Dubai has seen a significant increase in Indian tourists, with at least two million visitors between January and October 2023, making them the largest group of international guests in the city, as reported by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
For those considering a trip to Dubai shortly, it is essential to be aware of the various visa options available.
There are several types of visas to choose from, depending on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. The official tourism website of Dubai, visitdubai.ae, offers detailed guidelines for Indian travelers planning a trip to Dubai. Additionally, you can seek assistance from your local travel agent or airline to facilitate the visa application process.
Alternatively, you can apply for visas directly through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) at gdrfad.gov.ae.
Dubai tourist visa for Indians
If you are traveling to Dubai for leisure, you can apply for a tourist visa. Here are the two types of visas
• 30-day single entry visa
• 60-day single entry visa
You can also opt for a multiple-entry tourist visa for 30 or 60 days.
Typically, the visa processing time ranges from two to four working days. However, if you require expedited service, you have the option to choose an express visa (processed within 24 hours) or an instant visa (processed within three hours) through authorized travel agents. This allows for quick and efficient processing of your visa application, ensuring you can travel promptly when needed.
Cost of Dubai Express visa for Indians:
- 30-day single-entry visa for approximately INR8,000 (Dh354.54)
• 60-day single-entry visa for approximately INR13,000 (Dh576.12)
Cost of Dubai instant visa for Indians:
- 30-day single-entry visa for approximately INR10,000 (Dh443.17)
• 60-day single-entry visa for approximately INR15,500 (Dh 664.75)
Children go visa-free to Dubai
Minors under the age of 18 are eligible to apply for a complimentary Dubai tourist visa. This visa allows for visits at any time of the year, provided that the child is accompanied by an adult holding a valid tourist visa. This information is by Visit Dubai guidelines.
Dubai visa on arrival for Indians
Indian citizens holding a valid six-month US visa, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency are eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE. This visa can be obtained either at the airport immigration upon arrival or by applying for pre-approval through Emirates Airlines.
Can one extend the Dubai tourist visa?
You have the option to extend your Dubai tourist visa for an additional fee. However, the extension is subject to approval by the issuing authority. If you have booked your trip through a travel agent in India, you will need to contact them to request a visa extension.
Dubai transit visa for Indians
Indian passport holders transiting through Dubai must obtain a transit visa if their layover exceeds four hours. This can be arranged through the airline you are flying with. You have the option to select a visa validity of either 48 hours or 96 hours, depending on the length of your layover.
Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa
You have the option to apply for a five-year entry permit that grants you multiple entries into the UAE each year, allowing you to stay in the country for up to 180 days without needing a sponsor.
Upon application, the visa is typically issued for a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days per year. This initial period can be extended for an equivalent duration, provided that the total number of days spent in the UAE within a year does not exceed 180.
Dubai travel requirements
To apply for a Dubai visa, Indian nationals must submit the following documents along with their visa application. It is important to ensure that all documents remain valid for the duration of your stay to prevent any potential rejections.
The required documents include:
– A passport with a minimum validity of six months.
– A passport-size photograph with a white background.
– Round trip flight tickets.
– Valid travel insurance.
Please make sure to have all of these documents ready and in order before submitting your visa application.
How can one apply for travel insurance?
When applying for your ticket and visa through a travel agent, travel insurance may be included in the package. The total cost of the service will then encompass the travel insurance cost. This cost is determined by the duration of your stay, and you can verify this with your agency.
If your travel agent does not offer insurance, you have the option to apply for it independently through a reputable insurance company.
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