers include VFS Global, TLScontact, and Emirates Airlines.
  • The required documents for a UAE tourist visa vary depending on your nationality. However, some of the most common documents include:
    • A valid passport
    • A recent passport-sized photograph
    • A completed visa application form
    • A visa fee
    • Proof of accommodation in Dubai
    • Proof of financial support
    • A return ticket to your home country
  • The visa application form can be found on the website of your chosen visa application service provider. The form is usually in English, but you may be able to find a translated version if your native language is not English.
  • The visa application fee varies depending on your nationality. You can pay the fee online or at the visa application service provider’s office.
  • Once you have gathered the required documents and filled out the visa application form, you can submit your application to the visa application service provider. You can submit your application online or at the visa application service provider’s office.
  • The visa application process typically takes a few days. However, it may take longer if your application needs to be completed or the visa application service provider must verify your documents.
  • Once your visa has been approved, you can collect it from the visa application service provider’s office. You must bring your passport and the visa application fee receipt with you.

Documents Required For Dubai Tourist Visas

The list of documents required to apply for a UAE tourist visa are listed below. 

• • A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Dubai.
  • A recent passport-sized photograph: Your photo must be in colour and taken within the last six months.
  • A completed visa application form: You can find the visa application form on the website of the UAE embassy or consulate in your country.
  • A visa fee: The visa fee varies depending on your nationality.
  • Proof of accommodation: You must provide proof that you have a place to stay in Dubai. This can be a hotel reservation, a letter from a friend or relative hosting you, or a copy of your tenancy agreement.
  • Proof of financial support: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Dubai. This can be a bank statement, a letter from your employer, or a letter from a sponsor.
  • A return ticket: You must have a confirmed return ticket to your home country.

Renewing Or Extending A Tourist Visa

Tourist visas in the UAE can be renewed or extended for 30 days. The process for renewing or extending a tourist visa varies depending on your visa type.

Single-entry tourist visas can be renewed or extended twice for 120 days. To renew or extend a single-entry tourist visa, you must visit the nearest immigration office in the UAE. You will need to provide the following documents:

• • Your passport
  • Your visa
  • A copy of your passport-sized photograph
  • A visa application fee

Multiple-entry tourist visas can be renewed or extended once for 180 days. To renew or extend a multiple-entry tourist visa, you can either visit the nearest immigration office in the UAE or apply online through the ICP/ICA website. You will need to provide the following documents:

• • Your passport
  • Your visa
  • A copy of your passport-sized photograph
  • A visa application fee.

If you are applying to renew or extend your visa online, you must create an account on the ICP/ICA website and submit your application through the website. You will also need to pay the visa application fee online.

Conclusion

While apply for Dubai tourist visa, update your passport. Apply for the visa at least 30 days before your planned departure date if you are an Indian citizen. Your passport should also be valid for six months and two blank pages. Keep your return ticket ready before you apply for your visa. Keep up with the Dubai tourist visa guidelines just before you apply for your visa. You will receive your visa in 5 days. If you apply for an express visa, you will receive your visa within 48 hours.

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