Is the United Arab Emirates next on your travel bucket list? If so, you must procure the necessary documents, such as a UAE visa, before making travel arrangements.
Fortunately, getting this travel permit is a hassle-free process. This guide will meticulously outline each step, ensuring your travel preparations proceed seamlessly.
How to Get a UAE Visa?
When it comes to UAE visa requirements, all prospective travelers must ensure they obtain the appropriate permit, if applicable, before arriving in the country or upon arrival if eligible. Multiple authorization options are available for both single and multiple entries.
Depending on your nationality, you can obtain authorization at the designated airport upon arrival or before your trip, either online or offline, by visiting the UAE’s diplomatic office in your country.
We will walk you through the process of obtaining the right visa for your trip to the United Arab Emirates.
What to Consider Before Getting a UAE Visa?
Discover the UAE visa types you need and their respective prerequisites to ensure a smooth authorization process and hassle-free travel.
1. Make Sure Your Country is on the List
Some nationalities require a visa, some do not, and some are eligible for one upon arrival. The length of the allowed stay varies depending on your nationality, but the visa’s validity usually extends up to six months after the entry date.
As of this year, citizens of 82 countries can obtain a visa upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates, including Singapore, Italy, Brunei, and the U.K. You can find out whether your country is on the list by accessing this link and entering your nation of origin’s.
There is no visa-free policy to enter Dubai or the UAE unless your country is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and you have a local connection to sponsor and facilitate your stay.
2. Decide Your Purpose of Visit
Deciding your travel intent will help you determine which UAE visa type is right for you. This will also give you the heads-up to prepare the necessary UAE visa fees.
Most people visit the country for tourism, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the two most popular destinations.
The United Arab Emirates offers several types of authorization. Below is a list explaining them in a nutshell:
- Transit Visa: Applicable for those transiting via the Zayed International Airport. This single-entry permit allows a stay of 2-4 days, depending on your choice, and is valid for two weeks.
- Tourist Visa: Available for single or multiple entries, it expires six months after arrival and allows visitors to stay for a month.
- Long-term Tourist Visa: For tourists who want to stay for two months. This permit is available for single or multiple entries and is valid for two months.
The visa requirements are similar, with some supporting documents needed for one type but not the other.
In general, you will need.
- A passport with at least six months of validity from the date of travel
- A 6×6 centimeter photo with a white background, showing 80% of your face
- An application form
- Proof of airplane tickets for entering the United Arab Emirates and your next destination if you’re transiting
3. Visa Application Fees
The UAE visa fees vary according to the type of visa you want and the processing time. Additional fees apply if you need to expedite the issuance of your permit. Here’s a breakdown:
- Transit Visa: Two or 4-day permits, which cost USD 10 (AED 36,73) and USD 49 (AED 180), respectively.
- Short-Term Tourist Visa: USD 90 (AED 330,54) for single use, and USD 136 (AED 500) for multiple. Both are renewable for a USD 230 (AED 844,72) fee.
- Long-Term Tourist Visa: Single entry permit costs USD 177 (AED 650,07) and USD 231 (AED 848,39). It is also renewable for an extra USD 230 (AED 844,72).
Processing fees online are not included in these costs and are available in three options: Standard (USD 228.99/AED 841,01), Rush (USD 283.99/AED 1043,01), and Super Rush (USD 359.99/AED 3830,66).
4. Designated Airport
The United Arab Emirates has nine airports. However, the top three most commonly used for international routes are:
- Dubai International Airport
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Sharjah International Airport
You will likely land at one of these airports. Be sure to prepare all necessary documents for immigration checks.
Applying for a UAE Visa
There are multiple avenues to obtain your visa. You can do so either through an online service, the diplomatic mission office, or authorized third parties such as the hotel where you will stay, your chosen airline, or your travel and tour organizer.
In this article, we will outline the online application process for your United Arab Emirates visa. Here’s how:
- Go to this website.
- Fill out the UAE visa application form online.
- Upload all the required supporting documents.
- Pay the necessary fees.
- Submit your request.
You can expect your visa to be processed within two or three business days. And that’s everything you need to know about UAE visas and how to apply for one in a nutshell. We hope this information is helpful to you. Don’t forget to book your hotels and flights with Airpaz to access the best travel promos and deals!
