The ever glittering city of Dubai has emerged as one of the must-visit destinations in the Middle East. The “city of gold” exhibits the perfect symbiosis of urban lifestyle and rich traditional culture. It is famed for its top-notch architectural marvels and gilt-edged shopping centers. You can admire its magnificent skyline, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, shop to your heat’s content at one of the famous souq-markets, go dune-bashing, or experience royalty at the Burj-Al-Arab. Dubai has plenty to offer!
If traveling to Dubai is on the cards, you’ll most likely need to obtain a visa. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to secure a visit visa for Dubai:
Check the visa requirements for your country:
Americans, citizens of EU member states, and GCC countries can travel visa-free and stay in Dubai for up to 30 days. However, if you don’t belong to the aforementioned regions, you’ll have to apply for a visa.
Determine what type of visa you need:
Before applying for a visa, its important to know your visa type based on the purpose of visit and duration of stay. The different types of visit visas issued are:
- Transit Visa (96 hours) – Its valid for up to 30 days from the date of issue.
- Tourist Visa – short (single entry) – Its valid for a period of 30 days upon arrival.
- Tourist Visa – short (multiple entry) – Its valid for a period of 30 days counted from the date of first entry.
- Tourist Visa – long term (single entry) – Valid for up to 90 days from date of arrival.
- Tourist Visa – long term (multiple entry) – Valid for up to 90 days from first entry.
Visa Fees:
The fees will vary depending upon the type of visa you’re seeking. Nonetheless, it can cost anywhere between Rs 4,500 to Rs 25,000. Most people opt for a short term (one-time entry) tourist visa which costs approximately Rs 6,700.
Documents Required:
- Receipt of visa application fees
- A passport that is valid for a minimum period of six months
- Scanned copy (color) of the first and last page of the passport
- Recent passport-size color photograph of the applicant with a white background
- Visa application form duly filled
- Confirmed return air tickets
- Proof of address
When to apply?
Its recommended that you apply for a visa at least a week or two prior to your date of departure.
Processing time:
It normally takes between 4 - 5 days to issue any type of visa for UAE.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a copy of your visa via email.
Ok to Board – what does it mean?
Your sponsor or agent will need to verify your visa two days prior to departure. A copy of your visa is sent to the airline you’ve chosen to fly with, after which the airline checks off your PNR as “OK to Board”. In case your visa was issued in the UAE, your sponsor will have to get in touch with one of the representative offices.
Dubai Visa Video
Watch this video on Dubai Visa to get a better understanding of the process, necessary details and information. Here's the fastest and the easiest way to fly to Dubai in just 5 working days.
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