09January | 11 min
09January | 11 min
There are several visa types and as mentioned before, the purpose and duration of your stay is everything if you want to get the right visa. Have a look at the list below to sort out which one is right for you:
If you are planning to visit Dubai for tourism purposes the first thing to do is check what kind of visa you can gain according to your nationality.
If you are from any EU nation, the US or UK, then you are eligible for visa on-arrival. For other countries they can either apply for an online eVisa if they are entitled for this option or a tourist visa will need to be obtained through an embassy or travel agency.
Holiday makers who need a pre-arranged visa have two categories to choose from, single and multiple-entry. You can get both entry types for 30 or 60 days according to the duration you want to stay in Dubai
Let's say you have a stopover and don't want to be confined to the airport if it's over 12 hours long, what you need is a transit visa.
This comes in two categories, 48-hour and 96-hour transit visa. These are usually sponsored by UAE-based airlines and have to be processed before arrival.
If you want more out of your excursion to Dubai besides sightseeing, then it is highly recommended to apply for a visit visa. This allows individuals to partake in both business and pleasure as a versatile visa option.
Available in two categories for 30 and 60 days, you can choose this if you are seeking medical attention, attending a conference, or visiting family.
Dubai is slowly becoming an educational hub with both local and international universities setting up shop in this cosmopolitan city.
For bright young minds who have been accepted into an institution here, you can apply for a Dubai student visa that is valid for one year and is renewable till the end of your education.
It has called the City of Gold for a reason. As a global business center, this type of visa needs to be obtained if you are an investor trying to establish or partake in commercial activities in Dubai.
There are two types for people who want to make long term investments, sponsored and non-sponsored. The resident visa is ideal for businesspersons with sponsorship from a local entity. On the other hand, if you are self-sponsored, the green visa will let you stay in the UAE for 5 years.
A single or multiple entry visit visa is all that is needed for people who are only here for a short time for meetings or conferences.
The Green visa is also part of the employment category in addition to the Standard work visa. The standard one is valid for two years and for foreigners who are employed in the government or private sector.
While the green visa is for self-employed individuals, freelancers and skilled employees whose job falls under the first to third occupational level. This visa type let's people stay for 5 years.
GCC nationals and their companions can apply for a visa online, which is valid for 30 days and can be extended for 30 more.
This long-term resident visa lets foreigners with outstanding talent work, study and live in Dubai for 5 or 10 years. You can stay without restrictions and get benefits such as Tax-free income and to sponsor family members.
Are you seeking to settle down and retire in this beautiful city? Well that is possible with the Dubai retirement visa.
If you are over 55 and can meet the eligibility requirements, you will be granted this 5 year multiple entry visa which is renewable.
Tourist visa: Short-term 30-day visa costs 250 AED for single entry and 690 for multiple. Long-term visas will cost 600 AED for single and 1740 AED for multiple entries.
Student visa: The cost depends on the institution and includes everything from medical insurance to Emirati ID application. As some universities cover the expenses for the visa, it can range from 2,800 to 9000 AED.
Business visa: The price depends on the type as short-term visit visas will typically cost AED 300-900 according to the entry type while the green visa fee is AED 5260.
As a tourist, these are a few points to consider before applying for a Dubai tourist visa.
This is an important aspect to consider, especially when going to an expensive city like Dubai. Make sure you have enough money for your stay or if you are living with relatives, they are financially capable of supporting you during your visit.
2. Does your purpose of stay match with the visa you are applying for?
A tourist visa is as the name implies only for tourism, and not for work or study. If you want something more flexible try a visit visa. The same can be applied for business or education as something like a golden visa gives you more benefits and flexibility.
Ensure that all your paperwork is up-to-date with your passport having a minimum validity of 6 months from travel date. Try applying with a travel agency like Arabiers to make organising documents along with the visa application, a hassle-free task.
If you are not part of the lucky few nations who get visa-on-arrival, this is a list of documents you need for the application process.
For those apply through us, this is what the visa process will look like:
You got your visa, congratulations, but would you like to know a bit more about this dazzling city before you embark on your adventures?
These are some of the must see places and activities to do here.
Without stopping to the world's tallest building, which stands 829.8 meters tall and is a remarkable sight, is a trip to Dubai truly complete? Representing the heart and soul of this city, you can get a great view from the observation deck.
Dune bashing over the Liwa desert is the epitome of desert adventure. These sand mountains provide a plethora of sights and activities, including camel riding and camping beneath the stars.
If you fancy a romantic ride across the Dubai Marina or want to experience a traditional boat trip along the Creek, there are numerous tour packages to choose from.
Also called the Museo Futuro Dubai, get an otherworldly experience by visiting this museum. The shape of this building itself is awe worthy and consists of 5 floors with different themes from spirituality to space.
Nature lovers can rejoice at this breathtaking spectacle. The Dubai Miracle Garden is a sensory feast with themed gardens and life sized replicas of famous places.
It is the largest natural flower garden in the world and is the perfect attraction for those traveling with kids. The beauty of this location is that the arrangements change every season so every visit is different.