VR Team | Feb 1, 2019 | 0 comments
Comprising of 7 emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain, Ras al Khaymah, and Fujairah – the United Arab Emirates is one of the most intriguing and exciting places in the world. The cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with their high-end hotels, a glitzy nightlife, and impressive buildings are just the beginning of what’s on offer. Head out into the arid countryside and you’ll find all sorts of wondrous sights – waterfalls, huge sand dunes, archaeological sites and much more!In this article learn more about how to apply for UAE Visa at the United Arab Emirates embassies and consulates, UAE visa appointment booking, Visa on arrival, UAE visa online, United Arab Emirates e-visa, Processing time at the UAE visa application centers, UAE visa application form, apply from USA, India, China, Philippines, Russia, UAEvisa application requirements, flight itinerary or round trip ticket or return flight booking or flight reservation, UAE visa types, Travel insurance,Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation.
Applying For United Arab Emirates Visa
If you are in possession of a passport from any of the following countries, you don’t need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates:
Please take note of the following regulations in case they refer to you:
ID – may enter with an ID card
1 – Not application to passports stamped “Article 17, paragraph 2”
2 – Including holders of passports for public affairs
3 – For holders of biometric passports only
Holders of the following countries are able to enter the United Arab Emirates by obtaining a visa on arrival for a maximum of 30 days
Regulations that apply:
1 – Only applicable for British citizens, British overseas territories citizens, and British subjects who have a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode
In addition, citizens of India who are in possession of a valid visa or who are residents of the US or residents of the EU are eligible for a visa on arrival for a maximum of 14 days.
If you are from a country not mentioned above, you need to apply for a visa to be able to enter the United Arab Emirates.
Types of visas for the United Arab Emirates
There are a few types of visas available for the United Arab Emirates and the one you will apply for will depend on your reason for traveling there:
- Tourist – for those not eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry
- Medical reasons – if you wish to have medical treatment under the sponsorship of the medical establishment, government and private hospitals
- Retirement – for those over the age of 55 who wish to retire in the United Arab Emirates
- Transit – for those who wish to transit through the UAEs airports. Citizens of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen are not eligible for a transit visa
- Student – if you wish to study in the UAE either being sponsored by parents or relatives OR if you wish to study higher education
- Work – if you wish to work in the United Arab Emirates
- Service – if you have been delegated to perform a business role in the UAE
Where to apply for the UAE visa
The application process for a visa for the United Arab Emirates is not like others where you apply through an embassy or consulate. UAE embassies do NOT issue tourist visas, so in order to get a United Arab Emirates visa you must apply through a sponsor who will be responsible for you during your stay in the UAE. Sponsors can be:
- A hotel or travel agency – on your behalf, they can apply for the following types of visa:
– 30-day tourist visa
– 14-day service visa
– 30-day visit visa
- A number of airlines
- Individuals – relatives or friends already resident in the UAE can apply on your behalf for a visit visa
Applying through a hotel or travel agency
In order to apply through a hotel or agency, the business should be licensed, and you must purchase a ticket through the agency and/or make a booking with a particular hotel.
If you apply for your tourist visa through an agency, you must make sure they are genuine. To help you find this out, you can contact your local UAE embassy in your country and you will find the details of the embassies near you:
Applying UAE visa through an airline
You can apply for your tourist visa through a number of airlines, but you must fly with them as well as meeting other conditions to be able to do this. Check the specific websites of these airlines for more information:
Applying UAE visa via sponsorship from friends or family
In order to apply for your tourist visa through friends or family, you must send them the following documents:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your immigration status, such as a green card or valid visa etc.
Your sponsor will then go to their local immigration office in the United Arab Emirates to process the application. Please make sure your sponsor sends a copy of the visa to you, so you have it in your possession when you arrive in the UAE. Once there, you will receive the original visa.
Other ways to apply for your UAE visa
If you have a look at the website of the Official Portal of the UAE Government, you will see there are other ways to apply for your UAE visa:
If you wish to apply for a new visa, you have 3 options to do so via online methods:
The eChannel Portal For The United Arab Emirates Visa
You can apply for an eVisa through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship. Scroll down and choose “Individuals”:
You will need to register and create an account before you can proceed with applying for your visa:
The websites of GDRFA
You can also apply online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA). There is a different website for each emirate:
Mobile Applications
You can also apply for your UAE entry visa through:
- theICA UAE eChannels forAppleandAndroid
- the GDRFA Dubai app for Apple and Android
Applying UAE visa through a visa service center
If you live in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, or Tunisia you have the option of applying through one of the UAE visa centers. These service centers process work-related visas only. If this applies to you, go to the website of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation and you will find out where the visa centers are located:
The UAE visa service centers
Colombo – Sri Lanka
Address: 112, Kumarathunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo
Phone: 0094112554777
Fax: 0094112554774
Email: conscolombo@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours Monday to Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Jakarta – Indonesia
Address: Menara Prima 2, Podium Arcade floor — Block 6.3 Lingkar Mega Kuningan Jak-Sel
Phone: +6221-25985500
Fax: +6221-57940086/7
Email: consoffice.jakarta@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours Monday to Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Nairobi – Kenya
Address: Nyerere Road – P.O. Box 42222 – 00100 – Nairobi – Kenya
Phone: +254709991777
Email: Nairobi@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours Monday to Friday9 am – 4 pm
Dhaka – Bangladesh
Address: EMPORI FINANCIAL -Road #93 plot # 6 Ground floor Gulshan North Avenue, Dhaka
Phone: +8809609111000
Email: consdhaka@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours Sunday to Thursday, 9 am – 4 pm
Cairo –Egypt
Address: Block 77, Street 90, Fifth Settlement, New Cairo, near Al-Ahly Bank
Phone: +2 0226730000 – +2 0226730004
Email: conscairo@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours Sunday to Thursday, 8 am – 3 pm
New Delhi – India
Address: Ground Floor, Ambience Commercial Complex (Ambience Tower), VASANT KUNJ
Phone: +91 11 3921 7555
Email: consular.newdelhi@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours from Monday to Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Tunis – Tunisia
Address: Panorama Building, Bourse Street, Lake 2, Tunis
Phone: +216 71100700
Email: constunis@mofa.gov.ae
Opening hours from Monday to Friday 8 am – 3 pm
You can contact any of these service centers if you have any queries about applying for your UAE visa.
If you live in any of these countries and you wish to apply for a work visa, you must make an appointment in order to apply. Click on the link:
Enter your e-mail address and passport number, and you will be able to make an appointment to visit one of the centers:
The United Arab Emirates Visa Application Process and Requirements
Typical turnaround times are around 3-4 business days, but it could take longer depending on where you are applying, the type of visa, and your nationality. However, depending on how and where you are applying, it could take as little as 1-2 days, but it’s still advisable to apply for your UAE visa well in advance of your trip because if you leave it too late it may not be processed time. Generally, you can apply a maximum of 58 days prior to your travel dates.
If you are applying through a visa service center, you will need to make an appointment. If you are applying through online channels, including the GDRFA or an airline, you can do everything through the aforementioned websites. The application form can be completed online.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
You must ensure that you have all the required documents when you submit your visa application. Missing paperwork will mean that your application is incomplete and it will not be accepted by the visa authority and/or your application will be rejected. In addition, you need to provide originals as well as photocopies of everything.
Documents you need to get ready are:
1) Visa application form fully completed and signed along with a color photo
2) Passport valid for 6 months past trip to UAE and colored photocopy of pages
3) Confirmed return flight booking– it is highly recommended to not purchase the ticket until the visa is approved
4) Proof of immigration status in the US – green card or valid visa etc.
5) Bank approval letter
6) Invitation letter from a host in the UAE
7) Consent, ID, and proof of residence of parents/spouse for female applicants who are above 18 years old and traveling alone
8) Income tax return or 6 x salary slips
9) Marriage and/or birth certificate
10) Details of escorts and/or relatives for family sponsorship applications
11) Travel insurance with minimum cover of 150,000 AED ($41,000) to cover emergencies, accidents, and repatriation
12) Financial guarantee
13) Business license
14) Employment contract and/or sponsor passport
If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
- Submit the travel details and make the payment online
- Receive flight itinerary in email
Please be aware, this may not be everything that is required for your application. You should check the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai for further information on the requirements:
Step 2: Submit your UAE visa application
If you are submitting your UAE visa application through online channels, you will upload the required documents, but if the visa authority requires any further information, they may contact you and ask you for further information and/or ask you to attend an interview.
They could ask you questions like:
- Have you been to the United Arab Emirates before?
- What do you know about the UAE?
- Are you meeting anyone there?
- Why do you wish to go to the UAE?
Don’t panic if you get asked any of these questions, simply answer them politely and precisely. The visa staff are only trying to get enough information about your application in order to make a decision about your visa application.
You’ll also have to pay the relevant fee for your visa which you can do online.
UAE Visa Fee
Visa type | Visa validity | Fee in AED | Fee in USD |
Short-stay tourist visa – single entry | 60 days | 350 | 95 |
| Short- stay tourist visa – multiple entries | 60 days | 655 | 178 |
Long-stay tourist visa – single entry | 60 days | 1000 | 272 |
| Long-stay tourist visa – multiple entries | 60 days | 2500 | 680 |
Transit | 14 days | 50 | 14 |
| Transit – 48 hours | 14 days | Free | Free |
Service | 14 days | 400 | 109 |
Please note, these fees will be charged in the local currency of the country you are applying from.
You may also have to provide biometric data in the form of a scan of your fingerprints and a digital photo.
Step 3: Receive UAE visa
Once your visa application has been processed and approved, you will be notified with the results.
If you are applying online, your visa will be returned via e-mail.
If your visa application has not been approved there will be a reason why. Typically, applications get refused for a variety of reasons including:
You have a previous tourist visa, but you did not enter the country
- There were errors in your application
- Your photo did not meet the required specifications
- Missing documents
- You applied for the wrong type of visa
You must make sure you are applying for the correct type of visa, so spend time looking at what types are available, so you can apply for the one that best matches your circumstances. If you had a previous visa in your passport but did not use it, you must make arrangements with the travel agency or sponsor to cancel the first one before you apply. There must be no errors, such as spelling or wrong passport numbers, when applying, and you must provide all the relevant documents. Also, the photo you provide must meet certain specifications.
FAQs
1) Where can I apply for a tourist visa for the UAE?
You must have a sponsor to be able to apply for a tourist visa. Sponsors can be travel agencies, airlines, or family or friends already in the UAE
2) When can I apply for my visa for the UAE?
You can apply no longer than 58 days and a minimum of 24 hours prior to your departure date, but you should check the relevant websites of the visa authority you are applying through. Also, if you apply too late, your visa may not be processed in time
3) Will I definitely get a visa if I apply online?
No. The decision about whether to grant a visa or not lies with the UAE immigration authorities
4) If I apply through a particular airline, once I get my visa, can I change the airline I am flying with?
No. If you apply through Emirates, for example, you must fly with them. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to enter the country
5) My passport will expire soon. Can I still apply for a United Arab Emirates visa?
Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining. If it does not, you must apply for a new one before applying for your UAE visa
6) Do I need to print out a copy of my visa?
Yes you do, and you must take a copy with you when you travel
7) Will the visa fee be refunded if my application is rejected?
No. UAE immigration authorities do not refund fees even though applications are rejected
8) I am a US citizen, do I need a visa for the UAE?
Yes, but you are eligible for a visa on arrival, so there is no need to arrange one prior to arriving in the UAE
Conclusion
You can apply for your United Arab Emirates visa in one of the following ways:
- Through a hotel or a travel agency
- Through an airline
- Through sponsorship by an individual
- The e-Channels portal
- The website of the GDRFA
- Mobile applications
- Service centers
Then, all you have to do is:
- Get your documents ready
- Submit your application
- Receive your visa
Hopefully, you’ll receive your visa without any problems and you can look forward to your amazing trip to the United Arab Emirates.
At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.
See Also
Worldwide Visa Requirements
FAQs
How can I get UAE eVisa online? ›
- APPLY ONLINE. Simply select your type of Visa. ...
- PAY ONLINE VISA FEE. Pay Fee securely without any hassle, we accept Credit & debit cards (eg. ...
- APPLICATION SENT FOR PROCESSING. Our visa expert review and check each application before being forwarded to UAE Immigration.
- TAKE VISA AND FLY YOUR JOURNEY.
Yes, there is a visa on arrival in Dubai (UAE) for Indian citizens and is valid for 14 days. However, it can be extended only once for an additional time period of 14 days and is only valid for Indian passport holders with a valid US visa.
How to apply visa online? ›- Identify visa type. Choose the right visa for your trip. ...
- Prepare your application. Get started with your visa application. ...
- Book an appointment. Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment. ...
- Pay your fees. ...
- Visit a Visa Application Centre. ...
- Track your application. ...
- Delivery of processed documents.
The United Arab Emirates Tourist eVisa is valid for 60 days and allows you to stay up to 30 days in the country. This e-Visa cannot be changed to a work visa while inside the UAE. To get this eVisa you have to pay a government fee of $115 USD.
How much is eVisa to Dubai? ›Category 1 – AED 300. Category 2 – AED 600 to AED 2000, depending on whether the worker is skilled or unskilled. Category 3 – AED 5000. Dubai work visa for 2 years – AED 3000 to AED 7000.
Where can I get on arrival visa in Dubai airport? ›If a visa is required, it is best to apply before your arrival in the UAE. For queries regarding visas at the airport, you visit the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigner Affairs visa office in Terminal 3 arrivals near Entrance 1. The centre is open 24 hours a day.
How much is the visa of arrival fee? ›A visa of arrival can be obtained for tourism purposes provided the applicant has all the required documents and pays the relevant visa fees. The VOA can be valid for a single entry within 3 months or multiple entries within 12 months, and the visa fees are USD 50 and USD 100, respectively.
Do I need a visa to travel through Dubai airport? ›Do I need a visa to transit in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? You need a visa to transit in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirate in the UAE if: You are not exempt from UAE Tourist Visas or you are not eligible for a UAE Visa On Arrival; and. Your onward flight is in the next 48 or 96 hours.
Can I get Evisa online? ›As long as you don't need to attend an in-person interview of any kind, third-party companies can do the footwork for you and help you apply for a travel visa. This process is done completely online, which is why we use the phrase “online travel visas.” Below, we'll outline the process for getting an e-Visa.
What is the best website to apply for a visa? ›- travel.state.gov.
- usvisa-info.com.
- homeaffairs.gov.au.
- ustraveldocs.com.
- immi.gov.au.
Is Mexico visa online? ›
The online Mexico visa is called an Electronic Travel Authorization (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE), and is valid for one entry, and allows the holder a maximum stay of 180 days in Mexico. However, you can only get a Mexico visa online if you intend to travel by air.
How much does UAE visit visa cost? ›Cost of UAE visit visa
The fees will be AED250. For short-term tourist visa multiple entries, which is 30 days from the date of entry and not extendable. The fees will be AED690. Fines for overstaying are priced at AED100 per day plus AED200 for an out pass.
UAE visa on arrival
Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30‑day visit visa free of charge.
Visa Requirements for US Citizens (Tourist Passport) to visit the UAE: No visas are required for American citizens (holder of regular passports) before arrival in the UAE, including US Citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries in their passports.
What documents are required for UAE eVisa? ›Required applicant documents:
A colour passport photograph. A colour copy of your passport (must be valid for six months) A copy of your Emirates flight ticket, or your flight ticket from our codeshare partner. The visa application form.
The UAE visa online is a single entry visa which allows the holder to enter the United Arab Emirates once for a stay of up to 30 consecutive days. An approved United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa is valid for 60 days to enter the UAE from the date of issue.
How long does Dubai visa on arrival take? ›Unfortunately, not all Indian passport holders are eligible to apply for the Dubai On Arrival Visa - check the eligibility requirements. Fortunately, you can effortlessly apply for your Tourist Visa to UAE from India (Dubai Visit Visa) on Atlys and receive it in only 30 minutes!
Can we get UAE visa on the airport? ›Transit visas for 48 hours are issued free of charge to passengers transiting through the UAE's airports. You need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline.
How to book visa for Dubai? ›- Original Passport, at least 6 months validity.
- First and last page of your Passport (scanned colour copy)
- Passport size photograph with white background.
- Confirmed return tickets.
- Proof of hotel reservation.
- Bank statement.
The fee(s) will be paid to the Embassy's cashier on the day of the visa interview. Fees may be paid in cash – sterling or dollar equivalent, or by Credit Card – Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover or American Express. The Embassy does not accept any other credit or debit cards, or personal checks.
Is visa on arrival free? ›
The application for a visa on arrival is usually submitted at the airport along with the necessary documents as directed by the respective immigration authorities. It is important to note that a visa on arrival is issued for a specific period and a predetermined fee.
How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa? ›...
Other Important FAQs.
| Type of Visa | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Travel Visa | Traveling for professional/Tourism/Personal reason |
| 2. Immigration Visa | For settling |
Apply online
If you are travelling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online – without having to submit your passport for stamping. You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage your booking after you book your Emirates flight.
Visas and transfers
The Dubai Connect booking includes a complimentary visa, which should be prearranged prior to arrival for those nationalities requiring a visa to enter the UAE, or on arrival subject to UAE Immigration approval. When you arrive, a complimentary coach will take you to and from your hotel.
All the passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present COVID-19 vaccination certificates or negative PCR test results.
Do I need to print my eVisa? ›Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-Visa on their system. However, you are advised to keep your e-Visa with you either as a soft copy (tablet PC, smart phone, etc.) or as a hard copy in case of any failure on their system.
Can I get an eVisa for USA? ›The E visa category includes treaty traders and investors who come to the United States under a treaty of commerce and navigation between the United States and the country of which they are a citizen or national. This category also includes Australian specialty occupation workers.
What is the difference between eVisa and online visa? ›The main difference between the E-visa and On-Arrival visa is that you have to apply for the visa in the E-visa category but in the On-Arrival visa, you actually don't have to apply for a visa formally. The 2nd difference is that the whole process is virtual for E-Visa and not for the On-Arrival visa.
Is E-Visa easy to get? ›It is generally an easy 3-step process to apply for an eVisa, which gets completed in merely ten minutes if you have the required documents ready.
How do I get a visa ASAP? ›- Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule an appointment online for the earliest available date.
What is the fastest way for visa? ›
The Super Priority Visa service is the fastest way to secure a visa decision.
What is visa online? ›Visa Online is the primary Visa business-to-business portal that provides secure and reliable access to information, services and resources needed to do business with Visa.
Can I fill out FMM form at airport? ›No. The FMM form must be filled out online. Once it's filled out online, then it can be printed.
How much does the FMM cost? ›As of 2021, the fee for an FMM is $687 MXN (approx $36 USD) to the INM office processing your visa at the border. The immigration officer will give a break off a part of the FMM when you come into Mexico. You must hold on to this stub from the FMM because you will need to surrender it/turn it in once you leave Mexico.
Can I get eVisa online? ›As long as you don't need to attend an in-person interview of any kind, third-party companies can do the footwork for you and help you apply for a travel visa. This process is done completely online, which is why we use the phrase “online travel visas.” Below, we'll outline the process for getting an e-Visa.
How long does it take to get Dubai eVisa online? ›Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days. Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval. All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Is there online visa for Dubai? ›DVPC mobile app to book your visa on-the-go
The DVPC app helps Emirates Airline passengers to complete the entire UAE visa application process while on-the-go. Using the app, you can apply for the 30-day tourist visa, 96-hour transit visa or 90-day visit visa, based on your Emirates Airline itinerary.
Do I need to print the United Arab Emirates Tourist eVisa? Yes, we must carry the printed eVisa and present it upon our arrival in the country along with the documentation required by the government authorities.
How do I apply for an eVisa in USA? ›...
How to Apply Online for a Business or Tourism Visitor Visa to the U.S.
- Find out if you need a visa. ...
- Determine which visa you might need for your visit. ...
- Apply for a visa.
- 1 year and 5 year visas - You can apply for your e Tourist Visa 120 days before your proposed date of travel to India, and a minimum of 4 days in advance of the date of arrival to India.
- 30 day e Visa - You may apply a minimum of 4 days before your departure.
Can we get Dubai visa in 1 day? ›
Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days. Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval. All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Can I get a UAE visa at the airport? ›Can be obtained after landing in Dubai airport and doesn't need to be pre-arranged. The visa is stamped at the immigration counter after disembarking from your flight and going through required biometric procedures. The visa will be updated into the Amer system and ICA system.
How many days is Dubai on arrival visa? ›The 14-day visa on arrival is a single entry visa that is only available for Indian nationals. The Dubai visa on arrival for Indian passport holders is valid for 14 days from the date of issue; and can be used to enter Dubai once. This visa for Dubai for Indians can be extended for an additional 14 days.
Which is the best website to apply for Dubai visa? ›- the eChannels portal.
- the website of GDRFA - Dubai.
- ICP App on Google Play and App Store.
- Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store.
All Indian citizens holding U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits can receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days for a charge of AED 100.
What are the documents required for e-Visa? ›Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded.
Do you need a photo for e-Visa? ›One of the documents required to be submitted in the application is a soft copy of a passport style photograph of the visitor's face.
Do I need to print my e-Visa? ›Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-Visa on their system. However, you are advised to keep your e-Visa with you either as a soft copy (tablet PC, smart phone, etc.) or as a hard copy in case of any failure on their system.