A trip to Dubai is a dream. To experience the city’s towering skyline, expansive malls, safety, convenience, and the many crazy adventures. But as with any city, obtaining a Visa on Arrival can be a bit tricky. But, don’t panic. Whether it’s your first time or a repeat visit, there are plenty of quick ways to secure your Dubai visa and make your trip happen, so keep reading for the alternative ways you can visit Dubai.
Also Read: First-Time Visiting Dubai? These 7 Areas Are Perfect To Stay In During Your Holiday
No Visa-On-Arrival? You’ll Need A Tourist Visa – Here’s What You Need To Know
Before booking your tickets, it’s important to know which visa suits your trip. That depends on how long you plan to stay and how many times you plan to enter Dubai. Here are all the tourist visas available:
- Short-Term Tourist Visa (30 days, single entry) – Valid for 30 days from the date of entry, non-extendable. Costs AED 200 + AED 20 Knowledge & Innovation fees.
- 60-Day Single Entry Tourist Visa – Perfect for slightly longer stays, priced at AED 300.
- Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (5 years) – Ideal for those planning multiple visits over the next few years. Total fees: AED 3,713.5 (including issuance, service, and AED 3,000 guarantee).
- Visit Visa via Friend or Relative – One-time entry, stays of 30, 60, or 90 days. Requires an AED 1,000 security deposit. Fees:
- 30-day: AED 200
- 60-day: AED 300
- 90-day: AED 400
How To Apply For A Tourist Visa
1. Online Via GDRFAD
Your first stop to applying for a tourist visa is to apply online through the GDRFAD. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) is a simple process. Log in, fill out the online form, upload the required documents, pay the fees, and submit. This method is quick, official, and can be done from anywhere in the world.
2. Through A Travel Agency
If you’re booking your flights through a travel agency, they can usually handle your visa for you. Travel agencies will require documents such as your flight ticket, hotel booking, and a copy of your passport. Once they have your documents, they’ll handle the rest.
3. Visa Through Emirates
Flying with Emirates? You can apply for a pre-arranged visa directly on their website or app. Options include 48-hour transit visas and 60-day single- or multiple-entry tourist visas, depending on your travel plans. It’s the most convenient way and is tied directly to your flight booking.
4. Through A Travel Shop In Your City
While travel agencies provide personalised, expert planning, booking, and support for complex, long-haul, or group travel, a travel shop, on the other hand, is usually a physical retail location focused on selling travel components like flights, insurance, and specific tour packages and more. Many travel shops offer visa services alongside travel insurance, hotel bookings, and other travel essentials. Provide your documents, and the staff will guide you through the application process.
5. Consider A Transit Visa – If You’re Short On Time
If your trip is coming up fast, a 48-hour transit visa (free) or 96-hour visa (AED 50) could be the solution. Apply via a UAE-based airline or travel agency a few days before departure. This is ideal for short stays or connecting flights.
Here’s What You’ll Need For Your Dubai Tourist Visa
If you’re all set to travel to Dubai, you need to make sure you have the following ready to speed up your visa application:
- Return flight ticket
- Health insurance (if required)
- Colour passport copy
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb, etc.)
Don’t withhold your Dubai plans just because of a minor visa setback. Dubai offers multiple official visa options, making travel to the city possible. For more travel tips, visa hacks, and insider guides like this, keep reading Gulf Buzz!
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