Dubai is part of the state in the United Arab Emirates (formerly Trucial States or Trucial Oman). Dubai boast of being the second most populous and second largest state of the federation (area 1,510 square miles [3,900 square km]), it is roughly rectangular, with a frontage of about 45 miles (72 km) on the Persian Gulf. The emirate’s capital, also named DUBAI is the largest city of the federation. The city is located on a small creek in the northeast part of the state. More than nine-tenths of the emirate’s population lives in the capital and nearby built-up sections. Dubai is surrounded by the Abu Dhabi Emirate on the south and west and by the Sharjah Emirate on the east and northeast. In addition, the small exclave (detached section) of Al-Ḥajarayn in the Wadi Ḥattā, more than 25 miles (40 km) from the nearest territory of Dubai proper, belongs to the state. From the historical notes above, Dubai’s emirate has grown in leaps and bounds. Her international market in ABU DHABI has attracted many foreign nationals. Note a visa to UAE qualify visitors to also visit and enjoy Dubai as Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and with a UAE Visa, you can visit all the seven Emirates of UAE. Citizens of all countries must get a UAE visa except those of GCC nations: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. However, for visitors to visit Dubai, they will be required to obtain a visitor’s visa. These Visas are in four categories. The list below mentions the categories of these visas and their processing fees:
- Type 1: For short-term tourist visa single entry, which is 30 days from the date of entry and not extendable, the Fees will be 120 US dollars
- Type 2: For short-term tourist visa multiple entries, which is 30 days from the date of entry and not extendable, the Fees will be 270 US Dollars
- Type 3: For a long-term tourist visa, single entry, which is 90 days from the date of entry and not extendable, The Fees will be 220 US dollars
- Type 4: For long-term tourist visa multiple entries, which is 90 days from the date of entry and not extendable, the Fees will be 300 US dollars.
Please note that the overstaying fines are 100 AED daily plus 200 AED for an outpass.
In case the overstaying is less than 30 days, you can pay either at DUBAI airports while exiting the country or at GDRFA-D HQ. in case if it is more than 30 days, you can pay only at GDRFA-D HQ.
Tourist Visa Requirement to Dubai
- Visa Application form duly filled.
- A photocopy of the confirmed onward or return Emirates ticket along with the passenger’s name with the arrival and return dates. It must match the dates on the hotel reservation. The passenger’s name and the period of stay should be highlighted in Yellow when submitting the ticket for visa application.
- One coloured recent passport-size photograph with a white background, front-facing.
- Coloured photocopy of the main (bio) page of the Ordinary/Normal Passport (Valid for a minimum period of 6 months at the time of travel).
- The confirmed hotel booking with the passenger’s name, including the hotel details for the entire stay in the country. The passenger’s name and the period of stay on the hotel reservation should be highlighted in Yellow when submitting the visa application.
- If staying with an immediate family member (Father, Mother, Brother, or Sister), a valid tenancy contract under the family member’s name, with the tenant’s name highlighted, a residence visa copy of the family member and relationship proof with the applicant are required. In this case, the tenancy contract, and name of the immediate family member should be highlighted in Yellow when submitting the visa application.
- The visa application form must include an accurate address in the UAE, a valid contact number and an email address for the passenger.
- Applicants aged 45 years and above travelling alone must provide the last six months’ bank statements with each month’s balance not less than $10000 (or equivalent) in a single bank statement. If travelling with family, a joint bank statement is accepted; the closing balance must be US $20,000 or more each month. Marriage certificates for couples and birth certificates for children are mandatory requirements.
- Applicants below 45 years, travelling alone are not eligible to apply for a Tourist visa Category. They can apply only for a transit visa, i.e., 48 48-hour or 96-hour visa
Note that the Emirates regrets its inability to sponsor unaccompanied minors and students. Dubai immigration will consider applications from minors and students only if they are travelling with parents.
How to Apply and Processing Time
Applicant must ensure that their list of documents below meets the specifications provided
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 more months after you arrive in the UAE.
- Select an Application type according to your travel plan.
- Be sure you have the resources necessary to pay for your stay in Dubai.
- Get in touch with a person who can act as your sponsor for an Application to the UAE.
Also intending tourist to Dubai can use any of the sites below and complete their application
- GDRFA website: You can apply for an e-visa for Dubai at https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/HomePage.aspx
- ICP website or app: You can apply for a visa through the ICP website or the ICP app, which is available on Google Play and the App Store
- Emirates website: You can apply for and pay for a UAE visa online.
- You can also apply for a visa through an authorized agency, such as Your travel agent, tour operator, Approved airlines, and Your booked hotel.
- Processing time varies based on the visa, but it typically takes around 48 hours to be issued.
Once you have these sorted, the next step would be to apply for UAE Application online. Fill up a simple Application form correctly and completely and submit it with the Application fees. Next, gather the documents supporting your UAE application and submit same to the UEA consulate of your country.