How to Apply for a Visit Visa for Dubai
How to apply for a Visit Visa for Dubai When planning your next holiday to Dubai, you might be surprised to learn that you need to apply for your visit visa before arriving in the country. Unfortunately, this means that you can’t just hop on the plane with no preparation beforehand. Don’t worry, though; there are several steps you can take in order to make sure your visit visa application process goes smoothly. Let’s take a look at what those steps are below.
What is a visit visa?
Visas are issued by Dubai Immigration, and they designate how long you can stay in Dubai and where you’re allowed to visit. If you plan on visiting friends or family in Dubai, it’s likely that you’ll need an entry visa (but check ahead of time—some countries don’t require one). There are different types of entry visas, including tourist visas, business visas, medical visas and transit visas. Each type is issued for a specific purpose; for example, your medical visa will let you receive medical treatment in Dubai. Before applying for any type of visit visa, make sure your trip meets all applicable conditions. For example: You must have proof of funds when applying for a business visa.
What does it cost?
The first step to getting a visit visa for Dubai is figuring out how much it will cost. The actual price will vary depending on your country of origin, but in general, expect it to cost around 1,500AED (about $400) if you’re applying from outside of Dubai or 3,000AED (about $800) if you are applying from within. Additionally, note that all transactions are non-refundable and may take up to one month before they are processed.
Where do I get my application from?
You can obtain your application directly from Dubai’s immigration department, by applying online or visiting their office. If you apply online, be sure to provide all information accurately and honestly; dishonesty in visa applications is considered a criminal offense that may be punishable by fines or imprisonment. You will also need to present several different documents as part of your application. All of these documents must be valid originals, not copies; you should make color copies beforehand and submit those instead of originals whenever possible.
When should I apply?
Visas can take anywhere from 2 days to several weeks. For most visits, it’s best to apply 2–3 months in advance. You can apply sooner, but there’s no guarantee your visa will be ready when you are. If you have time constraints, talk with your agent about how soon you need to arrive and what options are available.
What do I need to fill out the application form?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in Dubai. You must also have at least two blank pages and sufficient funds (20 AED) in your bank account. Most importantly, you will need to complete and submit an application form online with all your personal details, as well as information about any dependents you are bringing with you.
Tips and Advice:
A visit visa is necessary if you are traveling to Dubai for a business trip, as it will allow you to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days. Before applying, be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned travel date and has blank pages available. To apply, provide some personal information about yourself, including your name, address and passport details. You will also need two passport-sized photos. Include proof of travel arrangements—either an itinerary or reservations confirmation from an airline or hotel.
