Planning a trip to Dubai is exciting. From record-breaking skyscrapers and luxury shopping to desert adventures and world-class dining, the city has something for every kind of traveller. For many visitors, the journey starts smoothly with a visa-on-arrival. But if your passport doesn’t fall under the eligible list, that doesn’t mean your Dubai plans need to stop.
The good news is that Dubai offers several clear and accessible tourist visa options for travellers who are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. With the right information and preparation, securing a tourist visa can be straightforward, affordable, and stress-free.
Before applying, the first step is understanding which type of tourist visa fits your travel plans. Once that’s clear, choosing the right application method becomes much easier.
Which Dubai Tourist Visa Is Right for You?
Dubai offers four main tourist and visit visa categories. Each option depends on how long you plan to stay and whether you want single or multiple entries.
Short-Term Tourist Visa (30 Days, Single Entry)
This visa is ideal for short holidays, stopover vacations, or first-time visits. It allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry and is issued as a single-entry visa. This visa cannot be extended once you enter the country.
The fee for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is Dhs200, plus two mandatory Knowledge and Innovation fees of Dhs10 each.
Long-Term Tourist Visa (60 Days, Single Entry)
If you want more time to explore Dubai and the other emirates, the 60-day single-entry tourist visa is a better option. It offers additional flexibility for longer stays without the need to exit and re-enter the country.
This visa costs an additional Dhs100 on top of the standard 30-day visa fee.
Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
Frequent travellers to the UAE may find the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa the most convenient choice. This visa allows multiple short stays over a five-year period, making it ideal for business travellers, repeat tourists, or those visiting family regularly.
The total cost for this visa is Dhs3,713.5. This amount includes issuance fees, service charges, and a refundable guarantee deposit of Dhs3,000.
Visit Visa for Friends or Relatives
If you have a friend or family member residing in Dubai, you may be eligible for a visit visa sponsored by them. This visa allows you to stay in Dubai for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the option chosen.
A refundable security deposit of Dhs1,000 is required. The flat visa fees are:
30-day visit visa: Dhs200
60-day visit visa: Dhs300
90-day visit visa: Dhs400
This option is particularly popular for family visits and extended stays.
Five Easy Ways to Get a Dubai Tourist Visa
Once you’ve selected the right visa type, the next step is choosing how to apply. Dubai offers multiple application channels to suit different travel preferences.
Apply Online Through GDRFAD
One of the most direct and reliable methods is applying through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai portal. Applications can be submitted online or via the official mobile app.
The process involves creating an account, completing the application form, uploading required documents, paying the visa fee, and submitting your request. This option is ideal for travellers who prefer handling their applications independently.
Apply Through a Travel Agency
Travel agencies remain one of the most popular ways to secure a Dubai tourist visa, especially for first-time visitors. If you’re already booking flights or holiday packages through an agency, they can often handle the visa process for you as well.
You’ll typically need to submit documents such as your passport copy, photographs, flight details, and hotel bookings. Many agencies offer end-to-end services, reducing the chance of errors or delays.
Apply via Emirates Airline
If you’re flying with Emirates, you can apply for a tourist visa directly through their website or mobile app after booking your ticket. Emirates offers pre-arranged visa options ranging from 48-hour transit visas to 60-day tourist visas, available for single and multiple entries.
Eligibility depends on your nationality, so it’s important to check the airline’s country eligibility list before applying.
Visit a Local Travel Shop
In many countries, local travel shops offer Dubai visa services. These shops often bundle visa processing with travel insurance, accommodation bookings, and flight tickets.
This option works well for travellers who prefer face-to-face assistance or need help organising multiple travel documents at once.
Choose a Transit Visa Instead
If you’re passing through Dubai and staying for a short period, a transit visa might be enough. A 48-hour transit visa is free of charge, while a 96-hour transit visa costs Dhs50.
Transit visa applications typically take three to four days to process, so it’s best to apply a few days before your travel date. Applications can be made through UAE-based airlines or authorised travel agencies.
Documents You’ll Need for a Dubai Tourist Visa
Having your paperwork ready in advance can make the visa process smooth and efficient. While exact requirements may vary depending on visa type and nationality, most applicants will need the following:
A valid passport with clear colour copy
Recent passport-size colour photograph
Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking
Health insurance, if required
Ensuring all documents are clear, accurate, and up to date reduces the risk of delays or rejection.
Final Thoughts
Not being eligible for a Dubai visa-on-arrival is far from the end of your travel plans. With multiple visa types and application routes available, visiting Dubai is still very much within reach.
By understanding your visa options, preparing the right documents, and choosing the application method that suits you best, you can focus on what really matters—planning your experiences in one of the world’s most dynamic destinations.
Dubai welcomes millions of visitors each year, and with the right approach, you can be one of them.
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