Traveling to UAE
The UAE is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for tourism, business, sport, education, medicine, and other purposes.
Unless visa exempt or eligible to obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival, foreign nationals wishing to enter the UAE are required to apply for the appropriate UEA visa, based on the intended purpose for traveling to the UAE.
Who needs a UAE visa? GCC nationals can travel to the UAE visa free, requiring only to present their passport or national ID at the UAE port of entry. Several foreign nationals are eligible to travel to the UAE and obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. All other foreign nationals must apply for a UAE e-Visa or UAE sticker visa before traveling to the UAE.
UAE visas can be single or multiple entry and are valid for 60 days from the date of entry into the UAE, except UAE Transit Visas, which are valid for 30 days. Within the validity period, you can stay in the UAE between 14 and 180 days, depending on your nationality and the UAE visa type applied for.
Travelers wishing to extend their duration of stay can extend their UAE visa.
UAE visa types
If you are a foreign national who is required to obtain a UAE visa prior to traveling to the UAE, you must apply for the appropriate UAE visa based on your purpose for traveling to the UAE. The UAE visa types are:
- TOURIST VISA
- BUSINESS VISA
- STUDENT VISA
- REMOTE WORK VISA
- PATIENT & COMPANION VISA
- E-VISA FOR GCC RESIDENTS
- RETIREMENT VISA FOR UAE RESIDENTS
- TRANSIT VISA
UAE visa requirements
The following items are required to apply for all UAE visas:
Passport copy
One color copy of passport, valid for at least 3 months
Application form
A completed UAE visa application form
Personal photo
One color passport photograph on white background
Ticket
One confirmed airline ticket
Some types of UAE visas have additional requirements than those listed above. Accordingly, you are advised to check the information requirements for the specific UAE visa type you are applying for.
UAE visa application
Applying for a UAE Tourist Visa is an easy process for applicants.
- Prepare the required documents
- Pay the visa fees
- Submit completed application to the relevant UAE government agency
Where to apply for UAE visa
UAE visas can be applied for through the relevant UAE government agency or through sponsorship by a UAE resident or company. UAE tourist visas can be applied for through approved airlines, hotels, travel agencies, web portals, mobile applications, or through authorized third-party websites and service centers, including Emirates Airlines and FlyDubai airlines and sales centers. Please note that UAE embassies and foreign missions do not issue UAE tourist visas.
Applicants may also apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), in order to obtain a Dubai Tourist visa, which allows its holders to enter the United Arab Emirates for tourism purposes.
UAE visa processing time
UAE Tourist Visas are normally processed within 4 business days; however, it is always recommended to start the application process early, in case of delays or unforeseen circumstances.
