Do Need A Visa For Dubai
Traveling to Dubai can be a lot of fun. However, you might have heard that you need an entry visa in order to get there and experience the sights. If so, you’re wrong. The fact is, some expats and tourists are often surprised to discover that they not only don’t need a Dubai visa but also the entire United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa process is actually pretty easy to manage.
Are you planning to land in Dubai for a long time? That sounds exciting, but, you have to face many formalities when planning your trip. You will be provided with information discreetly from all over the world that citizens of certain countries need a visa before entering Dubai. Well, the fact is that, in case of most countries, UAE citizens or residents need only an entry permit and not a visa. To apply for this type of entrance permit, you will be asked to present some documents, which we will explain in detail later. But if you are a citizen of a country with which UAE does not have any accommodating agreement, these documents can be enough to get your pass stamped at the airport. That said, it is still important to know what kind of tourist visa is needed in this case to avoid complications and inconvenience on your arrival.
Do Need A Visa For Dubai
Visas can be complicated — especially when you’re applying for the first time. One of the most confusing aspects of the application process is understanding which visa you need and how to get it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options, categories, and special provisions.
Visa on arrival
30-day visa on arrival
Citizens of these countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period for extension.
90-day visa on arrival
Citizens of these countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days:
Indian citizens
Indian citizens holding a normal passport and either
- a visit visa issued by the USA or
- a green card issued by the USA or
- a residence visa issued by the UK or
- a residence visa issued by the EU
can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.
Read about the UAE visa requirements for non-US citizens.
Note: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. Lists of countries eligible for visa on arrival may vary from time to time; therefore, please check with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling to the UAE.
Related links
Visa on arrival– General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
For more information, please contact:
- The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Pre-arranged entry permits
Anyone who does not have the privilege of getting a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival will require an entry permit prior to arrival into the UAE and someone to sponsor it.
What type of entry permit you need?
The entry permit you need depends on the purpose of your visit. It could be for:
- tourism
- visit
- transit
- work.
Requirements for an entry permit
These are the requirements for an entry permit:
- You need a sponsor to apply for your entry permit. The sponsor could be:
- an Emirati citizen
- an expatriate resident with valid residency permit in the UAE
- a UAE-based airline
- a UAE-based hotel or tour agent
- a government entity
- companies in the private sector or free zones.
2. Prospective visitors seeking entry permits are required to have a genuine passport, valid for at least six months.
3. A visa ban prohibits a person from entering the country or taking up a new job. Prospective visitors must not have been deported or be banned from entering the UAE in which case, he needs to obtain special permission to re-enter.
Learn about types of visas and entry permits to the UAE.
Entry permit and visa policies
The visa and permit system works according to rules and regulations set by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) and its affiliated Directorates of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in each emirate.
Before you apply for a visa or an entry permit, check if you are eligible for a visa-free entry or to receive a visa on arrival or you need an eVisa prior to travel or an entry permit pre-arranged by a sponsor based in the UAE.
Disclaimer:
The visa rules are subject to change. The details on this page are just an overview of the general requirements for visas. You are advised to check with the UAE embassies and consulates abroad and/or contact the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security– ICA.
Validity of entry permits
The validity of entry permits and the time frame within which the visitor should enter the country depends on the type of permit issued. The validity permit for visit visas, tourist visas and/or employment visas is 60 days from the issue date. However, the validity of entry permits for GCC residents is 30 days from the issue date.
96-hours transit visas are valid only for 14 days from the issuance day. Different validity duration applies for multiple entry visas and temporary work permits.
Check your visa validity on eChannels platform of the ICA or on the website of Dubai GDRFA.
Illegal to work on a visit or tourist visa
Visitors and tourists should be aware that it is illegal to work in the UAE with or without pay while being on a visit or tourist visa. According to the UAE’s labour and residency laws, a person cannot work if he has not been issued a work permit and an employment visa. Violators may be liable to fines and deportation.
Read about the expatriates’ employment in the private sector.
Related links:
- Visa and entry permit services – Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai
- Getting a visa for Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Government portal
- Entry visas and fees for various categories of visitors to Dubai – Dubai Tourism
