Dubai is located somewhere around the southwest corner of the Arabian Gulf on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai is the second-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it shares borders with Abu Dhabi which is situated in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast.
The size of the emirate of Dubai is estimated to be 4,114 square kilometers. The city of Dubai is located within this emirate and presently occupies a land space of roughly 35 square kilometers; however, with the completion of the building of some man-made deserts and the inclusion of five artificial islands, this space is expected to increase by four times.
The emirate has the greatest population density in the UAE. The population of Dubai alone was estimated at 3,295,334 as of the 2019 census, and about seventy percent of the estimated population were expatriates.
Also, Dubai is blessed with a lot of sites of attractions, so much so that visitors may choose from a wide range of attractions in Dubai. For example, the Museum of the Future is a venue for the display of creative and wonderful ideas, services, and goods for the future. Tourists may also choose to explore the diverse landscapes of Dubai, its historical buildings, and the Creek, a natural inlet for saltwater that runs through the heart of the city and is considered to be “the focal center of life in Dubai.” Dubai Mall, the Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa are a few more of the beautiful key attractions in Dubai
Dubai has built many, top-notch hospitals and tourism facilities to accommodate the expanding desire of the tourism industry.
As of 2021, the number of foreign tourists in Dubai was 2.52 million, however, In the first half of 2022, Dubai welcomed 7.12 million foreign tourists, more than tripling the number of tourists who were counted during the same period the previous year.
There is little wonder as to why the number of tourists keeps skyrocketing, everybody would want to pay one or two visits to a place with that much beauty and wonderful sites of attraction.
This dream of visiting Dubai may however never become real, if an effort to get the Dubai visa is not made, hence the reason for this article. This article will be teaching us how to apply for a Dubai Visa.
Types of Dubai Visa
The government of Dubai issues different visa types. These visa types are issued based on some factors;
- The foreigner’s purpose of travel: A foreigner’s reason for travel will determine the type of visa to be applied for. Based on the purposes of travel, the visa types available are transit visas, tourist/visit visas, study visas, work/business visas, etc.
- The foreigner’s duration of stay: A foreigner’s intended duration is essential when applying for a visa to Dubai. There are 14-day visas, 30-day visas, 90-day visas, 180-day visas, 5-year visas (Dubai Golden visa), etc.
- The foreigner’s intended number of entries: Different visa types specify the number of times a holder can enter Dubai. There are single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas.
Dubai visas are also issued to eligible passport holders when they arrive at Dubai airports. This visa type is called Dubai Visa on Arrival.
Transit Visas
Dubai transit visas are short-term visas issued to travelers just passing through Dubai. The United Arab Emirates issues just two types of transit visas: a 48-hour transit visa (permits a traveler to be in Dubai for just 48 hours) and a 96-hour transit visa (allows travelers to stay in Dubai for not more than 96 hours).
Transit visas are not extendable.
Study Visas
Study or education visas are issued to travelers or students traveling to Dubai mainly to study or undertake some courses there. The duration of this visa type largely depends on the duration of the study.
Tourist Visas / Visit Visas
Tourist visas are for travelers who come to Dubai for tourism. Tourist visas are of different categories based on the duration of stay.
Visit visas are meant for travelers visiting Dubai to visit their families, friends, etc.
Price of Dubai Visa
The following are the Dubai visa types and the prices allocated to them. Each visa type has its price.
- The 48-hour visa
- The 96-hour visa
- The 14 days single entry short-term visa
- The 90 days single entry short-term visa
- The multi-entry short-term visa
- The multi-entry long-term visa
The 14 Days Single Entry Short-term Visa
Valid for 14 days, and individuals can only use it once. The price is $95.
The 90 Days Single Entry Short-term Visa
Individuals can only use it once, and the validity of the visa type is 90 days from the day of entry into the country. The price is $220.
The Multi-entry Short-term Visa
This visa is valid for 30 days and costs $270.
The Multi-entry Long-term Visa
The price is Rs. $220. The individual can travel with it several times, valid for 90 days.
Lists of Dubai Visa-Free Countries
Albania
A nation in Europe with so much natural beauty that you may enjoy tall mountains, sunny beaches, and numerous archeological monuments to wonder at.
Andorra
A place of vast valleys, towering hills, sparkling snow, and Romanesque cathedrals sandwiched between Spain and France.
Antigua and Barbuda
These Caribbean islands have as many beaches as days in a year. Yes, there are 365 beaches (Looking at all beachoholics).
Argentina
A South American country is rich in natural and cultural riches, including glacial lakes, the Andes Mountains, Pampas grassland, tango, etc.
Armenia
It is worth exploring since it has a rich culture, historical landmarks, and awe-inspiring scenery.
Austria
Austria is a country where contemporary and traditional coexist. The mountains, museums, cafés, and architecture tell a tale of this nation.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is a paradise on Earth for a peaceful and refreshing holiday, with 700 islands, 2,500 cays, coral reefs, 500 kilometers of beaches, and golf courses.
Barbados
An island known for its beautiful beaches, stunning gardens, exciting nightlife, historical treasures, and friendly natives.
Belarus
A land where you may marvel at the architecture, history, and woods.
Belgium
Belgium has stunning buildings, hard-to-resist restaurants, beautiful canals, and eye-pleasing scenery.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina are excellent places to visit since they have ancient villages, a beautiful environment, dynamic cities, fantastic cuisine, and rich culture.
Botswana
Camp in Botswana’s jungles and go on a safari to see magnificent animal spectacles in this African country.
Brazil
Brazil is beautiful, with fascinating beaches, rich rainforests, diverse animals, glittering cityscapes, relaxing waterfalls, red-rock canyons, and tropical islands.
Brunei
This little country’s water village, mosques, museums, palace, and national park on the island of Borneo, situated between Malaysia and the South China Sea, are well-known.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an adventure with glistening beaches, brilliant mountains, bright nightlife, stunning art, and unique history.
Burkina Faso
The enthralling land of hand-painted towns, friendly inhabitants, musical traditions, must-buy handicrafts, and an undulating savannah.
Canada
A nation with an artistic flare, a cultural twist, gorgeous nature, a stunning coastline, delectable food, and breathtaking scenery.
Chad
Deserts, animals, and lakes abound in this adventurous land.
Chile
Chile has it all: the Andes Mountains, Easter Island, volcanoes, forests, and lakes.
China
The country of antiquity, amazing architectural wonders, world-renowned gastronomy, and gorgeous scenery.
Colombia
A country characterized by Andean peaks, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, spectacular Amazon rainforests, beautiful ancient sites, and signs of colonial control in the shape of architecture, towns, and so on.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers everything: beaches, rivers, waterfalls, volcanoes, rain forests, unique flora and wildlife, and cultural variety.
Croatia
A great place to visit for a beach vacation and warm days. Relax on the Mediterranean shore and explore Croatia’s old walled cities.
Kuwait
Kuwait is brimming with vacation activities, from historical beauties to countless camping and trekking options, from ancient souks to modern-day developments.
Oman Oman
Wrapped in history and modern beauty, it is a dream destination for many visitors.
Saudi Arabia
It is challenging to assess the beauty of the land, which is brimming with marvels like dunes, lit towns, and a treasury of mystery.
Ukraine
Fantastic landscapes, strange traditions, historic architecture, and various other factors contribute to your decision to visit Ukraine.
Uruguay
A country well-known for its beautiful beaches, colonial cities, historical sites, and friendly locals.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu, a nation of uninhabited beaches, glitzy resorts, and several world-class diving chances, is ideal for a vacation.
Vatican
Vatican City is a heady combination of sights, museums, parks, and galleries that will keep you busy for many days.
Bahrain
Bahrain is a laid-back vacation destination with sun-baked deserts, unusual architecture, and luxurious hotels.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a traveler’s dream, with activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding to mountain excursions and hiking paths.
Thailand
Thailand is more than just a destination to enjoy its golden hues from gleaming temples and crystal clear beaches in the great outdoors.
Tonga
Tonga, which has over 170 islands, is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend your vacation beneath the radar.
Tunisia
Tunisia has sun-kissed cities, dunes, and many ancient landmarks.
Sudan
Plan a trip to the country where the Blue and White Niles converge.
Swaziland
Interesting wildlife viewing? Activities that provide an adrenaline rush? Beautiful scenery? Swaziland has everything mentioned.
Sweden
Frozen wastelands, attractive woods, jagged mountains, and reindeer herders may be found here. Sweden is an ideal place that will undoubtedly capture your heart.
Slovakia
Slovakia is beautiful, with castles, mountains, national parks, picturesque mountains, lakes, and much more.
Slovenia
Slovenia is out of this world with its snow-capped peaks, turquoise waters, and miles of coastline.
Solomon Islands
If you like sun, sea, sand, remoteness, palm palms, and the most fantastic weather, the Solomon Islands should be on your bucket list.
Spain
Are you seeking a vacation combining Islamic sites with sun-drenched islands and intriguing fishing villages? Then Spain should be on your list for your next vacation.
Senegal
Senegal, located on the point of a peninsula, welcomes visitors to enjoy captivating boat rides, incredible wildlife, and many other activities.
Serbia
Serbia is the most off-the-beaten-path location in the Balkans, with waterfalls, caverns, climbs, gorges, and hypnotic architecture.
Seychelles
Seychelles is more than just sun, sea, and beach. Plan a trip to these tropical islands to enjoy the lovely weather, hiking trails, authentic cuisine, and much more.
Singapore
Singapore is one of Asia’s happiest and most exciting cities. Plan your trip to Singapore today and learn why it is quickly becoming one of Asia’s must-see places.
How does Dubai Visa Work
The Dubai visa can be done in two ways: First is the UAE visa on arrival and the second is the pre-arranged UAE visa.
The UAE Visa on Arrival
Citizens of the under-listed countries do not need a visa before they can enter the UAE or just Dubai. All they need to do is stop at the Dubai immigration center and get their passport stamped for a 30-day visa-free stay in Dubai.
If you happen to be a passport holder of the under-listed country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. 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.
The countries include:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong, China
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Macau, China
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Vatican City
Also, the following countries do not need to have visas too but can stay for ninety days in Dubai by having their passport stamped at the Dubai immigration center.
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas Islands
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
Also, Citizens of Mexico can travel to Dubai without a visa as it will not be requested of them, and can stay there for the next 180 days. All they need to do is book a flight to the Emirates and upon their arrival, make a trip to the Dubai immigration service where they can get their valid Mexican passport stamped for a 180-day stay in Dubai, and they can enjoy their vacation in the beautiful Dubai Emirate. Their passport must be valid for at least the next six months.
How to Apply for a Pre-arranged Dubai Visa
You can apply online by clicking on Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. Follow the steps below:
- Fill out the application form
- After which the form should be submitted
- And the visa fee paid
- An additional fee will be needed for the processing of the application.
- The required documents should be submitted too
- And then the applicant can wait for the visa to be approved. This application is done after the person has booked his flight to the Emirates
The second way one can apply is by applying in the UAE.
This is possible if you have a family member or near relative who is resident in the UAE, they can apply for a visa for you at any of our ticketing offices in the UAE. This cannot be done by the applicant but would require a sponsor who is a resident of the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the documents required for application for a visa
- A colored passport photograph
- A copy of your citizenship passport in color (must be six months valid)
- A photocopy of your flight ticket from Emirates or our codeshare partner
- The visa application form
Conclusion
Traveling to Dubai is easy for people enlisted among the countries who don’t need a visa to travel to Dubai, all they need is a valid passport.
However, other people from other countries can apply for the visa through the steps talked about in this article.