Everything you need to know about Dubai’s tourist visa options

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Dreaming of a luxurious getaway in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Ras al Khaimah? Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to know which tourist visa suits your travel plans.

Whether you’re planning a short visit, an extended stay, or multiple trips, the UAE offers various visa options tailored to your needs.

Choose the right visa to visit the UAE

Dubai caters to every traveller with a range of visa options:

• Single entry tourist visa: Valid for 30 or 60 days, ideal for a quick trip.
• Multiple-entry tourist visa: Valid for 30 or 60 days, perfect for frequent visitors.
• Multiple-entry long-term visa: Valid for a whopping five years—your gateway to long-term adventures in Dubai.
• Transit visa: Available for 48 or 96 hours, perfect for a short stopover.
• Visa on arrival: Available for 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality.
• Visa on arrival for Indians: Indian nationals holding a US visa, green card, or UK/EU residence visa are eligible.
• eVisa for GCC residents: If you’re a resident of GCC countries, you can easily obtain an eVisa (GCC citizens enjoy visa-free entry).

What you need: Document requirements for Dubai visa

Applying for a tourist visa? Here’s what you’ll need:

• A recent passport photograph.
• A passport valid for at least six months.
• Valid health insurance for your stay.
• A national identity card for certain nationalities.
• A travel ticket showing your onward journey (transit visa holders must show departure within 96 hours).
• Residence permit for GCC residents.
• Permanent residence card (green card) or UK/EU residence visa for Indian nationals opting for visa on arrival.

How to apply

Getting a visa to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other city in the UAE is a breeze, thanks to multiple application avenues:

• Government Portals: Apply online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
• National airlines: Get your visa through services offered by Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, or Air Arabia.
• Hotels in the UAE: Many hotels offer visa services when booking your stay.
• Travel agencies: Trusted travel agencies in the UAE can handle your visa application.
• Embassies and Consulates: Apply directly through UAE embassies or consulates.

Who’s exempt? Visa-free entry and visa on arrival options

If you’re a GCC citizen, you’re in luck—no visa is required for entry into the UAE. Simply present your passport at the border.

For others, Dubai offers visa-on-arrival options:

• 30-Day visa on arrival: Available for citizens of selected countries.
• 90-day visa on arrival: Available for citizens of certain other countries.

Now that you’re armed with all the information, applying for your a tourist visa to visit the UAE should be a walk in the park.

Read: UAE: What is the new visa amnesty scheme?