Dubai Visa

Are you planning a trip to Dubai? Make sure you have the right visa before you go.

As one of the Middle East’s most popular tourist and business destinations, Dubai has various visa options available. From short-term tourist visas to long-term work permits, the requirements can vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Types of Dubai Visas

Tourist Visa

The Dubai tourist visa is one of the most common visa options for visitors to the UAE. This visa is available to citizens of many countries around the world, allowing them to enter Dubai for tourism, leisure, or short-term business purposes.

The standard Dubai tourist visa allows entry for either 30 days or 90 days. The length of the visa depends on your nationality – some countries qualify for the longer 90-day visa, while others are limited to 30 days.

There are two main ways to obtain a Dubai tourist visa:

Visa on Arrival: Travelers from eligible countries can simply apply for and receive their tourist visa upon arrival at the Dubai International Airport. This is a convenient option for last-minute or unplanned trips.

Advance Visa Application: Alternatively, you can apply for your Dubai tourist visa in advance, either online or through a licensed travel agency. This is recommended if you need a longer visa duration or want to ensure your application is processed ahead of your travel dates.

Business Visa

If you’re planning to travel to Dubai for any type of business purpose, you’ll need to obtain a Dubai business visa. This includes attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions, or engaging in other commercial activities.

The Dubai business visa is typically valid for 30-90 days, depending on the specific details of your trip and your country of origin. This allows enough time to conduct your business dealings in the emirate.

There are a few key requirements to obtain a Dubai business visa:

Sponsorship: You’ll need to have a local UAE sponsor, such as a registered company or legal entity, that can vouch for your business trip. They will typically handle the visa application process on your behalf.

Supporting Documents: Along with the visa application, you’ll need to provide documents like a detailed itinerary, proof of business relationship with the sponsor, and sometimes a letter of invitation.

Processing Time: The application process can take 5-10 business days on average, so be sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.

Work Visa

If you’ve been offered a job in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain a work visa sponsored by your employer before you can begin employment in the UAE. The Dubai work visa is a requirement for any foreign national planning to be employed within the emirate.

The work visa application process is typically handled by the hiring company on your behalf. As an employee, you’ll need to provide the necessary personal and employment documents, but your employer will be responsible for submitting the visa application and securing the required approvals.

Some of the key requirements for a Dubai work visa include:

Employment Contract: A valid employment contract or offer letter from your UAE-based employer.

Company Documentation: Proof of the sponsoring company’s legal status and business activities in Dubai.

Personal Documents: Your passport, photos, educational certificates, and any other supporting identification.

Medical Exam: You’ll need to undergo a medical examination and obtain a certificate of fitness.

Security Clearance: A security background check is also part of the work visa application process.

Student Visa

If you’re planning to enroll in an educational program in the United Arab Emirates, you’ll need to obtain a student visa for Dubai. This visa type is specifically for foreign nationals who will be studying at a university, college, or other accredited institution within the UAE.

The Dubai student visa application process is typically handled by the admitting educational institution on the student’s behalf. As the applicant, you’ll need to provide the necessary personal documents and information, while the school will manage the visa filing and approval.

Some of the key requirements for a Dubai student visa include:

Acceptance Letter: An official letter of acceptance from the UAE-based university or college where you’ll be studying.

Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition, accommodation, and living expenses in Dubai.

Medical Insurance: You’ll need to show proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of your studies.

Personal Documents: Your passport, photos, and any other supporting identification.

Medical Exam: A mandatory medical examination and test results may also be required.

Dubai Visa Requirements

Whether you’re visiting Dubai for tourism, business, or a longer stay, understanding the visa requirements is crucial for a successful application. Below, you’ll find detailed information on the documents and criteria needed for various types of Dubai visas.

General Requirements for All Visa Types

Regardless of the type of visa, you are applying for, the following basic requirements must be met:

Completed Visa Application Form: Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Dubai. It should have at least two blank pages.

Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent color photograph.

Copy of Flight Booking: Confirmed return or onward flight booking.

Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a letter from a host if staying with family or friends.

Visa Fees: Payment of the applicable visa fees.

Additional Requirements by Visa Type

Tourist Visa

Proof of Financial: Bank statements for the last three to six months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Dubai.

Travel Itinerary: Detailed plan of your activities and places you intend to visit during your stay.

Business Visa

Invitation Letter: An official invitation from a company or organization in Dubai, detailing the nature of the business and duration of the visit.

Company Documents: Proof of your business relationship, such as contracts, correspondence, or meeting schedules.

Proof of Employment: A letter from your current employer stating your position, salary, and purpose of the visit.

Transit Visa

Confirmed Onward Ticket: Proof of a confirmed flight ticket to your next destination.

Short Layover Itinerary: Details of your layover plans in Dubai, if any.

Long-Term Visa

Employment Visa: An offer letter or contract from a Dubai-based employer, along with relevant approval from the Ministry of Labor.

Student Visa: Enrollment letter from a recognized educational institution in Dubai, along with proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Family Visa: Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) if joining a family member residing in Dubai.

Dubai Visa Cost

Understanding the cost of your Dubai visa is crucial for planning your trip. Here, you’ll find a breakdown of the various fees associated with different types of Dubai visas.

Tourist Visa
30-Day Single Entry Visa: Approximately $95 USD

• 90-Day Single Entry Visa: Approximately $190 USD
• 30-Day Multiple Entry Visa: Approximately $230 USD
• 90-Day Multiple Entry Visa: Approximately $460 USD

Business Visa

• 14-Day Single Entry Visa: Approximately $120 USD
• 30-Day Single Entry Visa: Approximately $190 USD
• 90-Day Multiple Entry Visa: Approximately $460 USD

Transit Visa
48-Hour Transit Visa: Free of charge

• 96-Hour Transit Visa: Approximately $30 USD

Long-Term Visa
1-Year Residence Visa (Employment/Student/Family): Costs vary, generally ranging from $1,100 to $1,200 USD, including medical examination and ID card fees.

• 2-Year Residence Visa (Employment/Family): Approximately $1,500 to $1,600 USD, including medical examination and ID card fees.

Additional Fees
Express Processing: For faster processing times, an additional fee of $100 to $150 USD may be applicable.

• Service Fees: Visa application centers and online platforms may charge a service fee ranging from $20 to $50 USD.

Please note that visa fees are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information before applying.

Refund Policy

Visa fees are generally non-refundable once the application is submitted, even if the visa is denied. Make sure all your documents and application forms are complete and accurate to avoid any issues.