16 January 2025 | 12 min
16 January 2025 | 12 min
Since Sri Lanka is unfortunately not on the list of countries for visa-on-arrival, a prepaid visa has to be made in order to enter Dubai. So let's have a look at the different types for tourists:
If you have a layover that is more than half a day and want to spend that time outside the airport, the best thing to do is get a transit visa. There are two kinds, 48-hour and 96-hour, which will allow you to sightsee in Dubai till you catch your next flight.
Before entry it is valid for 30 days after it is issued and after you arrive at the airport, it depends on what visa type you chose so the validity can be either 48 or 96 hours.
For those planning a full excursion of this cosmopolitan city, a 30 day tourist visa will give you plenty of time to get to know this nation. There are two entry categories you can select, which are single or multiple entries.
A single entry will only allow you to enter Dubai once while if you are planning a grand trip around the middle east, the multiple entry visa is the better option. Irrespective of the entries, this permit is applicable only 60 days before arrival.
Tourist Visa - 60 day
If 30 days just isn't enough and you want to stay in the UAE a bit longer, your next option is the 60-day visa. Like the previous one, you get to decide between a single and multiple entries, and both these visa types are valid for 60 days before your first entry.
Those who want to vacation in Dubai anytime they please and have a good bank balance should get the long term multiple-entry tourist visa. This is valid for 5 years and travellers can remain in the city 90 days on each visit.
Picture this, you have an urgent meeting to attend or a medical emergency that requires treatment in Dubai, the best thing to apply for is an express visa.
This is issued by trusted travel agencies like Arabiers in a matter of 4 to 8 hours. Furthermore, you get the same options as a standard Tourist visa with 30 or 60 days and single or multiple entries.
As a citizen of Sri Lanka, on arrival visa and eVisas are out of the question when it comes to Dubai so you will have to fulfill these requirements in order to be allowed entry into this city.
● Sufficient Funding: When visiting a costly city like Dubai, this is something very important to take into account. If you are staying with family, be sure they can aid you financially while you are there. If not, make sure you have enough for your stay.
● As the name suggests, a tourist visa is only for travel, you cannot use it for employment or education. If you want something that is flexible I would suggest you apply for a Visit Visa. A visit and tourist visa are two different types with the former being the most suitable choice for people travelling for business meetings or medical treatment.
● Make sure that all of your documents are current and that your passport is valid for at least six months before the date of trip. To make organizing paperwork and applying for a visa a hassle-free process, try applying with a travel agency like Arabiers.
These are the list of documents you need to before starting the application process:
● A colored copy of your passport first page of your ( 6 month validity)
● Picture taken in white background
● Birth certificate if children are travelling with you
● A confirmation letter from a family member or friend in Dubai if you are staying with them. This should include the duration of your stay and if they are financially capable of hosting you.
Please note in the case of a transit visa, flight tickets for a third destination have to be shown.
This type is given through a UAE-based airline such as Emirates or Etihad. It is non-renewable and costs 10 USD for 48 hours and 49 USD for 96-hour (inclusive of VAT) if you are travelling with Emirates airline. The prices are subject to change according to the airline.
Some airlines offer a multi risk travel insurance so that is not required of you.
Short term single entry visas for 30 days costs 489 AED for single entry and 940 AED for multiple
A 60 day visa is priced at 689 AED for single-entry and 1140 AED for those applying for multiple entries
For the 5 year multiple entry visa you need to show a bank balance of 4000 USD in your account for the last six months before the start of your application.
The price is broken down into parts with the visa costing 500 AED person along with addional fees for application, service fees and financal guaranteed amount which will total around 2200 AED.
This type is a bit more pricey compared to the standard tourist visa so a single entry for 30 days will cost 789 AED while the amount will be 989 AED for 60-days. If you want to know more details, contact Arabiers, you team will be happy to assist and answer any of your queries
As a Sri Lankan citizens, since you need prepaid visa to Dubai, you will have to appy through an embassy, a UAE-based airline or a travel agency like Arabiers.
For those who are applying for the first time to see this dazzling city, it might be a daunting task to apply by yourself, so one of the best options is to apply through a Dubai-based agency such as Arabiers. Our visa consultants will do all the work after you have provided your details and documents.
That's not all, even family members who are residents in the UAE can apply on your behalf at an ticketing office in the United Arab Emirates.
If you are applying through Arabiers this is a general ouline of the procedure:
1. Arabiers visa consultants will check your eligibility for the visa type you prefer.
2. Collection and verification of documents.
3. After the payment is collected from you, the Arabiers Dubai team will start your application process
4. You will be informed as soon as your visa is approved and be sent a copy in PDF format.
5. Get your flight ticket and get the insurance work done
6. You are ready for your journey so start packing!
If you want to extend your vacation, the 30-day single entry visa can be lengthened for 30 days if you pay an additional fee. Two 30-day extensions are also available for the 60-day single entry visa. But multiple entry visas cannot be prolonged.
If you don't feel like leaving this city just yet, make sure to apply for this extension in person at our office or by getting in touch with Arabiers via WhatsApp.
The other way to stretch your trip a bit longer is through the airport-to-airport visa change. You can fly from Dubai to the next Middle Eastern country and then back after your new visa has been processed.
ConclusionIn summary, if you can meet the eligibility requirements getting a Dubai Visa is a walk in the park. You just need to ensure you are getting the right visa type according to the purpose of stay and have enough money to support your stay here, regardless of whether you are a sponsored or not sponsored applicant.