Dubai tourist visas: all you need to know

Dubai has consolidated its place as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations over time. It’s not hard to see why the city is so popular with tourists. Few destinations can match Dubai’s attractions, which include the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, glamorous shopping malls, and man-made islands. As a result, the number of people seeking a Dubai tourist visa is increasing every year.

Is a visa required for travel to Dubai? Let’s have a look.

All You Need to Know About Dubai Tourist Visas

The Dubai government has an ‘easy to understand’ tourist visa scheme. Following that, we’ll have a look at the various types of Dubai visas as well as the papers required to apply.

This article is for you if you are planning a trip to Dubai shortly. If you’re visiting the city for leisure activities, keep in mind that you’ll need a tourist visa.

Five-year Multiple-entry Tourist Visa

Families of ex-pats living in the UAE would benefit from this visa since they will be able to visit their loved ones without having to go through the application procedure many times.

All passport holders can apply for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, which was authorized by the UAE Cabinet during a meeting chaired 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 permits the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days. In addition, valid 5-year tourist visa holders can apply for a 90-day extension to enter and exit the UAE as often as they choose.

Multi-entry Tourist Visa

Earlier in 2022, the government announced a new multi-entry tourist visa, which will go into effect in September. The visa is valid for up to 90 days, but it can be extended for another 90 days. Please keep in mind that your visit cannot last more than 180 days in a 12-month period.

Tourists aren’t required to have a sponsor. A six-month bank statement showing a balance of 4,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies) must be presented with the visa application.

Dubai Visa on Arrival

Some countries’ passport holders do not require a visa to visit Dubai. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you can purchase a ticket and begin your ideal holiday.

Dubai Visa on Arrival for 30 Days

A 30-day visa on arrival is available to citizens of the following 19 countries. As previously indicated, visitors to Dubai and the UAE do not require any prior visa arrangements if they carry a passport from one of the nations listed below.

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Brunei
4. Canada
5. Hong Kong, China
6. Macau, China 
7. Japan
8. Kazakhstan
9. Malaysia
10. Mauritius
11. Monaco
12. New Zealand
13. Republic of Ireland
14. San Marino
15. Singapore
16. Ukraine
17. The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
18. United States of America
19. Vatican City

Dubai Visa on Arrival for 90 Days

Passport holders from the following countries or territories are eligible for a 90-day visit visa with multiple entries that is valid for six months.

1. Argentina
2. Austria
3. Bahamas Islands
4. Barbados
5. Belgium
6. Brazil
7. Bulgaria
8. Chile
9. Colombia
10. Costa Rica
11. Croatia
12. Cyprus
13. Czech Republic
14. Denmark
15. El Salvador
16. Estonia
17. Finland
18. France
19. Germany
20. Greece
21. Honduras
22. Hungary
23. Iceland
24. Italy
25. Kiribati
26. Latvia
27. Liechtenstein
28. Lithuania
29. Luxembourg
30. Maldives
31. Malta
32. Montenegro
33. Nauru
34. Netherlands
35. Norway
36. Paraguay
37. Peru
38. Poland
39. Portugal
40. Romania
41. Russian Federation
42. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
43. San Marino
44. Serbia
45. Seychelles
46. Slovakia
47. Slovenia
48. Solomon Islands
49. South Korea
50. Spain
51. Sweden
52. Switzerland
53. Uruguay

Dubai Visa on Arrival for 180 Days

Mexican passport holders are eligible for a 180-day visa on arrival that is valid for six months and allows multiple entries.

Dubai Visit Visa for GCC Nationals and Residents

Visas on arrival are available to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council, however, must apply for a visa before visiting the UAE.

Dubai Tourist Visas on Arrival for Indian Nationals

Visas on arrival are available to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council, however, must apply for a visa before visiting the UAE.

Dubai Tourist Visas Fees

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa?

Tourist visas or entry permits are usually obtained through a sponsor, which can include one or more of the following:

• A UAE-based airline
• A hotel or travel agency based in the United Arab Emirates.
• Residents of the UAE can sponsor friends and family members for visit visas if certain conditions are met.

Applying for a Visa Through Tour Agents or Hotels Based in UAE

There are many tour firms and hotels that can help you with your visa procedures. You may also locate a lot of tour operators and hotels that provide similar services online. You can always call a local UAE embassy to verify their validity.

Applying for a Visa Through an Airline

The following four airlines provide visa services needed to enter Dubai:

• Etihad Airways
• Emirates Airline
• Fly Dubai
• Air Arabia

* Visa services are offered when you start buying tickets from the airline.

Mandatory Documents Required for Dubai Tourist Visas

Anyone applying for a tourist visa in Dubai must have the following documents:

• Completed visa application.
• Photograph on a white background, 6*6cm (600*600 pixels).
• A colored copy of your passport is required. The last page of some passports contains vital information. In this situation, colored copies of the last page will also be required.
• At the time of travel, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
• Tickets to and from Dubai International Airport have been confirmed.

Please note that:

• Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide additional documentation.
• The time it takes to get a visa varies depending on the situation.