Recently I fell in love with the idea of going on a vacation to Dubai, but I am unsure if I need a visa. A visa is proof that a country has granted you permission to enter through its borders and to stay or travel for a specific period of time. Visas are usually only needed when your country doesn’t have a visa policy with the country that you are intending to travel to.
Do I need a visa for Dubai? Only citizens who live in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can enter Dubai freely without a visa. If you are not a national from a GCC country then you will need to apply for a visa if you wish to enter Dubai.
If you are not from a GCC country but still wish to visit Dubai you may also be interested to know that Dubai grants VOA (Visa On Arrival) to many different countries. VOA means that you can obtain a visa at the airport when you arrive but it is still different from visa-free entry. If you can’t get a VOA then you will need a pre-entry visa to enter Dubai.
Getting a Visa for Dubai
Dubai is a wonderful place to visit and it is an ideal holiday destination. Dubai is known for amazing shopping, an awesome nightlife scene, and its breathtaking ultramodern architecture. If you choose to go and vacation in Dubai you are sure to have the time of your life.
Citizens from GCC countries do not need a visa to enter Dubai. If you are not from a GCC country or on the list of countries that qualify for VOA then you will need a pre-entry visa to enter the country. The only way to get a pre-entry visa for Dubai is if a local sponsor applies for one on your behalf.
The best way to get a local sponsor to apply for a visa on your behalf is to reach out to a hotel in Dubai or a UAE based airline. Emirates and Etihad airlines offer online visa application systems that are convenient and straightforward to use. Here are the links to the visa application services offered by these airlines:
Also, keep in mind that Dubai’s official websites that offer visa information are infamous for being unreliable as many government websites have information that is outdated. A good example of this is the new rules that were approved in March 2017 that make provisions for citizens of India that possess a US green card to obtain a VOA. Up until June 2017, this information was not included in many of Dubai’s official websites.
This can be frustrating for many tourists who are looking forward to going on a holiday but can’t obtain the necessary information to apply for a visa. The most reliable source of information on pre-entry visa applications is Emirates. Because they are a visa sponsor and UAE-based airline, they are accustomed to dealing with visa registrations for their passengers. This means that they almost always have the right information on their website.
Applying for a Dubai Visa
Applying for a pre-entry visa is easy if you follow the steps and provide the right documents.
If you want to apply for your visa you can go through a UAE based airline like Emirates or Etihad. Alternatively, you can also apply to the Dubai Visa Processing Centre. Please keep in mind that you should apply for your visa about three months before you plan to travel to Dubai.
Here are the steps if you are applying through Emirates/Etihad:
- Go to the airline’s website to apply
- On the Emirates Website, click on the tool that allows you to manage bookings
- Fill out and complete the online form
- Scan and then upload the required documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Once you have completed all of the above steps you will receive your visa via email.
Here are the step if you are applying through the Dubai Visa Processing Centre:
- Make an appointment with your nearest Dubai Visa Processing Centre
- Pay the application fee
- Provide the required documents and proof of payment
- Fill out and complete the application form
- Once you have completed the above steps you should track your application
- Upon approval of your application, you will be notified by receiving an SMS or email.
Documents Needed
If you want to apply for a Dubai Visa you will need to provide the following documents:
- A clear copy of the sponsor’s passport
- A clear copy of the sponsored person’s passport
- Provide a copy of your hotel booking
- Provide proof of kinship or family relationship
- Provide travel insurance documents
- Copy of booking for confirmed flight
- Provide bank approval letter
- Provide passport photographs
- Provide visa fee
- Provide your filled in visa application form
Countries that Qualify for Visa On Arrival
Visa on arrival or VOA means that you can obtain a tourist visa that is usually valid for 30 days upon arriving at the airport. Dubai has made it possible for citizens of many countries to get a VOA. Also since a short-stay visa-waiver agreement was signed in Brussels on May 2017, citizens of Schengen countries are allowed visa-free travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a duration of 90-180 days.
Here is a list of countries that qualify for 30-day visa on arrival:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos)
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Republic of Moldova
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syrian Arab Republic
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad andTobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- United Republic of Tanzania
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
Can My Visa on Arrival be Rejected?
Unfortunately, it is possible for your VOA to get rejected by the Dubai border control. It has also happened that passengers who had a visa in their passport from their home country got rejected. This is because the final decision lies with border control, and having a pre-entry visa/VOA doesn’t guarantee entry into Dubai.
There are several reasons why your visa could be rejected:
- Your visa can be rejected if you previously had a UAE residency visa and left without canceling.
- The UAE Immigration automatically rejects all passports that are handwritten
- If you have committed previous criminal offenses in the UAE such as fraud or misconduct, your visa may be rejected
- You may get rejected if you previously applied for a visa but never entered the country
- If your visa application has any typos in the passport number or name approval may be delayed or denied.
- When the copies of your passport are unclear or illegible your visa may be denied
- If you fail to present the proper documents, return flight ticket or proof of funds your visa may be rejected
Which Countries Are Part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?
An alliance agreement that started between six countries in the Middle East in May 1981, is known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Original GCC countries were United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. However, since undergoing a diplomatic crisis in 2017 Qatar passport holders are blocked from entering Dubai.
When Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and several other surrounding countries and governments severed diplomatic ties with Qatar it marked the start of the crisis. The main reason for this was that Qatar was accused of supporting terrorism and violating the 2014 agreement with the GCC. For this reason, people who possess a Qatari passport or residence visa may have difficulty entering Dubai.
Can Someone from Israel Visit Dubai?
Dubai is an emirate of the UAE, which is famous for its famous nightlife scene, luxurious shopping, and amazing ultramodern architecture. Unfortunately, the UAE does not recognize Israel as an official country and Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering Dubai. Also since the assassination of Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh in January 2010 restrictions have been tightened and travelers who have an Israeli stamp in their passport may have difficulty entering the UAE.
What Else Do I Need To Know Before Visiting Dubai?
Dubai has a reputation for being one of the safest travel destinations for tourists. This is because the country is very strict on law enforcement and it is unlikely that you will be a victim of any petty crimes like pickpocketing. Dubai also makes use of state of the art security cameras so that you can feel safe when traveling through the city.
It is important to know that the UAE is a Muslim state governed by Sharia Law and this means that you can be fined, thrown in jail, and even deported if you overstep. Having a visa means that you have been given permission to enter the country but you will also be expected to uphold its laws even if you are a traveler staying for a short period of time.
In Dubai, it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly in public. As a non-Muslim, you are allowed to drink alcohol at a licensed venue. However, if you are found to be drunk outside of your hotel or any venue with a liquor license you can end up in jail.
In Dubai, the legal drinking age is 21 and underage drinking is strictly forbidden. There are regular police and those who are undercover in plain clothes and they patrol the city 24/7. For this reason, it is better to be on your best behavior at all times while visiting Dubai.
Drinking and driving is another common mistake that tourists make in Dubai. They have a no-tolerance policy and your alcohol limit must be strictly below zero if you get behind the wheel. Any offense may have serious consequences for those who overstepped the line.
Another thing to be wary of is drug abuse or trafficking which is taken very seriously by authorities in Dubai. Offenders can be sentenced to life-imprisonment or receive the death penalty. Even some prescription medication is illegal in Dubai so its best to check their legal status beforehand.
If you are gay or traveling with your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse it is important to be cautious. Be aware that kissing, holding hands or showing any form of affection in public is illegal and can result in a hefty fine or even jail time. Homosexuality and nonmarital sex is also against the law and can be severely punished.
Dubai expects citizens and foreigners who are traveling to the city to dress modestly. You don’t necessarily have to wear a burka bit it is important to keep your shoulders and knees covered regardless of whether you are male or female. Tight-fitting clothes that hug the body or are made of transparent materials are strictly prohibited.
Because Dubai follows and enforces Sharia Law, it is very important to be respectful towards other people. Fowl language or disrespectful hand gestures are seen as an offense punishable by law. Dubai is not like America where they have freedom of speech and expression so use caution about what you say.
Also, be careful about what you post on Social Media as slander or defamatory statements against any person, business or organization is punishable by law. So it is important to watch your language with social media posts or review websites. It is also illegal to post a photo of any person, airport, bridge, business, government building, or palace in Dubai online without their consent.
If you are visiting Dubai in the summer, please keep in mind that this is when the whole city observes the Holy Month of Ramadan. During this time security is extra strict and there is zero-tolerance for any misdemeanor. If you are found eating or drinking in daylight hours, playing loud music or provocatively dressed you will be punished by local authorities.
When you visit Dubai you can see many wonderful things and have an amazing time. As long as you adhere to the rules and use common sense you have nothing to worry about as a tourist. Remember that your visa was granted with the expectation that you will behave and uphold the laws of the country during your stay.
Related Questions
How much does it cost to get a visa for Dubai?
There are different types of visas available for Dubai and the cost is going to depend on how long you are planning to stay. For a 30 day, multiple entry visa cost is approximately $175. For a 90-day long term visa with single entry, the cost is approximately $190 Trusted Source.
What is the visa extension fee?
When you visit Dubai on a 30-day short term visa or 90-day long term visa you may want to request an extension on your stay. If your visa is extendable and you decide to apply for a visa extension the approximate price will be $230. Keep in mind that a 48 hour and 98-hour visa is non-extendable.
Is a bank statement required for a Dubai Visa?
If you are applying for a visitor visa to visit your family members a bank statement may not be mandatory. However, for an application of a residency visa to be successful a bank statement is compulsory or your visa may be denied. In either case, it is a good idea to take a bank statement as you may have to provide proof that you will be able to support yourself financially during your stay.
How much money should be in my bank account to qualify for a Dubai visa?
You need to have at least a minimum of $705 or 50 000 INR in your bank account if you want to qualify for a Dubai visa. You should also be able to prove that this amount has been stable in your bank account for a minimum of 4 months.
