Dubai Visa For South African Citizens
If you are a South African citizen who wants to visit Dubai, you will soon realize that you need to apply for visa. This can be completed at the nearest travel agent; however, there is also an option of applying for it yourself. If you choose to do so, there are certain steps you must follow before arriving in Dubai – steps that will ensure your work with the Dubai visa.Visas have always been a headache for many South Africans, especially when it comes to travelling abroad. If you are planning to visit Dubai on a holiday, you’ll only need your passport, no visas needed. This is mainly because Dubai is such a cosmopolitan city and there are people from more than 100 countries who live in this city. Yet the truth of the matter is that even if you are not required to obtain a visa when you enter the country, this does not mean that you can stay for 180 days. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the Dubai Visa.
Dubai Visa For South African Citizens
Dubai Visa for South African Citizens Dubai is rich in history, culture and tradition, a fact that is reflected in the rich treasures captured within its museums, visitor attractions and the city itself. Here you can enjoy sun-drenched beaches and magnificent skyscrapers without stepping foot off the continent. Dubai is certainly one of world’s greatest melting pots.
The UAE authorities issued an electronic visa to facilitate the arrival of foreign visitors interested in short term stays for leisure and relaxation. The UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as its most important destinations, is a very popular choice for South Africans who visit the Gulf country every year.
The eVisa for the UAE is available via an online application platform. South African passport holders can submit their petition from the comfort of their home without needing an appointment at an embassy or consulate.
What Is the UAE Online Visa for South African Citizens?
The Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates publishes the visa policy for the UAE. South African travelers can apply for the Emirati electronic visa provided their holiday meets the following conditions:
- They will visit the UAE for leisure and tourism only
- Their stay will not exceed 30 days
- They will only require a single entry into the country
- They will enter the United Arab Emirates by one of its international airports only
- They will reach the UAE within 60 days of their eVisa approval
South Africans who want to stay for over a month in the United Arab Emirates or have plans to relocate for business or employment opportunities must know the eVisa does not cover these activities. We recommend scheduling an appointment with the Embassy of the UAE in Pretoria for more suited visa options.
What Are The Requirements for a UAE Online Visa for South African Applicants?
Before initiating the eVisa request, we recommend learning about the visa requirements for South African nationals. These detail the countries they can visit with an online visa and what conditions they must meet.
The conditions for the Emirati eVisa for South Africans are standard for international travel and include the following:
- Have a passport issued by the Republic of South Africa with a validity of 180 days on their entry into the UAE
- Provide a digital image of their passport’s information page
- Share a color id photo in digital format
- Use a bank card to pay the eVisa processing fee
- Register their eVisa petition with a frequently accessed email id
South Africans with a passport set to expire in 6 months of their intended arrival must submit it for renewal with their local authorities as soon as possible. They should take care that their digital documents are of readable quality, and the id photo is in color.
It is useful to register the eVisa application with an email address frequently used and to confirm the bank card that will be used to pay the processing fee is activated for internet payments.
Additionally, South African nationals planning a family trip to the UAE will have to share some supporting documents such as digital copies of their family or marriage certificate. They will be able to include their dependents (spouse, minors, or retired family members) in a joint request.
Finally, tourists from South Africa must have their travel itinerary planned beforehand. They will be required to share their Emirates flight number, port of entry, and arrival date.
Application Process for the Emirati eVisa from South Africa
The process for the electronic visa to visit the UAE is available via an online form. South African citizens will be required to provide the following personal details:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Arrival date
- Emirate they are flying to
- Emirates flight details
- Email address
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- Religion
- Current profession
- Qualifications
- Reason for travel
They will then share some information regarding their passport, such as the document number, issue, and expiry dates, plus the country of issuance. They will then proceed to upload digital copies of their required documents.
It is very important to review all the answers and documents provided carefully since any mistake or missing details could result in the rejection of their eVisa request.
South African nationals conclude the eVisa petition by paying the eVisa processing fee. The payment for the Emirati eVisa is actioned via a secure digital platform, and most international banking cards are authorized.
Processing Times for the Emirati eVisa Petitions by South African Travelers
The Ministry of Interior of the UAE reviews all the applications received by foreign visitors. South African citizens will receive a resolution to their request between 1 and 3 business days.
During busy touristic periods such as New Year, trade fairs, or the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, the process could take slightly longer. We recommend applying at least a week before the intended arrival date in the UAE.
If South African applicants have submitted their eVisa forms correctly and meet the requirements, they will be issued an approved eVisa. The electronic visa will be available as a downloadable link in a confirmation email sent to their inbox. Upon receipt, we recommend printing out a copy and keeping it next to their travel documents.
Traveling to the UAE With the eVisa From South Africa
South African citizens are eligible to use the eVisa to enter South Africa upon issuance. They must remember their electronic visa expires after 2 months. If they do not use it to enter the country within this period, they will need a new one.
They must also confirm they reach the UAE via the same airport they include in their eVisa form. Once they land, we recommend they head straight to the queues reserved for eVisa travelers for visitors from South Africa to save time.
Upon reaching a border official, they must submit their passport and printed eVisa to be granted entry into the country.
