Dubai city has grown from a desert town to a metropolis, with close to 17 million people visiting it in 2019. Boasting of world-class infrastructure, great attractions, shopping, desert safaris and more, Dubai is a place every travel junkie should visit. Ranking in the list of top 10 visited cities in the world (according to Forbes), Dubai has something to offer for everyone. This oasis in the Middle East can proudly count itself to be one of the best cities in the world, with the number of tourists to the city increasing each year.

Types of Dubai Tourist Visas

The UAE government offers a number of different types of visas to individuals looking to enter the country. While a Visit Visa enables them to perform multiple tasks in Dubai, a tourist visa narrows down the scope, with individuals on this visa permitted to do only a few things. A tourist visa can be considered as a subcategory of the Visit Visa, with authorities granting it for a limited period of time. Listed below are the different types of Tourist Visas one can choose from:

  • 14-day Dubai tourist visa– As the name implies, this is a visa which permits an individual to stay in UAE for a period of 14 days. It is ideal for someone who wishes to explore what the city has to offer but has a limited time period to do the same. The visa is valid for a period of two months, with no travel permitted beyond this time. Individuals can stay in Dubai for 14 days from the date they land in the country.
  • 30-day Dubai tourist visa– This is designed for someone who wishes to spend more time in Dubai. It enables one to stay in the country for a period of 30 days, with it possible for the visa holder to travel to other cities in UAE as well. Individuals need to complete the travel within 60 days of issue of visa, post which the visa lapses. The duration of this visa can be extended by a maximum of 10 days, subject to certain terms and conditions.

While there are other kinds of visas available, individuals who are travelling to Dubai for the sole purpose of tourism can choose between these two options. Individuals who are required to travel to the city on different occasions in a particular period of time can opt for a Multiple Entry Visa.

Dubai Tourist Visa Fees

Indians looking to travel to Dubai can get a visa only if they have a local sponsor. This could either be a friend/relation, travel agent, or hotel. In most cases, it is best to approach travel agencies to get the visa application done. The fee for a tourist visa to Dubai might vary depending on which agency one approaches. The table below highlights the typical fee range for a Dubai tourist visa.

Visa type Cost range
14-day visa Rs.5,800 to Rs.6,500
30-day visa Rs.6,100 to Rs.7,000

These prices typically include all taxes and service charges.

Note: The rates mentioned above reflect the general cost of availing a visa through registered travel agencies. It is possible to get a visa for a lower cost if one has friends/family in the UAE who can apply on their behalf.

Certain agencies provide Express Visa options wherein the visa application process is fast-tracked. This is ideal if one is in an immediate hurry to visit Dubai. The table below lists the Express Visa fee charged by agencies.

Express Visa type Cost range
14 Days Express Visa Rs.6,500 to Rs.7,400
30 Days Express Visa Rs.6,700 to Rs.7,700

Note: The fee can vary from agency to agency. Individuals should check this before applying. The price mentioned above includes taxes and one needn’t pay any extra amount.

In certain cases, individuals might be asked to give a certain amount as security deposit. This amount is refundable and is returned when the individual leaves the country. The refund is typically reflected in the account within 5 working days.

 

Documents Required for Dubai tourist visa

Individuals looking to travel to Dubai on a tourist visa will have to submit the following documents:

  • Passport– An applicant should have a valid passport depicting his/her nationality. Scanned copies of the passport need to be submitted (in case of online applications). The passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months in order for the visa application to be processed. Individuals should include the first and last page of the passport. The scanned copies should be coloured, with black and white copies susceptible for rejection.
  • Application form– Applicants need to fill the application form for visa. The form should be signed as well. Individuals should note that the information provided is accurate, for any discrepancies could result in delays.
  • Photograph– The application needs to be supported with a recent photograph of the applicant. The image should be in colour and no more than 6 months old. It should conform to certain standards as laid down by the government.
  • Itinerary– The travel itinerary should be provided with the application. This should include the dates of travel, copy of the flight tickets, and details of the hotel where an individual is expected to stay. This is basically required to indicate to the authorities that the applicant has all plans to leave the country within a specified time period.
  • Financial data– This is typically not required in most cases. It is rarely needed, but it is safer to keep the information handy. Officials might ask this if they doubt an applicant’s financial status, and whether he/she will be able to survive in the country on limited finances.
  • Address proof– Again, this is not asked in all cases. It can be asked in situations where the applicant’s current permanent residency address is different from the nationality of said applicant.

Authorities can ask for any other document in addition to the aforementioned ones, depending on the individual applicant. It is important to keep all other relevant data handy in such cases.

Children traveling with parents:

  • Photograph
  • Passport copy
  • Birth certificate in English or Arabic. Please note that translated documents must be attested on the front page.

Dubai Tourist Visa Validity

The visa is valid for a period of 60 days from the time it is issued. Individuals can travel to the country anytime within this period, failing which the visa needs to be cancelled. Individuals who do not travel to the country in the stipulated period and fail to cancel the visa will not be granted one in the future unless the old visa is cancelled.

 

 

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa is valid for 60 days after issued and comes with a Single Entry.
  • The UAE visa is for short stays (30 days Total max) and is not extendable.
  • All visas are sent by email to the email address given at the start of the application process.
  • The UAE Immigration Department requires all visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. If your passport is valid for less than six months, you will need to renew it before you can apply for a visa and travel to the UAE.
  • All passengers, including children and infants, must have a visa to enter the UAE. This includes infants traveling on their parents’ laps.
  • To renew your visa, you must exit the UAE and may re-enter on a new visa if you meet the requirements.
  • If you overstay in the UAE without renewing your visa, you may face legal action and a fine. Furthermore, it may not be possible to apply for a UAE visa in the future.
  • This visa cannot be changed to a work visa while inside the UAE.
  • Please note that the following countries require that you obtain your UAE visa on arrival.
  • Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, proceed to Immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30 days Total visit visa, free of charge. In addition to the countries listed above, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia are eligible for a visa on arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.