The UAE Visa
The United Arab Emirates often referred to as the U.A.E, is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. For most Western tourists, the U.A.E. offers an environment that is extremely familiar. The malls are extraordinarily modern, filled with virtually any product available in the West (save sexually explicit material; movies are censored, as are, to some extent, magazines).
Visitors to the United Arab Emirates must obtain a visa prior to travel unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or one of the countries whose citizens are eligible for visa on arrival.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES VISA FREE
Nationals of the following 50 countries may enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa:
Free of movement
Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Saudi Arabia
180 days
Mexico
90 days within any 180 day period
All European Union citizens3 (except Ireland and United Kingdom)
Honduras
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Montenegro
Norway
Russia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Switzerland
90 days
Argentina
Barbados
Brazil
Chile
Paraguay
Serbia
Seychelles
Uruguay
30 days
China
Japan
Ukraine
Visa on arrival
Holders of normal passports issued by the following 21 countries and territories are eligible to obtain a free UAE visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 days. Extension is possible for a fee.
Andorra
Australia
Bahamas (90 days)
Brunei
Canada
Costa Rica (90 days)
El Salvador (90 days)
Hong Kong
Ireland
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Maldives (90 days)
Mauritius
Monaco
New Zealand
San Marino
Singapore
South Korea (90 days)
United Kingdom
United States
Vatican City
TYPES OF UAE VISA
Uae visa is available for requestors in many types, you can determine the type of visa you need depending on your trip’s purpose (tour, visiting relatives, work, immigration…)
If you’re willing to tour the UAE, visit your relatives or do business for more than 14 days then the uae visit visa if the type you should apply for. In order to get this visa, you need a sponsor who lives in the UAE whether it is a licensed hotel/company or a resident.
The tourist visa is a special form of the regular visit visa. It can be obtained by the citizens of some countries. A tourist visa enables you to stay in the UAE for 30 (non extendable) days. In order to get this visa, you need a sponsor who is a licensed tour operator or a hotel.
If you visit the uae frequently due to business, then the visa the most convenient for you would be the multiple entry visa. This visa is valid for 6 months and allows you to stay on the uae soils for 30 non-extendable days.
If you’re stopping by Dubai’s international airport during your flight to another country and you’ll be staying for more than 8 hours and you meet certain conditions, then you have the right to obtain a 96 hours transit visa.
REQUIREMENTS OF UAE VISA
Every passenger requiring a visa will need to submit the following documents, in electronic and coloured format:
- Scan of picture/bio page of passport. Passports should be valid a minimum of six months on the date of travel.
- Passport-style colour photograph
The main applicant for each application will also need to submit:
- Proof-of-residency, eg: residence visa, utility bill, tenancy contract, phone bill, credit card bill, official printed address page in passport
In addition, the following supporting documents, if available, will help in obtaining a visa, and can be submitted during the application process, under the ‘Additional Documents’ category
- A current valid visa for any of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Schengen countries, UK, USA, UAE.
- Evidence of travel within the last five years to any of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Schengen countries, UK, USA, UAE.
- Documents which show you have investments of USD 8000 or more, or local income tax papers which show you have an annual income of USD 8000 or more. This could be in the form of pay slips, bank statements or any local investment.
In some cases, other supporting documents, such as marriage certificates, etc, may also be required.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN UAE VISA
There are two way to apply for UAE visas. You can go to an embassy and submit your application there, or if you are eligible, you can apply online. Below are steps to apply you visa application at the embassy or consulate:
Make a check list of the documents that you need to submit along with your application form. Gather all the documents and keep them ready for submission.
Submit your completed visa application form in person or through a representative or travel agent at the UAE Embassy or Consulate nearest to you, along with all the required documentation.
After your visa is issued you will be notified about it. Collect your visa on time.
UAE VISA FEES
| Visa type | Duration | Cost | Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour | Passenger should hold onward reservation within 48 hours | Approximately USD 10 | Non-extendable |
| 96-hour | 4 days from arrival date | Approximately USD 30 | Non-extendable |
| Tourist – short term (single entry) | 30 days from arrival date | Approximately USD 90 | Extendable (Extension fee: approximately USD 230) |
| Tourist – short term (multiple entry) | 30 days from first entry | Approximately USD 175 | Extendable (Extension fee: approximately USD 230) |
| Tourist – long term (single entry) | 90 days from arrival date | Approximately USD 190 | Extendable (Extension fee: approximately USD 230) |
| Tourist – long term (multiple entry) | 90 days from first entry | Approximately USD 460 | Extendable (Extension fee: approximately USD 230) |
The UAE visa fees depend on several factors such as where you apply, who is your visa agent, and how fast you want your visa.
VISA PROCESSING TIME
Visa processing time is approximately three to four working days. Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval. All visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue to enter Dubai, except the 96-hour visa, which is valid for 30 days from the date of issue to enter Dubai.
UAE VISA APPLICATION FORM
All applicants must download the visa application form, fill in the required details and submit it with mandatory documents to start the process for a UAE visa. You can download UAE visa application form from internet or get directly from the embassy or consulate. It is recommended to contact nearest UAE embassy or consulate before starting prepare all required documents for application process.