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Travel Requirements for the UAE - Tourist Visa

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Tourist visa, travel requirements for the uae.

A tourist wishing to visit the UAE can apply for a tourist visa through the electronic channels of official and private agencies, after fulfilling the requirements for obtaining the entry visa. You can learn about the requirements for entering the UAE and the procedures regarding COVID-19 tests through the websites of the airlines, which are kept up-to-date.

Government Portals to Apply for a Tourist Visa

You can submit an application for a tourist visa, as well as all types of entry visas to the UAE, electronically through government portals.

• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs

National Airlines

You can apply for a visit visa through national airlines and authorised airlines in the UAE.

• Etihad Airways Visa Services
• Emirates Visa Services
• Flydubai Visa Services
• Air Arabia Visa Services

You can apply for a visit visa through one of the hotels in the UAE, adhering to the visa requirements.

Travel Agencies

You can apply for a visit visa through travel agencies in the UAE.

Embassies and Consulates

UAE embassies and consulates allow you to apply for a tourist visa.

Categories Exempt from Tourist Visa

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not need a visa to enter the UAE. They can enter the country after presenting their passport issued by one of the GCC countries. Citizens of a few countries can travel to the UAE and obtain an entry visa upon arrival, and the duration of stay according to this visa is up to 30 days. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa that allows for a stay of up to 90 days upon arrival.

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Complete Guide: How to Apply for a Tourist Visa in UAE- Requirement, Fees, Extension and more (Updated 2023)

Main Points

Tourist Visa in UAE

If you are planning to visit UAE for a tourist purpose or to visit your relative or friends, you need to have relevant visa which must be applied in advance before your travel. However, in some cases you may not need to apply for a tourist visa in advance as some nationals can get the tourist visa on arrival.

Your tourist visa can be issued by:

• The Airline : In this case the airline may ask you to book the ticket when applying for tourist visa with them. However, each airline has some conditions, which must be met for your visa to be arranged by them.
• The Licensed Travel Agents and Hotels in the UAE: They can arrange you the tourist visa provided you have the hotel reservation booking and purchased ticket with them.
• As per the VisitDubai website, UAE residents (friends or relatives) can apply on your behalf subject to guidelines.

What are the requirements to have Tourist Visa in UAE?

Nationals of some countries get a visa on arrival in Dubai. You would need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months at the time of entry. You may also need to apply for your tourist visa in advance, depending on your nationality.

All visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue until entry to the UAE, except the 48-hour and 96-hour Transit Visa, which is valid for 30 days.

The following documents are generally required:

• 6×6 cm photograph in colour (minimum of 600×600 pixels) with a white background (at least 80 percent of your face must be visible)
• A colour copy of your passport showing your full name, nationality, date and place of birth, passport number, date of issue and expiry, name of father/legal guardian, and the name of your mother
• Valid passport with at least six months validity at the time of travel
• A copy of the flight ticket of your preferred airline
• For nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, a national ID is also required

Please note that depending on the airline, minors and children under the age of 18 may be required to present additional documents such as birth certificates and photo IDs of parents or husband.

Does UAE give visa on arrival?

Citizens of more than 50 countries do not require a pre-arranged visa to enter Dubai. As per the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), citizens of GCC countries and citizens of the following countries can get a visa on arrival:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• The Vatican
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Indian citizens

Some Indian citizens may also be eligible for a visa on arrival. This includes Indian citizens holding a normal passport and either:

• a visit visa issued by the USA or a green card issued by the USA ora residence visa issued by the UK or a residence visa issued by the EU

In such cases, you can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days, provided that the visa or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.

How to apply Three Months Tourist Visa through Travel Agencies ?

If you are planning to visit the UAE, there is good news. You can now apply for a three-month visit visa even through travel agencies. This visa cannot be applied for by people who are already in the UAE, the three-month visa is available only for people who are currently outside the UAE.

You can’t apply for it through all travel agencies right now. Only agencies that have the required visa quota are able to apply for the three-month tourist visa, so you will need to check with the agency on whether or not they will be able to apply.

To apply for the visa, you would need to provide the following documents to a travel agency:

• Passport copy, where the passport is valid for at least six months
• Passport-sized photograph

How long is a UAE Tourist Visa valid?

UAE’s new visa scheme, all entry visas will now be available for single or multiple entries and will be valid for 60 days from their date of issuance. They can also be renewed for similar periods of another 60 days. Travel agencies are now able to apply for a three-month tourist visa.

How much is Tourist Visa Cost in UAE?

The tourist visas can cost :

• One month tourist visa -approximately AED 350
• Two months tourist visa – approximately AED 600
• Three months tourist visa- approximate range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,000, as the cost includes visa fees as well as service fees and health insurance costs.

The visa processing time is approximate two to three days.

Visa holders will need to leave and re-enter the country to extend their visas and must ensure that the renewal process can be completed before expiry.

The listed amounts are just estimates and the final cost will depend on the Emirate from which you apply for the visa as well as any service fees charged by the travel agency, airline or hotel that you use to apply for it.

How to extend a tourist visa inside the United Arab Emirates?

If you are currently in the UAE on a tourist visa and want to prolong your stay, you can request an extension of your entry permit for an extra 30 days.

The ICP website states that a tourist visa may be extended twice for a total of 30 days.

Extension of a tourist visa through ICP- UAE

If you hold a tourist visa for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah ICP Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security is the organization in charge of managing visas and The General Directorate of Foreign Affairs Residency – Dubai (GDRFA) is the entity that accepts and issues extensions if you want to prolong your stay in Dubai.

According to ICP, the online application for extending entry permit can only be done by tourism companies in the UAE. The entry permit is granted electronically in accordance with ICP 48 hours after the application has been received and accepted. It also states that a tourist visa may be extended twice for a total of 30 days.

You need a copy of your passport that is still valid for at least six months in order to apply for an extension.

ICP states that three different entry permits may be prolonged for 30 days:

1. An extension of the traveler’s admission permission

2. Extending a visitor’s admission permission

3. Extending entry authorization for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations

Entry permit extension fees

Here is the breakdown of the cost, as per the ICP website: • Request fee:  Dh100 • Issuance fee:  Dh500 • E-Services Fee:  Dh10 Total:   Dh600

Extension of a tourist visa through GDRFA – Dubai

According to the GDRFA website, gdrfad.gov.ae, only accredited tourism offices in Dubai are authorized to submit applications for visa extensions for holders of Dubai tourist visas.

The GDRFA website states that in order to apply for the service through a tourism office, the holder of a tourist visa must present a copy of a current tourist visa and the visa may be extended by a decision of the issuing authority for one or more times, not exceeding 120 days in total.

Fees for extending an entry permit include a visa extension charge of Dh600 plus 5% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Additional fees (if the sponsored person is inside the country):

• Knowledge dirham:  Dh10
• Innovation dirham:  Dh10
• Fee inside the country:  Dh500

Total: Dh1,120

Do you need a Visa to Transit through UAE?

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai provides the following list of countries whose citizens can get a visa on arrival in the UAE:

1. Australia 2. Austria 3. Belgium 4. Brunei 5. Bulgaria 6. Canada 7. China 8. Croatia 9. Cyprus 10. Czech Republic 11. Denmark 12. Estonia 13. Finland 14. France 15. Germany 16. Greece 17. Hong Kong 18. Hungary 19. Iceland 20. Ireland 21. Italy 22. Japan 23. Latvia 24. Liechtenstein 25. Lithuania 26. Luxembourg 27. Malaysia 28. Malta 29. Monaco 30. Netherlands 31. New Zealand 32. Norway 33. Poland 34. Portugal 35. Russia 36. Romania 37. San Marino 38. Singapore 39. Slovakia 40. Slovenia 41. South Korea 42. Spain 43. Sweden 44. Switzerland 45. The Vatican 46. United Kingdom 47. United States of America

Additionally, Indian citizens that are holders of:

• 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 European Union

This type of a visa, which is available for all passport holders, from 48 to 96 hours, is ideal for a short stopover in the UAE.

The transit visas for 48 hours are issued free of charge to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports. You need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa is not extendable, or renewable. The validity of the visa is 48 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within 48 hours from arrival.

If you want to have a slightly more extended stay in the UAE, a transit visa for 96 hours and must be applied in advance through a UAE based airline. This visa is not extendable, or renewable. The validity of the visa is 96 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within 96 hours from arrival. This visa is issued for a fee of  AED 50  to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports.

In order to get your transit visa you need to present to the immigration counter:

• A passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three months.
• A passport size photograph against a white background.
• An onward ticket booking to a third destination, other than the one you are coming from.

How Can you Apply for a UAE Transit Visa?

You can get the transit visa by Visiting the airline’s website or service centre.

• Complete your ticket bookings.
• Visit the airline’s website and select your ticket booking.
• You will receive the option for ‘Apply for transit visa’. You need to ensure that you are applying for a transit visa with the same airline that you are flying, as itineraries that include flights from other carriers will not be accepted. Also, the itinerary into and out of the UAE airport should be on one ticket (PNR), with the stay in the UAE being within the visa duration.
• Once you have made the payment for your transit visa, it will be issued by the airlines

The departure fee of  AED 30 is levied on each passenger passing through the UAE’s airports.

How can You get 5-year Multiple Visa in UAE?

If you are looking to visit the UAE regularly over the next few years, a new visa option has opened for tourists. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has provided details of the five-year multiple entry tourist visa for all nationalities through the authority’s website.Tourists can apply for the visa on self-sponsorship and can stay for 90 days on each visit and can be extended for another 90 days.

The application fee is would be approximate AED 650.

Here is a breakdown of the cost for this visa:

• Application fee: Dh100
• Issuance fee: Dh500
• Electronic services: Dh50
• Urgent application fee: Dh100 (if requested)

How can you apply for 30 – Day e-visa for GCC residents?

If you live in a GCC country and want to visit the UAE, you can apply for an e-visa online through the ICP or the website of the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The 30-day entry permit is valid and GCC e-visa holders can stay for 30 days in the UAE from the date of entry.

What You Need:

• A valid residence visa from a GCC country, with at least three months left before it expires.
• A passport copy with at least six months of validity left.
• A colored passport-sized photo that meets specific requirements.
• If you’re traveling with family, like your spouse or kids, you’ll need to show proof of your relationship.
• Some nationalities might need to provide their home country’s ID.

The total cost for the eVisa application is Dh350. This includes various fees like request fees, issue fees, and service fees.

Steps to Apply Online:

• Create a UAE Pass account if you don’t have one. This is a digital ID for people in the UAE.
• Once logged in, you’ll see your personal dashboard.
• Select the ICP department of the emirate you’re visiting (like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah).
• Find the service named ‘Issue Entry Permit For GCC Resident.’
• Click on ‘Start Service.’
• Fill out the application and upload the required documents.
• You’ll get a transaction/request number that helps you track your visa application’s status.

How to Track Your Visa Application:

• Enter your 15-digit request number in the ‘Quick Search’ bar on the homepage.
• Click ‘Inquiry,’ and you’ll see your application’s status.

When You’ll Get the eVisa:

After your eVisa is approved, it usually takes two to five business days to receive it via email. Make sure you provided the correct email address in your application.

How to apply for a UAE Family Group Tourist Visas?

The UAE now offers a family group visa option for the families who are planning to visit the UAE with their kids, which allows parents and their children to apply for visas together through approved travel agencies.

The best part is that children under 18 can get their visas for free when they’re accompanied by their parents.

To take advantage of this offer, you need to go through authorized travel agencies, both inside and outside the UAE. The family group visa is perfect for families traveling as a group, and it allows for short-term tourist visas that can last from 30 to 60 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 120 days if needed.

When you’re ready to apply, make sure you have these documents ready for the travel agency:

• A copy of your passport (valid for at least six months).
• A passport-sized photograph.
• You can find all the necessary information and documents on the GDFRA website.

For residents of GCC countries and their companions, there’s a convenient service that lets foreigners residing in a GCC country get an entry visa to the UAE for up to 30 days, which can be extended once. You can apply for this online through the website or a smart application.

Here’s what you need:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A copy of your residence permit or an electronic document that shows your profession and the validity of your residence.
• A personal photo with a white background.

To apply, follow these steps:

• Go to the website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Register as a user.
• Choose the service.
• Fill in your data correctly, especially your full name.
• Pay the required fees.
• Once your application is approved, the visa will be sent to your email.
• Make sure your residency is valid for more than 3 months, and your passport is valid for more than six months to avoid any issues.

In the past, getting a visa for the UAE involved obtaining a yellow paper and waiting for a couple of hours for approval. But now, the UAE government has made things much easier with a user-friendly website. You can apply for your visa electronically and receive it within minutes, even if you’re outside the country. It’s a fantastic improvement that simplifies the whole process for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on Tourist Visa in UAE

What are the new tourist visa rules in uae 2023.

UAE has implemented new rules for tourist visas. Travelers can now apply for a tourist visa through authorized travel agencies. The visa options include 30-day and 60-day visit visas. Moreover, visitors who hold these visas have the possibility to extend their stay for an additional 30 days. These updated regulations offer flexibility and convenience for tourists planning to explore the UAE.

What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in UAE?

Individuals who exceed the permitted visa period are subject to a fine of Dh50 per day. It is important to adhere to the visa regulations and ensure that your stay in the country aligns with the approved duration to avoid incurring any penalties.

What are the benefits of UA Five Year tourist visa?

The self-sponsored 5-year tourist visa for Dubai allows for numerous entries into the nation. You may stay for up to 90 days per visit with this five-year visa.

If you are currently in the UAE on a tourist visa and wish to extend your stay, you have the option to request an extension of your entry permit for an additional 30 days. According to information provided by the ICP website, a tourist visa can be extended twice, allowing for a total extension period of 30 days. To proceed with the extension, you must contact authorized tourism companies within the UAE. It’s important to note that the extension can only be approved through the ICP in the UAE or the GDRFA in Dubai.

Is tourist visa converted into work permit in UAE?

Foreigners wishing to work in the UAE should be aware that they are not permitted to do so while on a visit or tourist visa. To be able to live and work lawfully in the UAE, they must have a valid work visa or residence permission. The employment and residency permits must be obtained by the employer.

How long does it take to get a UAE tourist visa after completing the application?

In most cases, 4-5 working days will pass before you receive your visa if all the necessary paperwork is presented. 

Do children need a visa to visit Dubai?

Yes, travelers to the UAE of all ages must have valid travel documents, such as passports and visas.

For how long a tourist visa remains valid?

The type of visa you hold will determine how long your tourist visa will last. In Dubai, you can choose between a single entry and multiple entrance visa. The new regulations state that a single-entry visa has a 60-day validity period and a 30-day extension period. 

Do Airlines offer a visit visa in the UAE?

Through airlines like Etihad Airways, Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Air Arabia, you can apply for a visit visa.

Where can I get UAE tourist visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa in the UAE through national airlines and authorized airlines operating within the country, hotels and authorized travel agencies.

Is 3 months visa still available in UAE?

Yes, You can now apply for a three-month visit visa even through travel agencies. This visa cannot be applied for by people who are already in the UAE, the three-month visa is available only for people who are currently outside the UAE.

How much is 3 months tourist visa in UAE?

The three months tourist visa cost approximate range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,000, as the cost includes visa fees as well as service fees and health insurance costs.

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Everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa for Dubai

It’s fairly easy….

Thinking of visiting Dubai, but you’re not sure how to get a tourist visa? Perhaps you already live in this gorgeous city and want to share it with family and friends, but aren’t sure how to go about securing the ever-important visa. For some it’s as easy as showing up at the airport, for others, there is a process that needs to be followed.

Here is everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa for Dubai.

No visa required

Citizens of the GCC areas do not require any sort of visa to enter Dubai. You simply need to provide your passport or your national ID at the point of entry and you will be granted entrance.

Visa on arrival

If you fall into this category, you’re in luck because there are certain countries that can simply arrive at Dubai International Airport and receive a tourist visa, on arrival.

There are a total of 50 countries that receive visas on arrival. Some include The United Kingdom (UK), The United States of America (USA), and countries that are part of the EU. For some countries you will be eligible for a 30-day visa, and for others a 90-day visa, with the possibility of extension.

Indian citizens who are holders of tourist visas from the USA, green cards, or have a residence visa in the UK or EU will also receive a visa on arrival, for 14 days, provided that the green card and residence visas have been valid for more than six months.

If you are a Mexican passport holder, you will be granted a multiple-entry visa on arrival. Your visa is valid for up to 180 days and is valid for six months from the date that the visa has been issued.

The list of countries that are able to attain a tourist visa on arrival in Dubai or the UAE may change from time to time and so you can easily see if you are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival by following the steps here .

Pre-arranged visa

When you do not fall under the above categories that means you need to apply for a tourist visa before you enter Dubai. This can be done in a number of ways.

You can easily apply directly through certain airlines including FlyDubai and Emirates . Alternatively, you can organise a tourist visa through licensed travel agents, tour operators and the hotel you will be staying at.

It is important to note that you cannot apply for a tourist visa through the UAE Embassy, one of the organisers mentioned above will apply for your visa on your behalf through the visa-issuing authorities here in Dubai.

For more information click here .

Images: Unsplash

For Indians, any time of the year is a good time to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reachable from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in under 4 hours, or from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in just over this time, the UAE is accessible by air from most major Indian cities in an average of 4 hours.

Dubai, a hop-over destination

Indians keep visiting this booming, safe and secure Gulf country to enjoy its shopping, recreation and adventure potential, and to meet up with family and friends, who oblige them with whirlwind tours through this mini paradise. For Indians, the UAE, and in particular Dubai, has become their home away from home, a hop-over destination for extended weekends and national holidays.

The region’s wide range of attractions cater to the tastes of all varieties of holiday-makers. From the skyscrapers lining Sheikh Zayed Road, the world-class mega malls and multi-million-dollar offshore developments, to the Old World souks, beaches and adrenaline-charged desert safaris, Dubai has it all.

Dubai is also a popular transit destination for travellers, owing to its geographically central location between Asia and Europe. Over the last decade, the UAE has seen a tremendous growth in the number of travellers from India. Even the hot summer months of July and August when outside is blazing hot, the cool air-conditioned malls in the UAE are flush with tourists, who come to partake in the Summer Surprises shopping bonanza.

Dubai Visa Processing Centres in 12 Indian cities

Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC), VFS Global’s exclusive facility for Emirates Airline and the Government of Dubai for processing UAE visas, launched in October 2002, plays a great role in facilitating the visa of Indians travelling to the country.

The Dubai Visa Processing Centres are present in 12 major cities in India, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Jaipur and Lucknow, offering unmatched services. They also ensure faster turnaround times, making the Dubai visa application process of Indian holiday makers seamless and hassle-free.

DVPC mobile app to book your visa on-the-go

Empowering customers with newer modes of visa application, VFS Global’s DVPC mobile app is now available on iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded free from Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store. The DVPC app helps Emirates Airline passengers to complete the entire UAE visa application process while on-the-go. Using the app, you can apply for the 30-day tourist visa, 96-hour transit visa or 90-day visit visa, based on your Emirates Airline itinerary.

The user-friendly transactional app involves a one-time profile creation for yourself and your family members; you can use it for uploading data and documents, making payments and receiving the service online.

DVPC also offers online visa application service in over 180 countries through www.emirates.com . Its value-added services such as Express Visas (where visas are turned around on priority for urgent applications) and door-to-door services (application pick- up from home or office) have also redefined the visa processing services for the UAE. For more information, please visit www.dubaivisa.net .

The DVPC mobile app

Emirates Airline passengers can use the DVPC mobile app to apply for their UAE visa in a matter of minutes

3 easy steps to apply via the Mobile App

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Emirates Airline operates out of 9 cities in India (Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum), operating 185 flights a week from India to Dubai (UAE)

Download the DVPC Mobile App Now

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Before you fly

UAE Visa Information

There may still be COVID-19 travel restrictions in some countries. Check our COVID-19 hub before you travel.

Do I need a visa for the UAE?

You’ll find information about visas below. Use our quick visa search tool to see if you need a visa and the passport requirements for visiting the UAE.

UAE visa on arrival

Preapproved uae visas, prearranged uae visas, sponsoring someone to visit the uae, contact information, 30-day visit eligibility.

If you are a passport holder of the below country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to visit the UAE. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa free of charge.

90-day visit eligibility

If you are a passport holder of one of the below countries or territories, your passport will be stamped with a multiple entry 90-day visit visa that's valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total. Citizens of the below European countries are also entitled to apply for a pre-arranged visit visa if their 90-day visa on arrival has been fully utilized.

180-day visit eligibility

If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180-day visit visa that's valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.

Dubai immigration procedures

As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International are now conducting random visual screening for visitors to Dubai.

Visitors asked to proceed for visual screening are required to present a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page at the screening counter. If you do not have a copy of your visa with you, a charge of AED 30 per copy applies, payable only in AED.

Important information

Before you travel to the UAE, check visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa if needed and that your passport is valid for the minimum required period. Holders of non-standard passports and travel documents may also have different entry requirements: find out if you need to apply for a visa and other passport requirements.

As of April 29, 2016, GCC residence permit holders will need to apply for a UAE visa before arriving in Dubai.

New visit entry permit to the UAE for Indian nationals

From January 7, 2024, eligible Indian nationals with a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months can obtain a single entry, 14-day visa on arrival. A fee of USD 63 applies.

Eligibility

• Indian passport holder with USA visa valid for a minimum of six months
• Indian passport holder with USA green card valid for a minimum of six months
• Indian passport holder with UK residence card valid for a minimum of six months
• Indian passport holder with EU residence card from the following countries valid for a minimum of six months

How and where to apply for a preapproved UAE visa

Eligible Indian nationals can apply for their UAE entry permit on emirates.com through Manage your booking .

* Extensions can be made at the airport office only.

Required documents

• Color photograph of applicant
• Color copy of applicant's passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months
• The original application form (available at all Emirates ticketing offices) can be accessed in Arabic or English, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Download the English  or Arabic  application form
• Copy of the Emirates ticket
• Proof of relationship if applying for family member: birth certificate, marriage certificate and family book
• All Documents to be submitted as hard copies

Additional documents are required for visitors of some countries

Additional documents may be required, depending on your country of residence. Please use our visa search tool above or visit our visa requirements page for more information.

Rules and conditions

• Visa fees must be paid upon application.
• Additional visa processing fees apply.
• The passenger must travel to and from Dubai on Emirates or codeshare flights only.
• Visa fees are nonrefundable.
• The ticket is non-refundable if the visa has been issued and utilized.
• Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days.
• Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.
• All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96-hour and 48-hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

How and where to apply for your prearranged UAE visa

• Apply online through Manage Your Booking

Apply online

Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.

If you are traveling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online—without having to submit your passport for stamping. You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage your booking after you book your Emirates flight. VFS processing fees apply. For more information please visit VFS Global.

The online visa application service is available for residents and nationals of many countries around the world. Find out if you can apply for a UAE visa. Applicants' passports must have at least six months' validity as of the date of travel to Dubai and must be machine-readable; handwritten passports are not accepted.

This service is only available to passengers with a confirmed Emirates booking where an Emirates ticket has already been issued and the flight itinerary already includes the desired time in Dubai. The itinerary into and out of Dubai should be on one ticket (PNR), and these flights must be Emirates flights. Note that itineraries including flights to or from Dubai on other carriers are not eligible for online visa service.

A minimum of 4 international working days prior to arrival in Dubai is required; however, Emirates recommends that online applications be made as early as possible.

Apply in the UAE

If you have a family member or near relative who is a UAE resident, they can apply for a visa on your behalf at any of our ticketing offices in the UAE. Please note that this service is only available to residents of the UAE.

• Color copy of applicant's passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months.
• The original application form (available at all Emirates ticketing offices)

Download the prearranged visa application form

Get started on your prearranged visa application by downloading and filling out the form.

Required applicant documents:

• A color passport photograph
• A color copy of your passport (must be valid for six months)
• A copy of your Emirates flight ticket, or your flight ticket from our codeshare partner
• The visa application form

Required sponsor documents:

Minimum salary required, download the sponsorship application form.

Get started on your sponsorship application by downloading and filling out the form.

Visa and sponsorship applications can be submitted to:

Abu Dhabi Emirates Ticketing Office: Al Sawari Tower C, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Visa Services: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 6pm) and Saturday (8.30am to 5.30pm) Closed on Sunday and public holidays.

Ajman Emirates Ticketing Office Escape Tower, Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Street Visa Services: Monday to Saturday (9am to 6pm) Closed on Sunday and public holidays

Al Ain Emirates Ticketing Office Commercial Complex, Sheikh Khalifa Street Visa Services: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 6pm) and Saturday (8.30am to 5.30pm) Closed on Sunday and public holidays

Dubai International: Terminal 3 Arrivals Phone: 04 504 7300 E-mail: [email protected] Visa Services: Monday to Friday (7am to 7pm) and Saturday (9am to 4pm) Closed on Sunday and public holidays

Emirates Ticketing Office: Emirates Group Technology Centre, Ground Floor Entrance B, Al Ittihad Road, near Clock Tower, Deira Visa Services: Monday to Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Closed on Sunday and public holidays

Emirates Ticketing Office: Town Centre, Jumeirah Visa Services: Daily from (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

VFS Global Services GCC VASCO Worldwide 2nd floor, WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE

Sharjah Emirates Ticketing Office: Crystal Plaza, Buhaira Corniche Visa Services: Monday to Saturday (9am to 7pm) Closed on Sunday and public holidays Umm Al Quwain Emirates Ticketing Office: King Faisal Road, Jameiya area, near FEWA Visa Services: Monday to Saturday (9am to 8pm) Closed on Sunday and public holidays

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• Visit Dubai
• Retirement in Dubai

Retire in Dubai

About the programme, why retire in dubai, how does it work, how do i apply.

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is an exciting destination with incredible attractions and an upbeat energy.

A sunshine-filled city, Dubai offers an outstanding quality of life for retirees. The city is famed for its friendly, multicultural population and array of lifestyle experiences that put convenience at the forefront – think on-demand home services and food delivery at the touch of a button.

The Dubai retirement visa is your chance to live in one of the world’s fastest growing, safest and most culturally-diverse places. It's time to enjoy your next exciting chapter.

Valid for 5 years, the renewable retirement visa is open to retired applicants who are at least 55 years old. They must also fulfil one of these financial options: 

Option 1 Minimum yearly income of AED180,000 (approx. US$49,000 annually or AED15,000/US$4,100 per month)

Option 2 AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit

Option 3 AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) unmortgaged property OR mortgaged property, for which the payment to date is at least AED1 million Option 4 A combination of Options 2 and 3, with a minimum value of AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit and property (worth at least AED500,000 each)

With the multiple-entry visa, you’ll be regarded as a resident of the UAE and can therefore freely travel and enter the country at your convenience. You’ll also have access to all the standard services that residents benefit from, including telecommunications and utilities.

Once you've decided which one of the three financial options you want to apply under – savings , property or a combination of both, you'll need to prepare official documentation that proves your financial status.

All international applicants will need to send their passport copy and those of their dependents (if any), along with a copy of their marriage certificate if sponsoring their spouse. UAE residents will need to additionally provide copies of their current visa and Emirates ID, both for themselves and any dependents. 

Once all your documents are ready, submit your application to one of two relevant authorities, based on which financial option you choose.

Financial criteria

Option 1: income.

A sustainable yearly income of at least AED180,000 (approx. US$49,000), which equates to AED15,000 (approx. US$4,100) per month.

Option 2: Savings

AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit

Option 3: Property

AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) in unmortgaged property or mortgaged property, for which the payment to date is at least AED1 million

Option 4: Savings & Property

A combination of Options 2 & 3 valued for at least AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit and property, worth AED500,000 each

Frequently asked questions

What is the retirement visa?

Will I have multiple entry to the UAE?

How long is the application process?

What is the cost of the retirement visa?

Do local health insurance providers cover COVID-19 expenses?

With the retirement visa, who am I allowed to sponsor? Is there a limit to the number of people that I can sponsor?

Whether you want to enjoy the sunshine, stay active by the sea or simply explore the city's hotspots with your family, there's never a dull moment in Dubai.

Let us guide you

Health insurance

Find top international healthcare specialists, supported by a robust health insurance system. Rest easy knowing that all your medical needs are taken care of.

Property in Dubai

By the beach or in the city centre, Dubai’s villas and apartments are stunning, and will make you want to spend quality time in the comfort of your own home.

Legacy management

There are many ways in which you are able to secure your assets and register your will while in Dubai. Let us guide you through the essentials.

Dubai Retirement Visa

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• Accessibility

• Information and services
• About the UAE
• Visa and Emirates ID
• Where to apply for entry permits or visas?

Online channels

These are the online channels for applying for entry permits:

• the eChannels portal
• the website of GDRFA - Dubai
• ICP App on Google Play and App Store
• Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store .

For more information, please contact:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.

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European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

Indian Nationals can now apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity

On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows. 

According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU. 

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai

Gdrfa dubai customer community.

A network to build a customer community keen to contribute to the development of the service system

New Entry Permit for Exploring Business or Job Opportunities

Explore new horizons with the new Entry Permit for Business or Job Opportunities.

Issuance of green visa

The Green Visa in the UAE offers longer residency options and greater flexibility for foreigners working or investing in the Emirates.

AlSaada Card

Partner with us in ALSAADA card to provide offers and discounts to employees of GDRFA Dubai.

Apply for Golden Residency

The UAE's Golden Visa offers long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents.

Update personal information

You can easily update your personal data on our website through a user-friendly and secure interface.

Fines Inquiry

Check fines on your file or those under your sponsorship.

Find my Unified Number

Service that allows customers to find their Unified Number.

Smart Gate Registration

Check the status of your Smart Gates registration.

Visa Status

Verify the validity of entry and residence permits, establishment card and more.

Schengen Visa Calculator

The calculator tracks 'Schengen' nationals' remaining days in the UAE, within a 90-day limit per 180 days.

Popular services

More services.

Inquire about fines associated with your personal file or those you sponsor.

This service enables customers to retrieve their Unified Number.

Check the validity of entry, residence permits, and establishment cards, and more.

A suite of online smart services for citizens, GCC nationals, and residents to streamline processes and minimize in-person visits.

Be a part of GDRFA employees and their relatives happiness as well the tourists of the United Arab Emirates, by providing the best offers and privileges, which contribute to improving the quality of life of the beneficiaries and raising their happiness. ALSAADA Program includes commercial entities and groups that cover all basic and luxuries sectors in the lives of the beneficiaries.

Investors interested in establishing an 'Amer Center' to offer GDRFA services can access this dedicated service once they meet all GDRFA requirements.

Use this service to confirm the successful completion of your Smart Gates registration.

The calculator indicates the remaining days permitted for 'Schengen' area nationals to stay in the United Arab Emirates, for up to (90) days within any 180-day span.

This service provides legal assistance including advice, handling complaints and disputes between workers and companies affiliated with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, addressing financial dues, canceling or renewing residence permits, filing escape reports, and responding to judicial inquiries about establishments, individuals, and their addresses.

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QUICK LINKS

This link will direct you to an external site that may have different policies for use of content and privacy than the site of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.

Please note that GDRFA Dubai do not manage external websites linked from GDRFA Dubai website, therefore in some situations, the external website might open in different language than your preferred language, and users might need to switch to their preferred language on the external website itself.

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