You must arrange your tourist visa in advance if you intend to spend Eid or summer vacation in the UAE. Depending on your country, you may be able to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival or through a travel company or airline.
The information provided here will tell you everything you need to know about the various visas that are available, their costs, and the application process if this is your first time visiting the UAE.
What are the types of tourist visas available in the UAE?
- 30-day tourist visa
- 30-day multiple entry visa
- 90-day tourist visa
- 90-day multiple entry visa
- Five-year multiple entry visa
If you are in the UAE for a few days as part of a layover, you might also think about getting a transit visa in addition to a tourist one. A 48-hour or 98-hour visa can be requested.
Does everyone need to apply for a tourist visa?
The visa-on-arrival programme and visa-free entrance into the UAE are not available to everyone, according to the official government website of the UAE, u.ae. Citizens and residents of a few nations, as well as some other passenger types, are eligible for visas on arrival.
How to apply for a tourist visa?
You can get a tourist visa for the UAE in a number of ways:
1. Airlines
Passengers can apply for a tourist visa through airlines based in the UAE. It’s crucial to remember that you must purchase a ticket from the airline if you apply for a tourist visa through them.
2. Travel agencies
If you buy the ticket from them, licensed travel agents in the UAE can arrange for a tourist visa for you.
You might inquire about any packages at your neighborhood travel agency if you are seeking for a tourist visa from your native nation. Before working with a travel agent, it’s also a good idea to verify their legitimacy. You can ask the UAE embassy in your country for assistance in determining whether the agency you are utilizing is legitimate.
3. Hotels
Hotels in the UAE can also apply for your tourist visa, provided that you have made a hotel reservation with them.
4. Amer centers or ICP
They can also apply for a tourist visa on your behalf if you have relatives who reside in the UAE. Residents of the UAE may apply for sponsorship of tourists in the
5. The website or app of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP)
If a family member will be staying with a UAE resident during their visit, the resident will need to submit documentation of their residency in the UAE, such as a tenancy contract, a salary certificate, and proof of housing.
6. Typing centers
A typing center may facilitate the procedure of applying for a tourist visa in the UAE. The following documents must be provided by your family member or acquaintance in order to apply for your tourist visa through a typing service:
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Your passport copy
- Your photograph
- Sponsor’s tenancy contract
- Sponsor’s salary certificate
- Sponsor’s proof of accommodation, if the tourist is staying with them.
What documents does one need for a tourist visa for the UAE?
Single and multiple entries:
You must provide the following paperwork whether you’re applying for a visa with one entry or many entries:
- A photo with a white background and
- A copy of a passport that is currently valid for at least six months
Medical insurance is usually a requirement when applying for a tourist visa, but if you are doing so through an agency, there is no need for you to submit a separate application because it will already be part of your tourist visa package.
Five-year multiple entry visas:
You can apply for a five-year multiple entry visa if you frequently go to the UAE for business or if you have family or friends there. The UAE cabinet first issued the five-year multiple-entry visa in March 2021.
If you plan on applying, you will need the following documents:
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photograph with a white background
- Travel insurance
- Bank statement for six months showing a minimum balance of $4,000 (approximately Dh14,692) or an equivalent amount.
What is the validity period of a tourist visa?
For 30 or 90 days, a single-entry visa is granted. After the visa’s validity expires, visa holders get an additional 10 days of grace to leave the UAE, according to Valappil.
According to u.ae, travelers can enter the nation on their own behalf several times with the five-year visa and stay for up to 90 days every visit, which can be extended for an additional 90 days.
How does one extend their tourist visa?
You can extend your tourist visa if you’d like a few extra weeks to explore the UAE.
You must apply for a visa extension before your current tourist visa expires if you intend to do so.
Documents required for tourist visa extension:
- Current tourist visa copy
- Valid passport copy
- Passport visa Photograph
What is the cost of a tourist visa?
These are the approximate costs of tourist visas in the UAE:
For single entry:
- 30 days – Dh330
- 90 days – Dh720
Multiple entries:
- 30 days – Dh749
- 90 days – Dh1,799
How long does it take to issue a tourist visa?
It typically takes two to three days to obtain a tourist visa. A tourist visa can, however, be processed in 24 hours by some travel firms; however, this quick-service comes at an additional cost.
Overstayed in the UAE? You could face fines
You risk paying to overstay fines if you don’t leave the UAE when your visa expires or don’t extend it in the allotted amount of time.