How to Apply for Dubai Visa?

December 14, 2023

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Applying for a visa to visit Dubai can seem daunting, but with some preparation and knowledge of the process, it turns out to be seamless. Here is a step-by-step guide to Dubai visa process, required documents, eligibility criteria, processing times, potential reasons for rejection, and costs.

Types of Visa in Dubai

Dubai offers several different types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. The main types are outlined below:

Visa Type	Duration of Stay	Visa Validity Period	Extendable	Visa Type
Tourist Visa	30 days	60 days from the date of issue	No	Short term
Transit Visa	96 hours	14 days from the date of issue	No	Short term
48-Hour Transit Visa	48 hours	14 days from the date of issue	No	Short term
96-Hour Transit Visa	96 hours	14 days from the date of issue	No	Short term
14-Day Visa	14 days	60 days from the date of issue	No	Short term
30-Day Visa	30 days	60 days from the date of issue	Yes, for an additional 30 days	Short term
90-Day Visa	90 days	60 days from the date of issue	No	Long term
180-Day Visa	180 days	60 days from the date of issue	No	Long term
Multiple-Entry Visa	30 days	60 days from the date of issue	No	Multi entry

The type of visa you need will depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Most nationalities can apply for a tourist visa online.

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa Online?

The easiest way to apply for a Dubai visa is through the official visa application website. Here are the steps:

Go to www.gdrfad.gov.ae and click on “Apply for Visa.” Create an account and log in.
Fill out the online visa application form with personal details, as asked.
Select the type of visa you need and your entry date to Dubai.
Pay the visa fees by credit/debit card. Processing fees may apply.
Upload digital copies of your passport, passport photo, and other required documents.
Review your application carefully before submission.
Wait for it to be processed – usually takes 1-5 days.
Download your visa if approved or contact the Embassy if rejected.
The entire process can be done online in around 15-20 minutes if all the documents are ready.The entire process can be done online in around 15-20 minutes if all the documents are ready.

Documents Required for a Dubai Visa

You will need to provide a few documents when applying for your visa:

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months
Passport-sized photo with white background, taken within the last 6 months
Proof of hotel booking or address of where you will stay
Confirmed return flight booking
Financial proof displaying bank statements, payslips, etc.
Additional documents depending on visa type

Here are some visa-specific requirements:

Visa Type	Additional Documents
Tourist Visa	Hotel booking or tour itinerary
Transit Visa	Confirmed connecting flight booking
Business Visa	Letter of invitation from Dubai company
Employment Visa	Employment contract from Dubai company

Make sure all documents are valid and easy-to-read scanned copies. Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for visa rejection.

Are you eligible for a Dubai Visa?

There are a few requirements you must meet to be eligible for a Dubai visa:

A valid passport from an approved country. (Check if your nationality is allowed)
Sufficient funds to cover your stay –At least AED 2000 per person is recommended.
Proof of employment or sufficient income if applying for long-term visas.
A clear criminal record certificate, if required.
Certain medical tests completed for employment visas.
Not banned for a previous violation of UAE laws.

Meeting all the eligibility criteria is important for a smooth visa application process.

Application Processing Timeline for Dubai Visa

Once you submit your complete Dubai visa application online, it will go through these processing steps:

Initial application review – within 1 day
Further background checks – 1-3 days
Application approval/rejection – within 5 days
Visa issued and sent to you – via email upon approval
Total processing time – usually 3-5 working days

Visit/family visas may get approval in just 1-2 days if you provide sufficient documents upfront. Business or employment visas take longer – around 5-7 working days. You will be notified by email as soon as your visa is issued so you can make your travel arrangements.

Reasons why Dubai Visa gets Rejected

Some common reasons Dubai visa applications get rejected include:

Insufficient funds in bank account statements
Mistake in passport details or expiry date
Fake or incorrect documents submitted
Criminal record, legal issues, or security threats
Sudden change in travel plan without a valid reason
Existing UAE immigration law violation
Invalid UAE health insurance (for employment visas)
Failure to meet eligibility criteria
Previous visa overstays in UAE
Errors in the online application form
Suspected intention to immigrate illegally

If your visa is rejected, there will be a notification emailed to you stating the reason. You can reapply after fixing the issues.

Cost of Dubai Visa

Dubai visa fees depend on your nationality and visa type. Here are typical costs:

Tourist Visa: AED 350-500 ($95-$135)
96 Hour Transit Visa: AED 120-165 ($33-$45)
30 Day Visa: AED 650-750 ($177-$204)
90 Day Visa: AED 850-1000 ($232-$272)
180 Day Visa: AED 1,150-1,250 ($313-$341)
Multiple Entry Visa: AED 2,750-3,250 ($750-$885)

Additional service fees for processing and delivery may apply. Visa costs may be higher depending on your nationality. People holding passports from Western countries generally pay more. Visa fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected. Final words Applying for a Dubai visa is now simple with the online application process. Submit your documents carefully to avoid rejection. Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Visa costs vary based on nationality and visa type. Processing can take 3-5 days so apply well in advance of your travel date. FAQs

How early should I apply for my Dubai visa?

It’s recommended to start your visa application at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled travel date to Dubai. Once you submit the application and documents, processing can take 3-5 business days.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Dubai?

Citizens of a handful of countries like the GCC can obtain a visa on arrival. For most other nationalities, you must get a visa before you travel to Dubai.

Do I need travel insurance for a Dubai visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended to cover any medical costs or emergencies during your stay. Some Dubai hotels may require proof of insurance at check-in.

Can I extend my 30-day Dubai tourist visa?

Yes, most 30-day tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days by paying a visa extension fee online. Other visa types usually cannot be extended.