To obtain a valid visa for entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), people of various nationalities or countries must meet specific requirements (UAE). Continue reading to learn how to obtain a UAE visa before visiting any Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
What are the Types of UAE Visas?
The standard primary types of visas that the UAE offers are:
As the name implies, UAE tourist visas, 30-day or 90-day, are provided for tourism or any other purpose less than 30 days long and do not need you to settle down and work in the UAE for an extended period.
Foreign nationals who want to relocate to the UAE can do so with a UAE residence visa. This type of visa includes;
- UAE Student Visa
- UAE Work Visa
- UAE Family Visa
- UAE Retirement Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa for Dubai.
Long-Term Residence Visas (Investor Visas) can be acquired without a sponsor for five to ten years. To be entitled to this visa, you must invest substantial money in the United Arab Emirates and UAE.
UAE transit visa for 48 or 96 hours. Foreign nationals who must pass through the UAE in transit are given UAE transit visas. These kinds of tickets are issued for 48 or 96 hours.
UAE Visa Requirements
When applying for a visa for the UAE, you must have several documents before proceeding with your application, such as:
- Photocopies of your passport and your sponsor’s passport. Having a valid passport for at least six months would be best.
- Photocopies of the relevant pages from the passport. You may not need to send your original passport in some cases. You can submit photocopies of the relevant passport pages or all the pages on your passport.
- Passport-size pictures that meet the standards for UAE visa photos, as required for UAE visas.
- A letter of no objection (NOC) from your father or spouse should be included if you’re a female traveling alone.
- A confirmed round-trip ticket or airline ticket for further flights. The ticket must be from the airline through which you are applying.
- Evidence of accommodation, such as your hotel.
- Prove of UAE travel health insurance purchase.
- A letter from you outlining the reason for your visit and the length of your visit
- Document your country of legal residency, i.e., your visa or residence permit.
If you have a host in UAE and you intend to visit:
- Evidence of your relationship to the host
- Prove their residency: A copy of your host’s Emirates ID or visa for living in the UAE.
- Travel history documentation: only provide copies of your passport’s entry and exit stamps if you visited the UAE within the past year.
- Provide copies of any visas you have received in the last five years for the USA, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Russia, Australia, or New Zealand.
In Addition, you might need to show:
- A marriage certificate
- Evidence of financial stability and
- Proof of your present address.
Any further documents can be needed due to the relevant UAE visa type to be issued to you.
How to Apply for a Visa for UAE
Unlike every other nation, the UAE does not grant visas through its embassies/consulates abroad. Additionally, you cannot apply for a UAE visa on your own; instead, you must have a host in the UAE or work with a recognized agency, such as:
Someone who resides in the UAE as a host or sponsor, a legitimate travel agency from which you purchase your ticket.
The best time to apply for a UAE (Dubai) visa is three months before you travel. But, Regarding a 96-hour visa, we suggest using two weeks before traveling.
With Emirates/Etihad
- Use the airline’s website to apply.
- Use the “Manage your booking” tool for Emirates. Note that you will need your flight ticket and booking reference for this.
- Fill out the online form.
- Scan and upload each of the necessary documents.
- Remit the visa fee.
You will receive your visa by email (no passport courier needed)
At the Visa Processing Center in Dubai:
- Schedule a consultation with the local DVPC.
- Payment of the application cost will commence via EFT or with a cash deposit at a branch
- Bring the documents you need to submit (along with proof of payment)
- Fill out the application form.
- Check the progress of your application status.
If your application is approved, you will get an SMS and email letting you know when your passport and visa are ready for pick up.
Frequently Asked Question
Will I be notified of the status of my visa application?
Yes, the UAE immigration will email you whether the visa application has been approved.
Will I be refunded if my UAE visa application is rejected?
You will only be refunded if your visa application has been accepted.
Can I reapply for a UAE visa if my first application is rejected?
Yes, if your tourist visa application was denied. You can reapply for it. However, if you have appealed the UAE Commission’s reasons for rejecting your visa, you should wait until they respond.
Conclusion
All visa types are valid to enter the UAE for 60 days from the date of issue, excluding the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, suitable for 30 days from the date of issue.
The average visa processing time is usually 3 to 4 working days. Immigration permission is necessary for entry into the UAE. Once paid, visa fees cannot be refunded.
