Dubai is one of the hotspot destinations for visitors from all across the world, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Home to some ultra modern, sophisticated architecture, and glossy skyscrapers which are amongst the most iconic and recognizable landmarks around the world. In fact, Dubai became so popular due to its attributes that it has overshadowed the rest of the United Arab Emirates and is commonly mistaken as a country by itself.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country with 7 Emirates (or states), and Dubai is just one of them. The Capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates are; Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. As of writing, I’ve been to 4 out of these 7 Emirates and I have to say they are beautiful in so many different ways that I feel the need to rush back very soon and explore more of UAE.
If you are also interested to experience that for yourself, then must prepare your UAE Visa before your trip. Let these 3 simple steps be the start of your adventures in the Desert of the United Arab Emirates! Ohhh, and the chance to see the Tallest Building in the World: Burj Khalifa, that will surely transport you to the future!
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I. HOW TO APPLY FOR THE UAE TOURIST VISA (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
STEP 1: Determine the type of Visa you need to apply for.
Depending on your intention or purpose, there are different types of United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Visas you can apply for (such as business visa, resident visa, etc.).
This guide is for those applying for UAE (Dubai) TOURIST VISA, if the purpose of visit is for tourism or to see family and friends who live in the United Arab Emirates.
If you have a different situation or intention/s, it’s best to directly contact the United Arab Emirates’ Government Portal for more information.
STEP 2: Prepare and complete the UAE Visa Requirements.
UAE (Dubai) Tourist Visa Requirements List;
1. Scanned Passport’s Bio Page and Emergency Page.
- Passport must have a signature and;
- Must have at least 6 months’ remaining validity prior to your intended travel date.
2. Scanned Colored Passport-sized Photo
- Photo size: 4.5cm x 4.5cm (against white background).
3. UAE Visa Fee
- The visa fee varies depending on how or where you obtain your visa, (in my case, I paid 430AED).
4. Accomplished Visa Application Form (by your sponsor).
- If you are sponsored by someone from UAE, a copy of their Resident Visa or Emirates ID Card (whichever is applicable).
STEP 3: Submit your Visa Application.
In order to submit your application, you need to have a sponsor (either Individual or Nonindividual) from the UAE to process your Visa. This can be a relative or a friend who lives in UAE, an airline, hotel, or a travel agency.
A) FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR: A family or a friend who lives in UAE with a valid Resident Visa or Emirates ID can sponsor you a Visa (or apply on your behalf), just send them the requirements listed above.
If you don’t know any individual who lives in UAE, you may apply through any of the following:
B) FOR AIRLINES: Emirates and Etihad can process your visa, but you need to have a confirmed ticket/s with them before they can sponsor you a visa.
C) FOR HOTELS: Most hotels in UAE can also process a visa, but you must contact them first in their official website or through email in advance.
D) TRAVEL AGENCIES (UAE-BASED): Travel agencies in the UAE are also qualified to process your visa, but make sure to contact them first in their official contact channels.
In my experience, a friend of mine in Dubai took care of my visa application through a travel agency and surprisingly it only took 2 HOURS to get my Visa. Yay!
TIP! If approved, it’s always best practice to check and make sure all information on your Visa is correct to avoid complications in your travels. GOOD LUCK!
II. UAE (Dubai) TOURIST VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. Is Travel Insurance required to apply for a UAE (Dubai)Tourist Visa?
NO. It’s not part of UAE Visa Requirements. However once your Visa is approved, I strongly recommend getting one because while UAE is a very safe destination, remember that you can’t really eliminate the risk when traveling, but you can always add protection! That said, here’s my recommendations;
- For the best “budget-friendly travel insurance”: SafetyWings
- For the best “travel insurance coverage”: World’s Nomads
2. How much is the UAE (Dubai) Visa fee?
In my case, it was around 430AED, but the visa fee varies depending on how you plan to apply and obtain your UAE Visa. You can check the exact rates of the visa fee with your chosen sponsor.
3. Is UAE (Dubai) Visa fee refundable?
Once payment is made, it’s no longer refundable regardless of the outcome (Approved/Denied/Withdrew).
4. Do I need a travel agency to apply for a UAE (Dubai) Visa?
Not really. Travel agency is one way to apply, but it costs a bit more than getting sponsored by someone you know who resides in the UAE or by an airline/hotel.
5. How long is the processing time for an UAE (Dubai) Visa?
I’m not sure exactly, but I got mine in literally just 2 hours (applied by someone I know from the UAE). It should be within a week or less, but better to ask your sponsor beforehand instead.
6. How long is the validity of an UAE (Dubai) Visa?
It depends on the type of visa you applied as follows:
- Transit Visa: Single-Entry valid for 14 days with up to 4days of stay.
- Single-Entry of 60 days validity has up to 30 days of stay.
- Single-Entry of 90 days validity has up to 60 days of stay.
- Multiple-Entry of 60 days validity has up to 30 days of stay.
- Multiple-Entry of 90 days validity has up to 60 days of stay
7. Is ‘show money’ required to apply for an UAE (Dubai) Visa?
It’s not part of the requirement in getting an UAE (Dubai) Visa, but you might be asked by the PH Immigration to present a Proof of Income and employment before you board your flight. Please be guided by this as they are very strict since many Filipinos go to the UAE as tourists, but look for a job and never go home. Trust me, I have witnessed in my very own eyes a lot of UAE bound passengers getting off boarded.
8. Can I work in the UAE with my Tourist Visa?
NO! Although many have done this, but it is completely not advisable!
9. Can I renew or extend a Visit Visa?
You need to check with your sponsor, but in most cases you need to exit the UAE and apply for a Visa again before entry.
10. What are the consequences of overstaying in UAE (Dubai)?
You might be asked to pay a fine (depending on the number of days you overstayed), but worse you might have to face legal consequences. It’s best to avoid this at all costs!
11. Do I need to book flights and hotel/s before applying for a UAE (Dubai) Visa?
It really depends on how you plan to obtain your visa, if through airlines or hotels they might ask you to book with them directly, so they can process your visa.
In my case, I was asked by my sponsor to provide my confirmed flight tickets and since I already have them, I just sent them to my sponsor.
