what is tour guide attachment for uae visa

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The Ultimate Guide to Visit Dubai With UAE’s 5-Year Tourist Visa in 2023

• September 7, 2022 March 10, 2023

Dubai’s journey from a fishing village to a modern-day metropolis is a tale of dramatic transformation. It has one foot firmly rooted in tradition while the other leaping into the future . Shopping malls abound with luxury brands featured alongside traditional abaya stores and prayer rooms. Al Seef along Deira Creek showcases the charms of old-time Dubai while the Museum of the Future takes you on a forward-looking journey powered by technology. With so much to see, it can be a challenge to squeeze everything into a single trip. Add to that the events that take place year-round in Dubai like the Cricket Asia Cup going on at present or the World Expo that wrapped up earlier this year. That’s where a long-term, multiple-entry tourism visa can help you. UAE’s recent offering of a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa lets you visit Dubai and all of UAE over and over again to watch this transformation as it happens. This post is the complete guide on how to apply for this visa and add Dubai to your repertoire of vacation destinations.

Visas are a necessary and important part of travel for most visitors around the globe. Travelers with Western passports enjoy visa-free entry or on-arrival visas to several countries. But most of us do not have the luxury of just packing up and leaving for a foreign land. We need to plan in advance, fill out the appropriate paperwork and give ourselves enough time to receive a visa before visiting the places of our dreams.

This is why I’m always excited whenever a country streamlines and simplifies its visa process allowing visitors to not just travel once but become repeat travelers. In March last year, UAE announced a new 5-year multiple entry tourist visa that lets visitors stay for three months at a time with an extension of an additional three months .

I recently applied for this visa for my family members and they were promptly approved. Everything here is based on my personal experience and by directly contacting the ICP customer service for clarifications. This was definitely one of the easier visa applications. But this functionality is relatively new on the Smart Services website and I did run into a few software glitches along the way. The engineer in me is always looking at software systems with that debugging lens and I was able to work around those bugs. I’ll make a note of all of this in the post so you can learn from my experience . I’m sure these issues will be resolved with time and all travelers will have a smoother digital application experience.

Who is eligible for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visas to UAE?

Anyone who wishes to visit Dubai, or UAE in general, on self-sponsored trips with at least 4,000 USD (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in their bank account for the last 6 months is eligible to apply for this visa. This visa is different from the Golden Visa which is for investors and the remote work visa which is for workers employed in other countries. This visa is purely for tourism purposes and meeting family and friends. The recipient of this visa can stay in the country for a continuous period not exceeding 90 days and may be expanded to a period not exceeding 180 days during the year.

What is the cost of the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa?

The total cost of the visa application is 650 AED which includes the request fees (100 AED), issue fees (500 AED), e-services fees (28 AED), and ICA fees (22 AED). Visa fees are subject to changes at any time, so check the latest cost on the Smart Services website . Issuance fees are refunded if the application is rejected by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

You will also incur additional costs for the 6-month health insurance that is one of the required documents for the visa application. These costs vary by company and plan. Plan on setting aside another couple of hundred AED for this purpose. For example, the Ziyarah insurance from Daman is priced at 220 AED plus 5% VAT.

What is the application process for this visa?

The visa application process is very straightforward. There are two main categories for submitting the five-year multiple entry visa application. The first one is for individuals applying alone and the second one is for families applying together.

• Visa – Multiple Entry – Long-term Tourism (5 Years) For All Nationalities – Issue New Visa
• Visa – Multiple Entry – Long-term Tourism (5 Years) For All Nationalities – Issue For Family Group

Here are the main steps:

• Fill out a short form on the ICP Smart Services website . This form includes personal details, passport details, address, and contact details within the UAE plus address and contact details where you reside outside UAE.
• Attach the required four documents outlined in the next section and any optional documents based on your citizenship or visit.
• If you are applying for the family group , you will fill out the form and attach the documents for additional applicants.
• Pay the fees online using a credit card. The fee of 650 AED is per person so if you are filing under the family group, you will be paying the total amount depending on the number of applicants.
• Check your application status regularly on the website and watch out for any emails regarding missing/additional documentation.
• Once approved, download the visa from the Smart Services website or receive an email with the visa attached.

What are the documents required for the visa application?

The following documents are required for the application. The allowed file types are .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf and the maximum size of each attachment is 2MB .

• One colored personal square photo matching the ICAO standards.
• Each attachment should be less than 2MB so you should stick to scanning just the main pages of your passport plus any pages with other visas and entry/exit stamps.
• I went with the Ziyarah insurance from Daman since it fits the bill perfectly and provided insurance for 190 days for multi trips.
• Every page of this statement needs to be stamped by the bank. Do not attach any extra pages like the cover page of a passbook since it may flag your documentation as incomplete and the application will be returned to you for resubmission.
• Two-way travel tickets (in & out).
• If you are staying with family or friends, this can be the rental lease agreement or mortgage papers of their residence.

Other optional documents for certain citizenships

• Iraqi Population Card for the beneficiary
• The Iranian Censenamah\ID card for the beneficiary
• Pakistani ID card for the beneficiary 

Please check the documentation requirements at the time of your application for any changes to this list. You can check this by clicking the Service Card button for this visa on the Smart Services dashboard and opening the Supporting Documents Required section.

What is the tour guide attachment for a UAE visa?

The tour guide attachment is not required for the 5-year multiple-entry UAE tourist visa. However, it is a confusing attachment required when applying for the 30-day and other tourist visas. So I wanted to talk about it while we are on the topic of documentation.

This section doesn’t mean that you need to hire a tour guide. It only means that you need to provide more details about your visit and itinerary.

You can simply attach the roundtrip flight tickets in this section. In addition to the tickets, you can also attach hotel booking confirmations and tickets to any attractions that you have booked in advance.

Can I fill out the application partially and return to submit it at a later time?

Yes , you can absolutely return to complete and submit an application at a later time. You can fill out just the form in the first sitting and come back to retrieve the application and attach the documents or make payments. However, this functionality is not very visibly displayed on the website.

The application is saved only after the form is filled. So you will need to fill in all the mandatory fields in Step 1 before you can pause the application. Once the form is filled, look at the gray-colored leaderboard at the top of the page which shows the type of visa at the top of the page. Right below that in small letters is the Reference Number. Save this number on your computer or online since it is the key to reaccessing your visa application from where you left it off.

When you wish to return to your application, go to the Smart Services dashboard and click the Application Tracking button. Use the reference number saved previously in the input field of Request Number in this step along with your email address. The system should pull up your application. Click the blue edit button next to your application which will take you back to exactly where you left it off.

This is such a helpful feature but unfortunately not displayed clearly on the website. It appears as if you need to start from the beginning by filling the form every time if you haven’t saved the Reference Number and found this workflow.

How long does it take to receive the visa?

The ICP does not provide any certain timeline for deciding on the visa application. Based on my personal experience and reading other news reports, ICP is very prompt and efficient in its processing. You can expect to hear back from them in 5 to 7 business days. They may contact you for any incomplete or missing documentation and it depends on when you learn about this and how long you take to resubmit the application.

Here’s where things get a bit tricky though. During the time of my family’s applications in July 2022, the email notifications from ICP were not working. This meant that we didn’t receive any email informing us that we needed to make a minor change to the bank statements. It was only after reaching out to their customer service and manually checking the application status online, did we learn that the application was back on our plate for update and resubmission.

Keep in mind that your application may be canceled if you do not respond to the request for updated documentation in a timely manner. Here are a couple of scenarios where this can happen:

• Applications are canceled electronically after the lapse of 30 days if the application is returned due to missing data or non-completion of the required documents.
• The application will be canceled if it is returned 3 times due to missing data or non-completion of the required documents.

How can I check the status of my visa application?

Click on the Application Tracking button of the appropriate Visa category card on the Smart Services dashboard. You will need the request number and email address to pull up the record.

The most important input here is the receipt number . However, you will notice that the confirmation page displays a different receipt number (with a couple of extra zeros in the beginning) than what you received in the email after submitting your application. The receipt number that you need to check the status and download the visa needs expert fine-tuning to match the receipt numbers in the ICP software system. Follow the steps below to avoid any grief with mismatched receipt numbers.

• Start with the receipt number in your email and not the one on the confirmation page – The receipt number on the confirmation page is padded with two extra zeros in the beginning. Make sure you begin with the number you receive in the email after you apply. It should start with a 01 and includes only numbers. For example 01234567898765432123456.
• There should be only one zero at beginning of the receipt number – This is just to double-check the point above in case the receipt number in the email also gets padded with extra zeros in the future.
• Prefix your receipt number with an extra 01 – Repeat the 01 at the beginning. If you use the receipt number without this, the button to download the visa will not work. You will see a No Data Found error notification on your page. The ICP system is adding an extra 01 at the beginning of the numbers internally so you need to do the same to get the system to work. The number used in the example here will change to 0101234567898765432123456.
• The receipt number is ready for use to check the application status!

Can I make edits to my visa application after submission?

No, you cannot make edits to the visa application unless ICP returns the application to you for an update. ICP will move the application back to you if any of your documents are missing or incomplete. At that time, you will be able to retrieve the application using your request number and email address and edit it to change the uploaded documents or add new ones.

What are some things to keep in mind for a smooth visa process?

As I mentioned earlier, there are some issues in the software system that may delay the visa process. I hope these issues are resolved soon. Until then, follow the guidelines below to ensure you’re on track to receive the visa.

• Check your visa status manually – It’s great if you receive the ICP email notifications but do not wait for ICP in case the email notifications are not working. I received the first email after submitting the application but no further emails. Keep checking your visa status every day using the application tracking functionality mentioned above.
• Massage the request number – Make sure you are using the correct request number. Follow the steps provided in the application tracking Q&A above – This is necessary to correctly retrieve the status of your application and download the visa until ICP fixes the bugs in their system.

How do I get the visa once it is approved?

As per the process, you should receive a visa approval via email . At the time of our applications, this functionality wasn’t working. So, we never received any emails regarding requests for updated documents or the final approval.

Hopefully, this functionality would have since then been updated but I would highly encourage you to check the status manually. Once your record is pulled up, click on the button with three horizontal lines at the top right. Then click on Print Electronic Visa or Print Electronic Visa with Rules options from the drop-down.

Take a printout of this visa and you are all set to visit Dubai!

What are other UAE tourist visa options?

You may have other visa options that are better suited depending on the frequency of visits and country of citizenship. For example, Indian nationals residing in USA, UK, and EU countries are eligible for receiving a 14-day on-arrival visa . You can check the eligibility and visa requirements on the Visit Dubai website and choose the best option for you.

I’d like to turn it over to you for questions about the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa to visit Dubai and UAE. I know posts about visa applications aren’t as glamorous as destination guides and listicles of the best things to do. But they are a necessary part of our travel planning. I hope my experience and the way I worked around the issues will help you have a hassle-free visa application .

There’s a good reason why Dubai is named Tripadvisor’s Top Destination for 2022 . Applying for a long-term tourist visa like this allows you to take advantage of the wide array of entertainment and sightseeing opportunities that take place in the UAE every year.

Let me know your questions in the comments below and I’d love to help out if you need any advice! If you’ve received this visa, let us know your experience so we can all learn from each other.

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Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms, Filling and Process in 2024 for United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates welcome total 113 countries visa free or visa on arrival and about 16.7 million tourist visit every year.

Embassy of United Arab Emirates

Apply Visa for United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Single Entry - Short Stay Tourist Visa - Issue New Visa

•   Trip Info
•   Applicant Info
•   Addresses Info
•   Attachments Info
•   Review Application
•   Application Fees
•   Payment Details

United Arab Emirates Single Entry - Short Stay Work Visa - Issue New Visa

A visa is a conditional authorization allowed by a foreign territory or land to its visitors permitting them to enter, remain within, or to leave that territory. The literal meaning of the Latin word visa is ‘Paper that has been seen’. A visa is commonly stuck or stamped on the applicant’s passport or other travel documents. The next thing a traveler needs after a passport is the visa of the intended place. The traditional way of obtaining a visa is to issue it from the embassy. But now almost every country has the option of e-Visa. And of course, the UAE serves the service to welcome its visitor. In case you needed a complete guide for clear guidance on how to fill up the visa application form of the United Arab Emirates you are in the right place.

Before filling up the form you would have to choose the type of visa you would require regarding your purpose of the visit. The type of your visa application will decide the duration and style of your stay in the UAE. The types of visa you can receive from the UAE are:

• Tourist Visa (Single Entry): The visa you would require if the purpose of your visit is tourism or sightseeing for a single entry.
• Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry): The visa you would require if the purpose of your visit is tourism or sightseeing for multiple entries.
• Service Visa: If you are a holder of a service passport and aim to conduct non-diplomatic duties or assignments then this is your visa.
• Transit Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the UAE en route to another country, with few exceptions.
• Long Term Visit Visa (Single Entry): This visa is issued if your purpose of visiting is to stay for a long time inside UAE’s territory.
• Long term Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry): In case you would be staying inside UAE for a long duration but the purpose of your visit is tourism then you should be selecting this visa.
• Transit Visa for 48 hours: This visa   is issued free of charge to passengers transiting through the UAE's airports. This visa is not extendable, nor renewable.

The first type discussed is the issue of a new visa for a single entry for a duration of a short time with the purpose of tourism. There are some steps to follow to obtain an e-Visa for the terms mentioned. Please make sure to not provide any wrong or incorrect information while applying for the e-Visa. Also, please be aware to not provide any information that differs from the information you have already provided for the passport. Otherwise, the visa might be canceled or revoked. For quick confirmation of the application, please refrain from providing mismatched or wrong information. Before filling each box, kindly read the instructions given, to understand the demand of the form better.

Please choose which one of the 7 UAE countries you wish to visit from the box.

  ABU DHABI

  DUBAI

  SHARJAH

  AJMAN

  UMM AL QUWAIN

  RAS AL KHAIMAH

  FUJAIRAH

Please select the name of the port you will arrive at from the box.

ArrivalPort *

  ABU DHABI AIRPORT

  AIN AIRPORT

  AL HUR AIRPORT

  AL MADEEF BORDER

  AL SALAA

  ALGOUIFAT PORT

  HILLI PASSPORT

  KHALIFAH SEAPORTS ABUDABHI

  MAZEED PASSPORT PORT

  MUSFAH PORT

  ROUISS PORT

  SAADIAT PORT

  SHEKLA PASSPORT PORT

  ZAID PORT

Please choose the country you came from.

Please enter your flight number (Trip number/ vessel number).

Please enter the date of your arrival in the UAE.

Arrival date

Please enter your email address.

Once you fill-up the boxes above a pop-up will appear on the screen viewing the following lines.

Help: Electronic visa should be used within  expiry limit days from the date of issuance.

Your e-visa is valid from the date of your arrival to the expiry limit of the date of your arrival.

Your residency can't exceed 2 days from the expected date of entry.

Kindly note that you can enter to UAE using any border in the country, and not only the selected border in this application.

Kindly note that if the visa holder’s stay has exceeded the allowed period for an issued visa, then he has to pay an extra fine for each extra day (100 a day).

Applicant Info

You have to fill up the boxes with valid and correct information. Please provide your personal information in the following boxes.

Personal Information For Sponsored (Services Beneficiary)

Please enter your full name in English.

Full Name (English)

Please enter your full name in Arabic.

Full Name (Arabic)

Please enter your current Nationality.

Current Nationality

Please enter your previous nationality (if any).

Previous Nationality

Please select your gender from the circle.

Gender:  

  Male

  Female

  Others

Please enter your date of birth as provided on your passport.

Date Of Birth  

Please enter the country of your birth.

Birth Country

Please select your marital status.

Marital Status:

  Single

  Married

  Divorced

  Widowed

Please enter your birthplace or city in English.

Place Of Birth (English)

Please enter your birthplace or city in Arabic.

Place Of Birth (Arabic)

Please enter your mother’s full name in English.

Mother Name (English)

Please enter your mother’s full name in Arabic.  

Mother Name (Arabic)

Please choose your educational qualification from the box.

Qualification: Below Education Age

  HIGH DIPLOMA

  NONE

  PRIMARY EDUCATION

  LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION

  UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION

  DIPLOMA

  BACHELOR

  MASTER

  DOCTORAL

Professions: You need to fill at least the 3 first letters in order to view the ‘profession’ list

Please choose your religion from the box below:

  ISLAM  CHRISTIANITY

  HINDUISM

  NON-RELIGIOUS

  BUDDHISM

  BAHA’I

  SIKHISM

  JUDAISM

  QUADINI

Please input the subsection of your religion in the ‘Faith’ box.

Please enter the reason for your visit to the UAE:

Visit Reason

Please insert your passport details in the boxes below.

Passport Information

Please select the type of your passport.

Passport Type:

  ORDINARY PASSPORT

  TRAVEL DOCUMENT

Please insert the serial number of your issued passport.

Passport No

Please enter the date your passport was issued.

Passport Issue Date

Please enter the expiry date of your passport.

Passport Expire Date

Please enter the place (city) from where your passport was issued in English.

Passport Issue Place (English)

Please enter the place (city) from where your passport was issued again in Arabic.

Passport Issue Place (Arabic)

Please enter the country that issued your passport.

Passport Issue Country

In the third section, you will be required to provide information about your whereabouts in the UAE. You will need to input your guest location address in detail inside the UAE.

Addresses Info        

Guest location inside UAE

Please enter the number of the building you will be staying at in UAE.

Local Building

Please enter the number of the flat in the same building.

Local Flat Number

Please enter the mobile number you will be using inside UAE.

UAE Mobile Number

Please enter the phone number you will be using inside UAE.

UAE Phone Number

Please select the country of your Permanent Residency (PR) (if any).

Permanent Country

Please enter your permanent location address outside of UAE  

Applicant location outside the UAE

Please enter your permanent personal mobile number that can be accessed from anywhere.

Permanent Mobile Number

Enter the number of the post office box of your residential area.

Attachments Info

Please insert the required files from the device storage. Scan the real certificates or documents using your device camera and upload the scanned file on the application.

Please note that the date of the attachments are collected using electronic integration with the following government authorities

1. Abu Dhabi Municipality

2. Health Authority of Abu Dhabi

3. Emirates Identity Authority

4. Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi

5. Abu Dhabi Police

6. Abu Dhabi Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority

7. Ministry of Health

* If your health insurance from Daman company and effective and issued after 1/1/2018 then the upload of health insurance not required. If it's not, please upload an attachment to avoid reject the request.

Please upload a copy of your photo. The photo must be clear and colored.

COLORED PHOTO (Required)     Select \ Select other file

Please upload your passport copy.

PASSPORT COPY (Required)     Select \ Select other file

Review Application

Please review all the information you have provided so far on the application before moving forward to confirming the application. In case you decide to edit any information further then please click on the red icon on the right corner of each section to go back to the section.

Emirate:  

Arrival Port:  

Come From:  

Departure Port:

Trip \ Vessel Number:

Arrival Date:

Personal Information For Sponsored (Service Beneficiary)

Full Name (English):  

Current Nationality:  

Previous Nationality:  

Date Of Birth:  

Birth Country:  

Marital Status:  

Place Of Birth (Arabic):  

Place Of Birth (English):  

Mother English Name:  

Mother Arabic Name:  

Qualification:  

Profession:  

Religion:  

faith:  

Visit Reason:

Addresses Info

Guest location inside UAE: DUBAI -  

Local Building:

Local Flat Number:  

UAE Mobile Number:  

UAE Phone Number:  

Applicant location outside UAE:  

Permanent Mobile Number:  

COLORED PHOTO View card details

PASSPORT COPY View card details

You will be required to pay the visa application fee online. Please enter the amount of the application fee and the type of currency you will be paying with. The total amount with the VAT will be shown in the third column.

Application Fees

Fees Description     Currency     Total With Vat

Please choose the method of your payment. Select the payment method from the box.

If you agree with the Terms and Conditions then click on the box.

 I Agree to the Terms and Conditions

Payment Details

By following the above steps your issue for visa application form for a single entry for a duration of a short time with the purpose of tourism is thus completed.

The latter type explained in the article is how to issue a new work visa for a single entry for a short time. Please be careful to abstain from providing any false or incorrect intel while appealing for the e-Visa. Additionally, please maintain caution while providing any information so that it does not differ from the information previously rendered for the passport. Contrarily, the visa might be rescinded or canceled. For a quick approval of the supplication, please do not provide any mismatched or incorrect information. Prior to entering information in each required field, thoughtfully go through the instruction given below for a better understanding of the requirements required for the form.

Please select any one of the 7 UAE countries you are going to visit from the box.

Emirate * :

Please select the name of the port you will land at from the box.

ArrivalPort *:

Please choose the country you arrived in UAE from.

Please enter the number of your flight (Trip number/ vessel number).

Please enter your arrival date in the UAE.

Please provide your personal email address.

Electronic visa should be used within expiry limit days from the date of issuance.

Your e-visa is valid from the date of your arrival  to the expiry limit of the date of your arrival.

Your residency can't exceed 2   days from the expected date of entry.

You have to fill up the boxes with valid and accurate information. Please enter your personal intel in the following boxes.

Please provide your full name in English.

Please provide your full name in Arabic.

Please provide your current Nationality.

Please provide your previous nationality (if any).

Please select your preferred gender from the circle.

Please enter the date of your birth as provided on your passport.

Please enter the name of your birth country

Please provide your birthplace or city in English.

Please provide your birthplace or city in Arabic.

Please provide your mother’s full name in English.

Please provide your mother’s full name in Arabic.  

Please select your educational qualification from the box.

Please select your religion from the box below:

  ISLAM

  CHRISTIANITY

Please enter the subsection of your religion in the ‘Faith’ box.

Please input the reason for your visit to the UAE:

Please insert your passport features in the boxes below.

Please select the type of your passport depending on your traveling purpose.

Please enter the serial number of your issued passport.

Please input the date your passport was issued.

Please insert the expiry date of your passport.

Please provide the place (city) from where your passport was issued in English.

Please provide the place (city) from where your passport was issued again in Arabic.

Please provide the country that issued your passport.

Rest of the process is the same as a tourist

Kindly read the above instructions for a better understanding of the steps required for your issue for visa application form for a single entry for a duration of a short time with the purpose of work. In this way, it is possible to issue an e-Visa for any of the seven countries of the UAE or the United Arab Emirates. E-Visa has made the application for a visa easier and completely digital. Hopefully, the guide was successful in satisfying your demands. Enjoy your stay in the UAE.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

UAE/Dubai tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 6, 2023

Over 70 nationalities do not require a UAE or Dubai tourist visa to enter the UAE or Dubai. Rest must obtain a prearranged UAE tourist visa through a UAE-based sponsor. 

A UAE tourist visa can only be applied for through a sponsor. Any UAE-based airline, hotel, company, Emirate national or UAE resident can sponsor your UAE tourist visa. 

Thankfully, all UAE or Dubai tourist visas are e-visas. You can apply online and receive the e-visa in the email. 

Indian nationals with a valid US visa or a residence permit from the US, UK or EU can get a Visa on Arrival at all international airports. 

Table of Contents

Uae tourist visa requirements by nationality.

Minimum passport validity to enter UAE as a tourist

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival

VISA EXEMPT nationalities

Indefinite entry (based on freedom of movement).

• Saudi Arabia

180-day entry

90-day entry (in any 180-day period).

• El Salvador
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Switzerland

30-day entry

• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City

NOTE UAE immigration refers to VISA-EXEMPT as VISA ON ARRIVAL. But you will not fill out any forms, pay any fee or receive any visa sticker or print, so in my opinion, it’s VISA EXEMPTION. 

VISA ON ARRIVAL Eligible Nationalities

14-day entry.

* Must hold a valid visa from the US or a residence permit from the US, UK or any EU country. 

VISA REQUIRED Nationalities

30-day to 90-day entry depending on the visa.

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem. Rep.
• Congo, Rep.
• Dominican Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• North Macedonia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St Kitts and Nevis
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan

UAE VISA EXEMPTION

UAE immigration refers to VISA-EXEMPTION as VISA ON ARRIVAL. But you will not fill out any forms, pay any fee or receive any visa sticker or print. When you arrive at the airport, you will head straight to the immigration and present your passport. You will be stamped and given entry. Therefore, in my opinion, it’s a VISA EXEMPTION and hence we will refer to it as a VISA EXEMPTION. 

Entry permission

30 to 180 days depending on the nationality. 

Documents to carry

All you need is your passport. 

UAE or DUBAI VISA ON ARRIVAL

UAE Visa on Arrival is available for Indian passport holders with a valid visa from the US or a residence permit from the US, UK or any EU country.  

Who is eligible for UAE Visa on Arrival

Only INDIAN passport holders with a valid US visa , US green card or residence permit from the UK or any EU country are eligible to obtain UAE Visa on Arrival. 

Validity of UAE Visa on Arrival

UAE Visa on Arrival is valid for 14 days. It’s possible to extend it once for another 14 days.

How long can you stay in UAE with Visa on Arrival?

You can stay up to 14 days in the UAE with your Visa on Arrival. You can extend your visa for another 14 days at any AMER center in UAE. In that case, you can stay a total of 28 days in the UAE. 

Documents required

You need the following documentation to obtain a UAE Visa on Arrival.

• Original passport
• Your boarding pass
• A credit/debit card to pay the fee (you can also pay in cash in AED or USD in Dubai or Sharjah airports)
• Completed application form (only needed in Sharjah airport and they will provide you with one)

Visa on Arrival fee varies from 105-140 AED depending on the airport. 

Processing time

Since it’s only Indian passport holders with a US visa, US green card or a residence permit from the UK or EU country, there will not be many in the line. So the Visa on Arrival process wouldn’t take more than a few minutes. 

Obtaining Visa on Arrival at the airports in UAE

UAE Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders is outsourced to certain travel agencies. 

If arriving at Sharjah airport, you must stop by the Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) desk to fill out the form, get your documents verified and pay the visa fee. 

If arriving at Dubai airport, you must stop by the Marhaba Services desk to get your documents verified and pay the visa fee. 

If arriving at Abu Dhabi airport, you must head straight to the immigration check. The immigration officer will verify your passport, and visa/residence permit and accept the visa fee payment. 

RELATED: How to get UAE Visa on Arrival in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi  

UAE or DUBAI TOURIST VISA

A UAE or Dubai tourist visa can only be applied through a UAE-based sponsor or an authorized agent. A sponsor can be a UAE-based airline, UAE-based hotel, UAE national or resident, UAE-based company or government entity or a UAE-based tour operator. 

The sponsor is responsible for your actions in the UAE. If you overstay your visa, the sponsor is held responsible and will face consequences by the government of UAE. 

Why do you need a sponsor for a UAE tourist visa?

A UAE-based sponsor is mandatory for all UAE tourist visas. Your sponsor is responsible for all your actions while you are in the UAE. They must make sure you leave the country in time without overstaying your visa. If you don’t know anyone personally in the UAE, you can use either your airline, hotel or tour agent for your visa processing. 

It’s silly to still use sponsors in this day and age. The sponsor model is an old model and many countries are moving away from such ways of visa processing. But countries such as UAE, Singapore, etc. are still stuck with this visa model. 

Which sponsor or agent should you use for your UAE tourist visa?

If you don’t have a sponsor, you can use a UAE-authorized agent to apply for your UAE tourist visa. There are a bazillion agents these days processing UAE tourist visas, including VFS Global. 

Thanks to the internet, you can apply for a UAE tourist visa through an agent completely online in the comfort of your home. All you need is a scanned copy of your Passport ID page and a digital passport-size photo.

The fee, documentation and processing time vary by agent. Local agents in your country are usually cheaper but you must do your due diligence on their authenticity, hidden charges and processing time before applying through them.

Which agent do I recommend for a UAE visit visa?

My preferred agent for UAE or Dubai tourist visas is Etihad Airways. I usually prefer a reputed international agent, so I went with Etihad Airways. They only act as an agent for your visa and you don’t have to fly with Etihad Airways. You can fly with any budget airline and travel to/from any international airport in the UAE. 

Other agents that you can use and their fee for a UAE 30-day single-entry tourist visa is below.

My preferred agent

• Etihad Airways | 361 AED | Few hours | No security deposit

UAE based agents

• Arabiers | 359 AED | 24-48 hours
• Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) | 335 AED

India based agents

• MakeMyTrip | Approx. 311 AED | 7-9 days

IMPORTANT Some agents will charge a security deposit which will be refunded to you on your exit from the UAE. So do your due diligence before applying for your UAE tourist visa with any of the above agents. 

I have a detailed article on how to apply for a UAE or Dubai tourist visa online with Etihad Airways. Follow the article for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for your UAE tourist visa. 

What types of UAE tourist visas are available?

Below are some of the different types of tourist visas available. 

• 30-day single-entry tourist visa
• 90-day single-entry tourist visa
• 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa
• 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa
• Long-term tourist visa

Most tourists usually need a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. It’s also the cheapest of all types of tourist visas. The procedure to apply for any of the above types of visas is pretty much the same, except for the fee.

Validity of UAE visit visa

All UAE tourist visas are valid for 60 days within which you must enter the UAE. Then depending on your visa, you will be given that many days of permission to stay in the UAE.

For example, if you hold a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, your visa will be valid for 60 days. You can enter the UAE anytime within that 60 days. When you enter, immigration will give you 30 days to stay in the UAE. 

When to apply for your Dubai visit visa

You can apply for your UAE visit visa as early as possible. But apply at least 5 working days prior to your trip. Processing can take time and some agents require up to 10 working days to process. 

How long can you stay in the UAE with a tourist visa

You can stay up to 30 days or 90 days depending on your visa. You can also extend the visas within the UAE for an additional 30 days or 90 days. 

Documents required for UAE tourist visa

Usually, you will need the following documents.

• A scan of your passport ID page
• A recent colored digital photo
• A copy of your flight ticket

RELATED: How to get UAE or Dubai visa online in just a few hours – A step-by-step guide

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering the UAE by air

After you arrive at the airport, walk towards passport control and baggage claim. 

If you hold an Indian passport and are planning to obtain a UAE Visa on Arrival, head to the following visa agent desk for your Visa on Arrival process. Once your Visa on Arrival is processed head to the immigration. 

• Sharjah Airport: SATA
• Dubai Airport: Marhaba Services
• Abu Dhabi: There are agents involved for Abu Dhabi airport, so head straight to the immigration

At the immigration, present your passport, boarding pass and Visa on Arrival fee receipt (if you hold an India passport and obtained Visa on Arrival) or your Dubai visit visa print. 

The officers may ask you a few questions about your trip such as whether it’s your first time in UAE, how long you will stay, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking.

If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket to get proof of an onward ticket.

Leaving UAE by air

UAE airports have automated passport controls when leaving the country. You will simply arrive at one of the automated passport control kiosks, scan your passport and follow the voice instructions. When the voice says move forward and face the camera, you will do so. Then the exit gate will open and you will exit. No exit stamp is given. 

If you are having any issues with automated passport controls, you will be sent to a manned passport control counter. 

A UAE or Dubai tourist visa is not required for 0ver 70 nationalities. Other nationalities must obtain a prearranged UAE tourist visa through a UAE-based sponsor or authorized agent.

All UAE or Dubai tourist visas are e-visas. You can apply online with your preferred agent and receive the e-visa in the email. 

Indian nationals with a valid US visa or a residence permit from the US, UK or EU can get a Visa on Arrival at all international airports.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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• Visa and Immigration in UAE

UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visas: How to apply; who is eligible

Holders can extend their stays for another 90 days without leaving the country.

A Staff Reporter

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[Editor's Note: This story was originally published in August 2022. It is being promoted again after officials made a clarification regarding this visa.]

Visitors of all nationalities can now avail of a five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa to the UAE. With the visa, tourists can enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days during each visit.

Holders can extend the visas for another 90 days without leaving the country. The visa allows families outside the country to spend more time with their loved ones in the UAE.

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Immigration experts have said the visa programme is also crucial for businesses aiming to bring employees in and out of the country for meetings, conferences and other events.

Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the five-year tourist visa scheme in March 2021 during a Cabinet session. The first visas were issued soon after.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted, "During a cabinet meeting I chaired, we approved a new Remote Work Visa that enables employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country."

He added, "We also approved multiple-entry tourist visas for all nationalities to strengthen the UAE's status as a global economic capital."

Where can one apply for the multiple entry five-year tourist visa?

The application process for the five-year tourist visa is relatively straightforward. Applications can be made online via the Federal Authorities for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) website or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) portal.

Applicants who want a visa from within the country can approach accredited typing centres, such as the Amer247 Immigration Services centres.

What documents are required for the visa?

• Bank statement for the last six months to prove that you have a balance of USD 4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• Proof of UAE health insurance
• Photocopies of the front and last page of your passport
• Recent coloured passport-sized photographs which you must take against a white background
• Visitors may also need to provide additional documents during their UAE five-year multiple entry visa application, including:
• A copy of the flight ticket
• Proof of residence, like an invitation letter from friends and family in the UAE
• Hotel bookings or lease agreement.

How to apply for a 5-year tourist visa in Dubai?

Those wishing to apply for a five-year tourist visa from Dubai must apply on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website and mobile application.

GDRFA-Dubai Smart Application

• Download the GDRFA-Dubai application through the authorized stores: Apple store/Play store
• Register a new user account (in case there is no account registered)
• Select the required service
• Attach the required documents
• Pay the fees due for the service
• Submit the request

GDRFA Website:

• Log in to the website
• Register a new user account (in case there is no account)
• Submit the application

AMER Center

• Head to one of AMER service centres
• Select the required service at the receptionist
• Submit the required documents to the service employee

Note: A text message + an email is sent to the customer with the status of the application:

• If there are missing documents on the application, the customer is notified of the need to attach the missing documents within 30 days. If the missing documents are not attached, GDRFA will cancel the application.
• In case there are no missing documents in the application, GDRFA will notify the customer of the approval, and the authority will send the approved application by email.

How much does it cost?

According to the service card on the GDRFA website, an application for a five-year multiple entry visa costs Dh1500

• A collection commission of Dh20 is added per transaction / Commercial Bank of Dubai
• A collection commission is added: Dh50 for companies and Dh15 for individuals / Emaratech Company
• If the application is submitted through AMER Centers, a fee of Dh100 will be added.

ICP Application

Applicants can use the website, service centre, call centre, innovative application, and in-person attendance to apply for the visa.

According to ICP, the five-year visa is issued to family members to obtain a multi-entry tourist visa for a period of (five-years). It allows the beneficiary to stay in the country continuously, not exceeding (90) days. It may be expanded to a period not exceeding 180 days during the year.

Web portal/ mobile

• Access the smart services system (digital identity or username).
• Search for the service you want to apply for.
• Fill in the application data, where applicable
• Pay the service fee (if any)

Service centres

• Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre
• Get a queue ticket and wait.
• Submission of the application fulfilling all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee

Typing Centres

• Visit the nearest Typing Center accredited by ICP
• Submission of the application fulfilling all conditions and documents (if any) to the typing centre employee

Request fees: Dh100

Issue fees: Dh100

E-service fees: Dh28

ICA fees: Dh22

Terms and conditions to keep in mind

According to the ICA, the application will be cancelled electronically after the lapse of (30) days if the application is returned due to missing data or non-completion of the required documents.

ICP will cancel the application if it is returned (3) times due to missing data or non-completion of the required documents.

Issuance fees are refunded only if the Federal Authority rejects the application for Identity and Citizenship.

Can I extend my visa when I'm still in the UAE?

The initial visa is issued with a 90-day stay in the UAE a year from the date of first entry. This can be extended once for an additional 90-day period. The maximum permitted duration of stay under this visa cannot exceed 180 days in a year.

• UAE: Over 70 nationalities can get visa on arrival for up to 180 days
• UAE: Golden visa driving foreign investment in Dubai real estate sector

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Great opportunities for young emirati talents, get the unified tour guide license.

With an aim to enhance the UAE citizens’ role in representing their country, as well as to introduce the UAE’s tourism potential and the civilisational, heritage, and cultural capabilities to the world, the UAE Ministry of Economy offers the young Emirati talents the opportunity to obtain the unified tour guide license, in cooperation with local tourism bodies and departments. This initiative will help promote the tour guide profession and encourage young Emirati talents to join and have a career in the promising tourism sector, contribute to its development and upgrade its services to be one of the engines of economic development during the next fifty years. The Ministry of Economy is currently designing an advanced and unified digital platform that allows Emiratis to register for a unified tour guide license that qualifies them to work in various emirates of the UAE.

For Tour Guides

Advantages of the unified tour guide license.

One license allows tour guides to work in various emirates of the UAE

Easy online application process and issuance of license

Flexibility in contract to work part-time or as a freelancer

The license is valid for up to two years

Free entry to most major tourist attractions

How to obtain the Unified Tour Guide License

Learn about the eligibility criteria and easy procedures for obtaining the Unified Tour Guide License to turn your passion into a promising profession.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a uae citizen., the applicant must possess a valid tour guide license from one of the emirates in the country..

• 01 Complete the registration via the ‘Unified Tour Guide License’ online platform.
• 02 Activate your account on the online platform and fill in the required information.
• 03 Familiarise yourself with the UAE tourism sector information and facts that a tour guide should be familiar with.
• 04 Book an appointment for the assessment test.
• 05 Pass the unified tour guide license test.
• 06 If the test has been cleared and all requirements are met, the Unified Tour Guide License will be issued and the applicant can start practicing the tour guide profession.
• 07 In the event that the applicant does not pass the test three times in a row, he can re-apply after 12 months

Note:  The validity of the Unified Tour Guide License is a maximum of 2 years, in accordance with the validity period of the applicant’s local tour guide license.

Register Your Interest in Applying for a Unified Tour Guide License

We, at the Ministry of Economy, look forward to getting acquainted with Emirati talents who have a passion for imparting knowledge about our homeland and enthusiasm for introducing others to the tourism treasures of the UAE, its history, heritage, achievements, culture and its captivating characteristics. Please fill out the form below to inform us of your interest in joining the first group of Emirati tour guides.

Form in Tourism Tour Guide Licenses page

Issuance of the License

01 how will the license be issued.

The applicant, after passing the unified tour guide license test, must contact the relevant authorities in the emirate, which previously issued the license.

02 Can I practice the profession of tour guide using the unified tourist guide license in the emirates of Ajman and Fujairah?

The tour guide profession is subject to the procedures and regulations that are in force in each emirate.

03 What is the procedure followed in case the UAE tour guide license card is lost or damaged?

An application must be submitted to obtain a new card from the emirate in which the card was issued initially, in accordance to the procedures in force in that particular emirate to deal with such cases.

Passing the Test

01 what is the pass rate for the assessment test.

The applicant must obtain a "unified tour guide license" in order to be sure of success.

02 What happens if I fail the test the first time?

Each applicant is granted three attempts to pass the test and be eligible for a unified tourist guide license within a period of three months. In the event that the available attempts have been exhausted, the applicant can register to take the test again 12 months after the date of the last test.

03 How will the testing process be conducted?

The applicant must submit an application for the online test by booking an appointment in advance through the online platform of the unified tour guide license.

04 How many general information tests must be passed successfully to obtain a unified tour guide license?

The applicant must pass one general information test for all of the UAE and obtain a score of 70% to qualify and obtain the unified license for the Emirati tourist guide.

Booking the Test

01 what dates are available to take the test.

The applicant must book in advance to take the test, through the Unified Tour Guide License online platform .The available dates and slots for the test are displayed on the aforementioned platform.

02 When can I book a test date?

You can reserve the test date once your verification is completed by the responsible local authority.

03 Can I cancel a reservation or re-book on another date?

You can cancel in order to rebook at another date, in case your new preferred date is available.

04 What is the maximum time allowed to take the test?

You have a maximum of three months from the date of the successful verification process to study and complete the test. You are only allowed 3 attempts.

Training Materials

01 is there any training programme that i need to complete before beginning the evaluation process.

There is no training programme you need to complete before this. The training is optional, and it depends on self-learning from the training materials available on the online platform.

02 Is it necessary to study the training materials to book the assessment test?

Studying the training material is not mandatory to book the assessment test. Preparing for the test using the provided material is optional, but it is recommended to ensure that you clear the exam.

03 What is the format of the training material files?

The training material files are available in PDF format, so you must download the PDF Reader software to be able to view the training material.

04 What is included in the training material?

The training material contains information about the distinctive tourism destinations of each emirate. You will find a detailed section for each emirate of the country.

05 What if a file does not open or is corrupted?

You must first ensure that you have downloaded the PDF viewer software. If you already have this program installed and you still cannot view the file, you can contact us by e-mail or by contacting the Ministry of Economy’s Call Centre.

Verification

01 what is the longest period for obtaining the unified tour guide license after completing the verification process.

The applicant has a period of three months to clear the Unified Tour Guide License test, and it starts from the date the verification process is completed.

02 Who should start the verification process?

After completing the registration, the applicant should log in to the platform and start the verification process.

03 How long does the verification process take?

The verification process usually takes 3 days. If three working days pass without the verification process being completed, the applicant can contact us via e-mail, or contact the Call Centre of the Ministry of Economy.

04 What should I do if I am still unable to access the training materials and book the assessment test after verification?

The applicant can contact us by e-mail, or contact the Ministry of Economy Call Centre.

05 My local tour guide license has expired, can I do the verification process?

The purpose of the verification process is to ensure that your local tour guide license is valid and usable, and that your information is 100% correct. If your local tour guide license has expired, you can start the verification process, but your verification request will be rejected because your license is not valid.

Registration

01 what are the basic requirements to apply for the unified tour guide license.

The candidate must be a UAE citizen and hold a valid local tour guide license.

02 In case I do not have a local tour guide license, can I apply for the Unified Tour Guide License?

To apply for the Unified Tour Guide License, you need a valid local tour guide license issued by the relevant authorities.

03 I live in the emirate of Fujairah. As there is no local licensing system for tour guides, how can I fulfil the requirement to obtain a tour guide license?

A valid tourist guide license issued by one of the local authorities is required to apply for the unified tourist guide license test. The applicant must obtain a tourist guide license from one of the other emirates to be able to apply for a unified tourist guide license.

04 My local license expires after three months. Can I apply for the unified tour guide license?

A valid local tour guide license issued by the local authorities is required to apply for the Unified Tour Guide License. The remaining validity period is not an issue if your local license is valid at the time of registration.

05 I have more than one local tour guide license. How can I find out the most suitable license for registration?

You only need one local tour guide license for the application. You can choose any of the licenses you have, but we recommend that you use the one with the longest validity period.

06 Can I practice my profession as a tour guide after registering in the programme and sitting the test?

Before you start practicing the profession, you must complete the various requirements of the programme and pass the assessment test and obtain a tour guide license.

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UAE VISA (For DUBAI & ABU DHABI): Requirements & How to Apply

One of the highlights of last year for me was my short stop in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I was there for two reasons: to visit one of my closest friends, who moved to Dubai a few years ago, and to take advantage of a stopover. I was coming from a longer trip around Morocco and Turkey, and my flight back to Manila (Philippines) was connecting at Dubai Airport, so I decided to just seize the opportunity and stay there for over a week.

UAE Visa is probably the easiest visa we got. It was expensive, but it was relatively effortless, especially given that we have a friend in Dubai, who served as a sponsor.

Yep, sponsor. If you’re applying for a UAE Visa, you need a sponsor. It can be a family member, a colleague, or a friend. This will make things a lot easier. If you don’t know anyone there, an airline, hotel, or travel agency can sponsor you.

In the beginning, we had a difficult time figuring out the process. There’s just so much info online and they somewhat say different things because they serve their own interest. For example, some UAE-based airlines also offer visa services but they require flight tickets booked with them. Dozens of hotels are also authorized to process visas, but many of them require that book rooms with them (for obvious reasons). In this post, I’ll try to summarize everything so you have all possible options.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Who needs a UAE Visa?

Since I am a Philippine passport-holder, I had to secure a visa first before entering UAE. Not everyone needs a visa, though.

• If you’re a citizen of any member-state of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), no visa is needed . Here are the six GCC members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar*. I’m putting an asterisk on Qatar because although it is a member, its diplomatic ties with UAE and other members have been severed in a rift that began in June 2017.
• Visa-on-arrival is available free-of-charge for the citizens of the following countries : EUROPE: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, ASIA: Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore OTHERS: United States, Australia, New Zealand

For the rest of us, a visa is required.

Note that this doesn’t get affixed to your passport. A regular 30-day tourist visa must be used within 60 days from the date of issuance.

TYPES OF UAE VISA

Travelers visiting the UAE for leisure has three visa types to choose from depending on your purpose and travel duration.

• Visit Visa , if you’re traveling to UAE to visit an immediate family member who is a resident of the UAE (sponsor). The family member must be earning more than AED 4000 or AED 3000 + accommodation. The sponsor should be the one to apply for you.
• Tourist Visa , if you’re visiting a distant relative or friend or if you don’t know anyone there. The regular single-entry visa can let you stay for up to 30 days, although a multiple-entry visa is also available. If you know someone in UAE, it would be faster and easier if they apply for you. But if you have no connections, you can get a visa via an airline, hotel, or travel agency. (More info about that below)
• Transit visa , if you’re visiting UAE for at least 8 hours but not longer than 4 days (including the arrival and departure days). This can also be pre-arranged. This visa can be used within 14 days from the issue date.

Here’s a quick summary of the validity, maximum number of days allowed, and costs per visa type. I’m also indicating a range of prices per type. Rates vary greatly, depending on where you apply.

None of these visas can be extended.

In June 2018, the UAE Government approved the waiving of fees for transit visas for 48 hours. However, I have no idea about details of this: until when it will be implemented or what requirements are needed. The announcement, however, states that transit visa may be extended for up to 96 hours for a fee of AED 50.

Important : In a memo released on June 2, 2017 , Dubai’s Immigration has ordered agencies to stop accepting applications for 90-day visit visas from Filipino and Pakistani citizens for the next 3 months. Not sure if this will be restored in the future but until further notice, this option is no longer available for travelers from the Philippines and Pakistan. Update (Oct 2018): This has been restored.

UAE VISA REQUIREMENTS

The following are the required documents when applying for a UAE visa. These are the basic requirements.

Your sponsor may add more. For example, if you book your visa via Etihad Airways, they will ask for Etihad flight tickets. If you book with a hotel, they can demand that you reserve a room with them. Travel agencies often don’t have these extra reqs, but as I scanned prices, I found theirs to be a bit more expensive. Some agencies ask for flight and reservations too, some don’t. The agency where we applied didn’t ask for these so we didn’t submit.

Anyway, here are the required documents when applying for a UAE (Dubai) visa:

• Clear scanned passport copy (the bio page and the last page). Must have at least 6 months validity.
• Scanned colored passport-size photo . 4.3 x 5.5cm. White background. At least 80% of your face must be visible.
• Accomplished application form . It is usually the sponsor (travel agency, host) who does this.

If you’re sponsored by someone in the UAE , they will also be asked for a copy of their Resident Visa and their Emirates ID (resident card).

If you’re a parent traveling with a minor (18 years old and below), you must also submit a copy of birth certificate of the minor

If applying for a transit visa , a hotel reservation and onward flight ticket are usually collected too.

Additional requirements for visit visa

Additional requirements if visiting immediate family:

• If sponsored by a wife or husband : marriage contract attested from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UAE Embassy
• If you’re a minor getting sponsored by a parent in UAE , attested birth certificates
• If your relationship with sponsor cannot be proven from family names displayed on the sponsor’s and the invited relative’s passports: Relationship proof attested from the Embassy
• If your sponsor works for a private company : Attested work contract
• If your sponsor is a UAE government employee : a salary certificate

Optional Documents

The following documents are NOT required. These are often ignored, but the travel agency or sponsor may ask for in order to speed up processing of your visa.

• If you have traveled to UAE within the past year , a copy of the entry and exit stamps on your passport
• If you have traveled to the USA, UK, Schengen countries, Canada, Russia, Australia or New Zealand within the past 5 years, submit a copy of your visas.

WHERE TO SUBMIT YOUR UAE VISA APPLICATION

Once you have all the documents, it’s time to find a “sponsor”.

Like I said earlier, a sponsor can be a family member or a friend living in UAE. It will be much faster if they take care of the application. Just send them your papers. But if you don’t know anyone there, an airline, hotel, or travel agency in UAE can serve as your sponsor.

UAE-based Airlines

• Etihad . You can apply here .
• Emirates . More info here .

Most 3-star hotels (and up) are able to process UAE visas. So if you’re already eyeing a hotel, send them an email if they also offer visa services because there’s a big chance that they do.

You may also check their official website. For example, Jumeira Group — which owns and runs the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel — provides plenty of visa info on their website. If you would be staying at any of them, you may apply here .

UAE Travel Agencies

In our case, my friend in Dubai who took care of our application went to a travel agency and it went smoothly. We didn’t run into any problem. You can also avail of their services if you don’t know anyone. Here are the details of the agency that processed our application:

WELCOME TRAVELS LLC Tel No. : 00971-4224-3902 Email: [email protected] Address: Al Ghurair Mall (Opposite Rayhaan Rotana Hotel), Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

That’s it! We got our visa after only 1 day. 😍

If you’re a Filipino , UAE is a destination that usually raises a red flag for Philippine Immigration officers. If you’re concerned about getting offloaded, please read this post: How to Avoid Getting offloaded .

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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Hello here, I’m a Srilankan I need to visit dubai the purpose for work after I visit if I got any job offer ai need to transfer work visa workouts exit UAE so let me know which type of visa I should Apply.

Good stuff Yoshke. As a US citizen I have it easy ;) Getting into Qatar – neighboring of course – was easy as pie. Not expensive, not free, $30 or something like that for us. It was a visa on arrival so the process flowed smoothly. Love those UAE lands. Fascinating places.

hi, Very informative ! btw, im planning to have my visa processed by travel agency in dubai, my concern is that since the they only issue an electronic visa, do you think this is acceptable by the Philippine immigration? coz i read that some were offloaded saying Pink visa or orginal is needed?

Hope to hear from you.

Hi Ann. To be honest, in our case, we didn’t present the original pink visa, just a printed out online copy. We didn’t run into any trouble. However, we also heard stories (other travelers) na hindi daw nga tinanggap kung hindi original. So my advice is to just get the original copy to be safe.

Apply Tourist Visa and Change by Exit again if you got residence visa

hello, po hope u can answer. I want to get my sister here in japan and after her visa here. she want to go again ni dubai by the sponsor of my another family there. is that ok ? to exit in dubai?

Hi thank you for the info very informative and helpful.! Just would like to ask if you also provide security deposit going to dubai? Thank you hope to hear from you soon

Hi. You said a friend in Dubai processed you visa there? Would you know how much? And may we know the agency name?

Hi Banana! Our friend applied via the agency I mentioned in the post, Welcome Travels. She paid 400AED.

how would they give the visa to u? courier?

hi…. i just want to know what is a “PINK VISA”, i got mine with the help of a travel agency and they only gave me a copy that looks like the one you posted on a short bond paper size. is there any other copy? and also is it ok if i fold the paper in an envelope size for easy carrying?

Hi Mia! The pink visa is the original copy of the visa. We’ve heard from other commenters that Immigration asks for this, but in our experience, we just presented a printed our copy of the visa emailed to us and they accepted it. So we’re not sure if it’s really a requirement. If you can secure a pink copy, that would be best.

thanks! also is it ok if i fold the paper in an envelope size for easy carrying? do i have to print extra copies? are you gonna surrender a copy to the immigration officer?

Ask ko lang if nakapag-travel ka to Dubai using the printed e-visa? Tinanggap ba ng immigration dito sa pinas?

Hi Mia. In my experience, they did not take a copy. They just looked at it and gave it back to me. Not sure about folding, but I think it’s okay.

Hi, I’m planning to go to Dubai this coming July 2018. Let’s say my girlfriend process the visa for me, do I still need to book a hotel or accommodation to show to the Dubai immigration? I will be coming from Singapore after a 4 days trip.

Any advise will really help.

hello po! when is the best time to apply for a dubai tourist visa? Me and my friends are planning to go on Nov. 8, 2019. When po ba dapat mag.apply na ng visa?

At the earliest, 60 days before your scheduled trip because the standard visa must be used within 60 days of issue date.

Boss I want to visit Dubai. But don’t have anybody to sponsor me

Hi Jake, sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. (I wasn’t asked, but Vins was.)

But it’s generally best practice that you have hotel booking in case they look for it.

up up up :)

hi! just like to ask did Welcome travels buy tickets for you too? or just the visa?

Just the visa.

Hi, I posted a comment yesterday and I’m afraid that its been deleted or what not. Anyways, would like to know if you were asked for a Hotel reservation or accommodation when you pass through immigration in Dubai?

It wasn’t deleted. All comments are held for moderation, and it takes time for us to read all the comments as we get lots a day.

Hi. My boyfriend and I is planning to visit her sister in UAE, in Abu Dhabi to be specific. So how many visit visas does her sister needs to get? Will that be 2 also? Or on visa for the me and my bf already? Just asking since we are now calculating for the whole cost for the trip. And we really dont have any idea.

Hi. We have the same scenario but in our case the one sponsoring us is my auntie and my boyfriend will join me. What happened to your application? What visa granted to him? Thank you.

I have no idea either. Your bf definitely should apply for a visit visa because he’s visiting immediate family.

Hi, when applying for the visa, are you allowed to choose a multiple entry tourist / visit visa? I’m asking cause I’m planning to visit my uncle in Dubai, then I’m going to fly to Russia then back to Dubai. I need to make sure I can get a multiple entry tourist visa. Many thanks.

i submitted visa through a agency and he assured i would get visa within 2 days but its almost 3rd day is going to be end still he is saying it is in the last phase and neither giving me the application ID. How can i come to know that he really submitted the application,

hello! thank you for the info. if i were to make certificate of employment as a supporting document for the visa, to whom shall i address it? thank you!

Hi Yoshke, is it possible to get the contact person from Welcome Travels. I really would like to get into a partnership on visa sponsorship. Appreciate your prompt response. Thanks.

Do you still need to apply for a transit visa if it’s shorter than 8 hours?

Hello. this will be my first travel abroad. to be specific DUBAI. I’ll be travelling with my cousin which is 8 years old only. But her parents are both working there. what should i do? P.S: My cousin has been travelling from manila to dubai twice and been stayed there for atleast 1 year and 3 months. Thank you for your honest response.

You will still need a visa. Best if yung parents nya ung magpo-process kasi andun na sila.

But please make sure you also secure a DSWD clearance since you’re traveling with a minor without either parent.

Hi Sir, ‘yung friend po ba na nag sponsor sa pagkuha nyo ng visa ay filipino or UAE national? Upon reading po kasi kapag hindi immediate family ang mag sponsor, kailangan UAE national lang. Is this true po? Thank you and hoping for your response.

Hi Tey, yung sa amin ay friend na Pinoy. Pero this was 2016 so hindi ko alam if naging strict na sila since then.

Hello! I have questions po. I have a relative in Saudi Arabia who can sponsor my visit visa. But I’m really planning to go to Dubai. Is it okay? Or do I need to go to Saudi first before going to Dubai?

I have friends in Dubai but Im planning to get a 90days visa kasi. Any suggestion/s? Thanks po!

Hi Chris, I have no idea kapag ganyang case. :|

Hi Po. Good evening. I have a questions po. This year lang Month of May pumunta kami ng Foreigner Boyfriend ko sa Hongkong, Thailand, at Singapore. And this coming October po pupunta po kami ng Dubai with his mom for 7 nights and 8 days. Tapos doon na po kami magkikita sa Dubai at wala po akong work kasi nag aaral po ako. Ano po ba yung dapat na requirements na e submit ko since I am a student(Aside sa Student ID, certificate of enrollment) and since my sponsor is my boyfriend, Ano po yung mga documents na hingin ko sa boyfriend ko para Magamit ko sa tourist visa or maipakita ko sa immigration officer. Kumbaga ayoko na syang pumunta pa ng PHILIPPINES because malayo na kasi pag nag travel pa sya papuntang Philippines bali 48 hours na in one way, aside sa 15 hours from their home to dubai. Natatakot kasi akong ma offload sa immigration. Thank you. Hoping matulungan nyo po ako. God bless u po.

Hi Saysay! Pagdating sa visa, as you can see sa taas, very straightforward naman ang UAE visa application. Wala masyadong documents na kailangan. Read na lang sa taas.

Mas tricky ang PH Immigration kasi if I remember correctly, Dubai is a hotspot for them. Are you flying to Dubai alone?

Hi, just want to know some details if you know for the one who will go to Dubai with Working/Entry visa. Is it gonna be hard compared to those who have visit visa? Please need some who knows.

Hi lasyl, we don’t know po pag work visa.

Nag email na po ako sa welcome travels and Shabab (travel agent) replied me na sa whatsapp lang kami mag commuicate. But I don’t feel safe replying him through whatsapp. I would like to hear po yung opinion about this. Thanks

Hi Janelle, I have no opinion about it. It wasn’t us but our friend in Dubai who submitted the documents to them, so I have no idea about how they do business. But we got our visa and it was accepted by Immigration.

Hi, do you have an idea how I could get a multiple entry visa. I will go to 10 day cruise with the family of my boyfriend. the list of the route includes Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and etc. You think that the Cruise Company could fix my visa if the Cruise is already booked?

Hi Marie, I have no idea about that po.

hi po good afternoon po..may concern po sana ako..my pinsan po kasi ako na nagwowork sa dubai and gusto ko sana na mgpatulong in order for me na makakuha din ng work dun ang kaso mejo busy xa or should i say wla tlga xang time pra mtulungan ako n mkakuha ng visit visa..tanong ko lng po sna madali bng mkakuha ng visa if in case n ako lng ung mgpapaprocess nun at roughly estimation mga mgkano kya ang mgagastos ska po bka nmn pwede nyo akong mbigyan ng agency n pdeng mgprocess nung visa ko po or any concern n maipapayo nla saken.. thank you

Good day po. pde po ba mg ask kng anung legit agency na ode applyan ng tourist visa for dubai na mei ksama ng accommodation. Thankn you

HI! Is there any accredited travel agency here in the Philippines na nag aayos ng visa?

Hi ELai, meron po siguro pero wala lang kaming kilala. :(

Hi, just want to clarify.

Kung yung expiration ng visa is magstart once dumating na sa dubai? Like yung validity is 2 months (example, Oct na-release validity is until Dec) but then you will leave the ph dec pa then will return January. Is the visa still valid til Jan? Thank you for the response.

I’m a follower of your blog. All the best!

Hi Jheyann, the validity of the visa is different from the duration of stay. The length of stay depends on what you’re applying for. The standard visa is good for a 30-day stay. A 90-day-stay visa is available now too, but I think you have to justify why you need to stay that long.

Thank you so much for your response. I’m enlightened.

Godbless :)

No prob! Happy to help!

hello po kasalukuyang andito po aq ngaun sa saudi arabia..flight ko po ngaung nov.24 with tourist visa travel agency po nag sponsor sken..wla po bang maraming tanong sa immigration dito..mraming slamat po sir sa pag pansin

Hi Raquel, depende po yan sa matatapat talaga na officer. Yung sa amin po, wala namang masyadong tanong.

Hi my bf currently suffered from a serious car accident in abu dhabi, thank God he survived. But I think he is going through depression ever since the accident. He is not in good terms with this family and so he’s been badly asking me to visit him there in UAE. He works there with a single entry, unlimited years visa so leaving uae to have a vacation in the philippines or anywhere else outside uae wouldn’t be a good choice. Best thing is for me to visit him there so he offered to sponsor all my expenses just to get there. What worries me most is that I’m currently unemployed, I just worked as an online marketer but income wasnt good there. Does the uae embassy also asked for some kind of show money? And will they also asked about my work and income? I did have some travel experience outside the country, I was able to travel Japan alone before (which was sponsored by my ex bf) and last month I was able to get a 10yr tourist visa for USA with my parents (but this time sponsored by my parents). Will these visas help me get one for uae? So sorry for the long message, I just want to fill you in what I have and maybe you can suggest something to help get me a visa. This is just so rush for me, if it’s not because of the accident I wouldnt be rushing on visiting him in uae since I have plans of applying as a flight attendant.

Hi Chacha, I don’t think your income matters in the visa application. Your occupation will be displayed on your visa, but they usually don’t ask for proof.

However, even if you’re able to get a visa, you still have to go through PH Immigration, which is by far stricter. If you’re unemployed and your destination is Dubai, you’re likely to undergo secondary inspection because UAE is a “hotspot” destination for them. In this case, you will have to provide proof of your relationship with sponsor and proof of employment/financial capability of your sponsor.

Hello Yoshke,

Thanks for providing information on UAE Visa. I’m planning to visit Turkey this April 2019 and since im only transiting, do you have news kung effective na ung new policy regarding waiving of fees for transit visas for 48 hours extended to 96 hours at AED 50. I plan to have a stopover in Dubai for 4 days. Is it upon arrival in Dubai?

Hi Jeffrey, until now, I have no details yet about it. :(

Sir, question lang.. Mag stopover kami at Dubai for 8hrs and we’re planning to meet our friend (living in Dubai) inside the airport. Do we still need to get a transit visa since lalagpas parin kami sa immigration? Thank you sir.

Hi Quennie, ang alam ko, yes, since lalabas ka ng immigration.

Hi. Even if I don’t have any sponsor in Dubai, I can still apply through the travel agency you mentioned right? Usually 1 day lang ba processing nila?

Hi Helloha, ang alam ko, yep.

Di ko sure though because yung friend ko sa Dubai yung nag-apply for us. She just shared with us ung details nung agency kung saan sya nag-apply.

Hi! sir good morning, me and my cousin are planning to apply visa in dubai tru her sister sponsoring it, 1st cousin po kami by father side, but im illegitimate child so my papers are no proof na mgpinsan po kami, so anu po ba dapat ko applyan na visa? since visit visa is for immediate family at ako po matatawag na hindi immediate family kasi nga no proof. pwde po bang parehas na visa applyan namin ng pinsan ko or iba2 kami ng visa peru isang tao lang mg sponsor at pwde bang sabay kami umalis ng pinsan ko.? slamat po at sanay masagot po itong tanong ko. god bless po.

Hi Amore, di ko po alam pag ganyan. Pero hopefully ung ibang readers namin may idea sila.

Hi Yoshke, I have traveled to UAE (Dubai) last October 2017 but it was sponsored by my employer. I am planning to travel back to UAE but at my own expense. I have relatives working there and I am planning to apply for a tourist visa and look for a job there. I do not want to involve my relatives with my application.

Will it be possible that my application be denied even if I already had a visa before?

Hope you can response. Thank you

Hi Harry, there’s always that chance naman. Pero malaking-malaki na yung probability that you’ll be granted a visa if may visa ka na before.

400AED lang talaga yung binayaran ng friend mo sa travel agency? wala na hiningi na security deposit? at hindi ba hassle sa friend mo yung proseso? nahihiya din naman kasi ako mang-abala ng colleagues just to sponsor me. i am in contact din with 2 hotels sa dubai and both of them are asking for 5000aed security deposit. it’s refundable after 2 weeks leaving dubai, but still a lot lalu na per person yan. thanks!

Hi Pipa, yep, 400 AED lang daw nung nag-apply and hindi naman daw hassle, mabilis lang. And walang security deposit.

Hi! Thanks for your very detailed blog. :) just want to ask if they asked for yoir ITR?

Hi Paolo, hindi po. :)

Hello! I would like to ask, I have a friend she work in Dubai, is it OK if sya po ang mag sponsor sa akin,I’m planning to visit her.she work there for almost 3yrs.

Hi Lyn, when I visited, I was sponsored by a friend too, so I think it’s okay, at least for visa application.

PH Immigration is a lot more complicated, though, so it may be another story altogether.

I got a tourist visa(14days) for my friend from Philippines. I’m working here in UAE. Unfortunately they put Sales Exec for profession. She’s in marketing so her COE says marketing manager. I asked the agent here they told me it wont be a problem and they can’t do anything as the immigration here fills up the data. Did anyone have the same issue? We’re just worried about the Philippine Immigration. She’s a frequent traveler. Have valid hotel bookings , klook booked tours and a return ticket.

Hi Chase, same thing happened to me. My line of work is marketing but my visa stated SALES EXECUTIVE. I didn’t have any problem though.

Hi! Magtratravel po ako via tourist visa to Abu Dhabi and the trip is sponsored by my sister who is working there. I will be travelling with her this Feb. 14 na po since nandito po siya ngayon for vacation. I have a question regarding my visa, it says “Sales Representative” on my profession eh nurse po ang work ko sa Pinas. I asked around kung okay lang ba yun na nakalagay sa visa ko na Profession and ang sabi hindi daw yun pinapansin sa immigration. I am aware na matanong sila sa Ph Immigration so paano po if tanungin ako kung anong work ko ano po isasagot ko? Yung totoo na work ko po ba or yung nakalagay sa visa? Btw first time traveler po ako but I’m traveling with my sponsor. Thanks!

Di ko alam if may bearing sya. Pero yung saken, ang nakalagay din sa visa is Sales Executive kahit na di naman ako ganun. Di naman nagka-problem. Pero di ko alam if di sya issue in general.

What would you suggest po if ever they ask about my job? Should I tell them what’s on my tourist visa or yung totoo po na job ko? Kasi I prepared my CoE and certification of approved leave just in case they ask for it. Marami po kaya silang tanong kahit kasama ko naman yung ate ko who sponsored my trip? Thank you :)

Hi Chase, just want to ask if i still need to get a tourist visa if i will just be in dubai for 4 days before heading to egypt? or the transit visa will do? Thanks.

I would like to ask if what kind of visa that I need to apply if I will be arriving at DXB Airport from the Philippines and I will go to Sharjah Airport as this is the airport going to Istanbul? Thank you a lot.

Btw, I will arrive by 11:25PM at DXB and my flight going to Istanbul in Sharjah is by 4:50Am. Thanks

Hi ,my boy friend is work in dubai he decided to get a visa for me ,what kind of visa he gets. And what is the requirements that ive given to my bf so that he send me a visa and how much the fee .

Hi! I have a partner in life but we are not yet married with 1 child, he is working now in dubai for 1yr. Gusto ko po sana siyang bisitahin sa birthday namin this coming sept 2019. I am working in private company as sales promoter, pero nasa minimum rate lang po ung sahod ko, ask ko lang po kung magaaply po ako ng tourist visa for 2 weeks maapprovan po kaya ako? May ipon po ako sa account ko 50k. Sapat na po ba un para makapagtourist ako?

Hi, how much did you pay for the visa processing? Did they require you to have something like a ‘security deposit?’ I tried contacting hotels as sponsors para isang booking na lang for hotel and visa, but they have this parang security deposit na ang laki.

hi po. bago lng po ako naka pg renew ng passport ko po. tapos one of the requirement p puntang dubai is 6 months validity. ask ko lng po kng ma consider yong passport ko kasi po renewal n mn po yon or hindi po, need ko p po mg hintay ng 6 months? thank for your response.

Medyo di ko na-gets yung question. Paclarify po.

Hi po good afternoon..my friend in Dubai he is working there..at gusto nya na pumunta ako. Sya Ang sasagot ng visa plane ticket.. Basta may passport lng ako. Pwede po ba yon? Thanks

Hi, Will be visiting Dubai real soon. My friend is sponsoring us. I just want to ask. Dito po ba sa PH immigration, my friend already gave me scanned copies or her passport, emirates ID, work documents etc., kailangan pa ba ng letter of invite from the friend? or enough na yung mga binigay niya as supporting documents plus the visa of course.

Ideally, to be safe, mas okay if you have a letter of invitation. But in reality, madalas, they don’t look for this document. Pero if matapat ka sa strict na officer or if pagdudahan ka nila, they can ask for an invitation.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/03/sample-invitation-letter-immigration-sample-visiting-relatives-friends-affidavit-support-guarantee/

Hello Sir/Mam i am Norjannah S Jiabareli need travel tourist visa.. i just asking if hv a promo and im just asking again how much and wht the others requermnts without visa travelling …ihave friend in dubai. sokran.and wassalam

my name is NORJANNAH S JIABARAEL I NEED tourist visa travelling. and iwant to know if have a promo at this month of november.. bcuz i need smll dscount

This is a much needed guide for applying visa process. Thanks for sharing this informative post.

Hello ‘Am citizen of Bangladesh but now living of 2 years in Italy so if you say me what I need for transit visa ??if I need visa or not ?? If you say me early right answer beacuse I need must to know . And how many money can need for ticket and visa ??

Unfortunately, I have no idea about the visa requirements for Bangladesh nationals. :(

Hi, I’m a Ph National planning to visit Dubai via SG once travel ban is lifted. I don’t have any sponsor with me, and will try to look for hotel or airways offering visa services. Is it advisable to process my visa for UAE once I’m already in SG or days before travelling? Let say I’ll stay there for 5 days, is it enough? What do you think are the chances of my visa getting approved? Really need an advice. Thank you in advance!

Hello! I hope someone can answer this question please. I’m planning to go to MNL to London but had a layover in Abu Dhabi for both Arrival and Departure just for a min of 5 hrs for both. My Trip to London will be a total of 14-16 days I supposed. Should I get just the Transit Visa? Or Should I apply for the single entry tourist visa? I am really confused. Thanks in advanced!

Hi Dee. Same airline po ba and one booking number ung both legs of the flight?

Di ko po alam for sure ung rules nila now but may explanation ang Etihad about it here. Baka makatulong: https://www.etihad.com/en/fly-etihad/visas

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Who can apply for your tourist visa?

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

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4 Requirements for Obtaining a 5-year UAE Tourist Visa

In a bid to support the country’s tourism sector and strengthen the UAE’s status as one of the premier tourist destinations today, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has set the requirements for obtaining a 5-year tourist visa.

The multi-entry tourist visa is open to all nationalities. It does not need any guarantor, allows holders to exit and enter the country as many times as they want, has a validity of 5 years, and enables the visa holder to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days each year. The annual stay can be extended for another 90 days by submitting a request to the ICA.

To obtain the visa, applicants must submit the following requirements:

• Bank statements for the last six-month period with a minimum balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• Health insurance
• Color photograph
• Copy of the passport

Previously, concessions have also been made for single-entry tourist visas and long-term tourist visas that allow travelers to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days and 90 days, respectively. Both visas were allowed to be extended twice for 30 days each, without the need to leave the country.

The authorities hope that with the new visa requirements, it will be easier to facilitate the entry of tourists into the country and strengthen the UAE’s status as a global economic player.

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Ultimate Guide For Multiple Entry Dubai Visa

• Post published: March 25, 2022
• Post author: admin

Dubai is synonymous with opulence, grandeur, and glamour at its finest. It has captured the imagination of tourists from around the world as a fascinating modern tourist destination in the Middle East. Despite adopting digital technology, Dubai has remained true to its roots by preserving the essence of its Eastern cultural heritage. Tourists apply for multiple entries Dubai visas to see the entire Emirate and its amazing offerings and landmarks in one visit.

This guide covers everything you need to know before applying for your multiple entry visa for UAE for 30 days multiple entry visa or 60 days multiple entry visa. Depending on your travel purpose and duration, choose the appropriate visa for your Dubai visit.

What Is A Multiple Entry Visit Visa Dubai, UAE?

Multiple entry visas for Dubai permit users to enter multiple times during a visa’s validity period. Depending on the visa length and type of visa applied, Dubai tourist visa holders can stay for up to 60 days from the date of their visa issuance.

30 Days Multiple Entry Visa

With the 30 days multiple entry Dubai visa , you can enter Dubai multiple times during your visa’s validity. You can stay in the city for 30 days maximum when using this visa, which has a 58-day expiration date. It’s essentially the same process for applying for a multiple-entry visa, though you have to pay a higher application fee.

Benefits Of 30 Days Multiple Entry Visa

A visa application would be a hassle if you have family in Dubai or you visit the city frequently for business purposes. A 30 days Dubai multiple entry visa prevents you from having this problem. Dubai and any other Emirate can be visited as often as the visa allows (for 30 days) as long as it is valid. You would have to pay a higher fee for this visa, but you would end up saving money in the long run since you would not have to pay the visa fee every time you travel to Dubai.

How to Apply for 30 Days Dubai Multiple Entry Visa?

Filling out the online application form is the first step toward applying. All information should be accurate and complete. Incorrect information could result in your application being rejected. The application must also be accompanied by several documents. They are as follows:

• Two colored copies of your passport’s first two and last two pages. A passport valid for six months should be provided.

• A copy of your passport page with your exit stamp (if you have ever visited Dubai or UAE) is required.

• To the form should be attached 2-4 passport-size photographs (recent ones). It is recommended that the photographs were taken against white backgrounds. Make sure that your face is clear and the picture isn’t blurry.

• You will also need to provide written confirmation of your tickets.

• When applying for visas, those who are invited to come to UAE by a hosting company, friend, or family member are required to submit the host’s letter of invitation, a copy of their passport, and a copy of their visa.

• A confirmed hotel booking in Dubai or any other Emirate can be submitted if you do not have a guarantor or host in the UAE.

If you submit all these documents, it may take approximately three to four business days for your multiple-entry visa to be issued. If necessary, you will need to submit a few other documents. If this is the case, you will have to wait an extra few days to receive your visa.

60 days Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

A 30-day multiple entry Dubai visa is recommended if visitors plan on staying in Dubai or the UAE for a long period of time like meetings, conferences, transit stays, etc.

Travelers who need to travel between the UAE and other nearby countries for a period of time by air, land, or sea, can get a 60-day Multiple entry Dubai visa instead of obtaining two or three separate visas and incurring additional time and expense.

60-day visas are available in two forms: single entry and multiple entries. A single entry visa lets you stay in any of the emirates for 60 days after entering. Even if your 60-day period hasn’t expired, you cannot return with the same visa. In contrast, a multiple-entry visa allows you to enter the country unlimited times for a period of 60 days (beginning on your first entry) until your visa expires. Businesspeople and tourists who wish to travel to neighboring countries during their stay in the UAE can take advantage of the 60 days multiple Dubai entry visa.

How to Apply for 60 Days Dubai Multiple Entry Visa?

You can get your 60 days Dubai Multiple entry visa. Several documents are required when you submit the application form. These documents include:

For visa applications, you need your passport. It is necessary to make colored copies of the first two pages and the last page of the passport. On these pages are all your personal details such as your name, address, nationality, passport number, and validity of your passport – everything required to issue a visa. You should not carry a handwritten passport with a validity of fewer than six months.

Covering Letter:

A cover letter along with all your documents is required for the 60-day multiple-entry Dubai visa. In the cover letter, you should include information about your trip and your stay in the UAE, as well as a guarantee that you will leave the country when the validity of your visa expires. Additionally, two locals must be included along with their photo identification and proof of address.

Details of the Host:

It is necessary to include your host’s information if you are traveling to Dubai for business or for personal reasons. An invitation letter from the host company is required when you are invited by a company. You must provide a copy of your passport and the residence visa of your host if you are visiting a family member or friend. The residence visa needs to be valid for six months or longer. Upon leaving the country and returning to your home country, you must also provide your host with a security check that is credited to their account.

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UAE Tourist Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees

Indian passport holders who are willing to apply for a UAE Tourist visa can find the necessary visa information on this page. In the following, you can find UAE Tourist visa requirements which mainly include the visa documents and eligibility criteria. General guidelines to be followed at the time of submission of United Arab Emirates Tourist visa documents are mentioned on the page. For further visa consultation, you can contact BTW Visa Executives.

• Tourist Visa

Following is the list of documents required for UAE Tourist visa for Indians.

A passport is a document that is required at the time of international travels. It is issued by the government of the country to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate.

The submitted passport must meet the parameters given below

• It must be obtained with a coloured copy of the first and the last page of the passport.
• It must not be torn, ripped, split, or damaged in any kind of way.

One cannot cross international boundries without the passport. It is considered a criminal offense otherwise.

The photo is provided to the authority so that you can be identified based on the same.

The photographs must be provided as per the given photo specifications

• It must have a matt finish.
• It must be provided with one copy of the coloured photograph.
• It must have the dimensions of 35mm x 45mm.
• It must be clicked on a white background.
• It must cover the face in the 80% of the frame.
• It must be a recent photograph.
• The expressions on the face must be neutral, there must not be any kind of smiling of frowning in the photograph.
• Any kind of glasses must not be worn in the photograph.
• The hair must be tied back so that the face is clearly visible.
• The ears must be visible clearly.
• It must not have any headgear worn apart from religious reasons.
• It is to be taken care that your teeth do not show in the photograph.

Recent pictures are mandatory as old pictures can cause the authorities to reject your application.

An air ticket is a ticket or pass that is possessed by the traveller who is taking a flight for travelling from one location to another.

It is an important document and it should be submitted for the given reason

• It must be confirmed for the to and fro journey to the UAE and should have an OK to Board (if applicable).
• It must be confirmed for the complete round trip.

An air ticket shows your course of travel and confirms your return to the native country.

A pan card is document which is in the form of a smart card that is provided by the government to the tax payers in order to track their financial transactions.

The PAN card is an important government-issued document. It needs to follow the provided guidelines

• It must be provided as signature proof.

It is compulsory to provide PAN card as an identity proof.

• Company visiting card/ID card

A travel insurance is a document that shows the amount of money that has been kept in case of any major injury or accident.

The Travel Insurance issued has to meet the following criteria

• Approved Visa copy will be released only after receiving International medical insurance (which covers COVID19 treatment / quarantine).
• It is better if the insurance is valid for at least 3 to 10 ahead of the date of arrival to India.
• It must cover the whole trip right from leaving India to returning to India.
• It must mention the applicant's details as per the passport.

You are not allowed to travel abroad without a travel insurance. Professional visa consultation is recommended.

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For detailed information, Please go through UAE Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

Eligibility for getting United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa:

In order to be eligible to travel to the country on a visa, you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria.

Be a genuine traveller- You must have a valid and good intention behind travelling to the country.

Eligible to bear all expenses - You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.

Reasons to return - You must have strong ties in your home country that will ensure that you will return after your stay.

Be of good character - You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. You may have to provide PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.

Be in good health - You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.

• You must be a genuine travelling enthusiast wanting to explore the country.
• You must already have the necessary travel arrangements made to prove your intention to visit.

Visa Fees for United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa:

*Important Note:

Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents or personal appearance for an interview in special cases. Submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted, so It's recommonded to get the professional visa consultation. Submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a special visa interview may result in the rejection of your visa application .

Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care. However, regulations and requirements are subject to change.

To know all details like process, eligibility, fees etc. Please refer UAE Tourist Visa

Applied for Dubai visa and received in 2 days flat. Thank you Navanath & Avinash for quick & reliable visa Service. No need of hard copy document & physical visits. It is also cheaper than many other travel agencies. Mr. Kapil Pailwan

Sarang, you got it done man! I had to get done my Taiwan visa. Sarang guided me very well. This visa might bring some complications in terms of medical documentation but trust me he will take you though this very well. 5 out of 5 for you, Sarang! Cheers, Warmly, BHAGYESH DEO Mr. Bhagyesh Deo

We would like to thank BTW visa services and especially Vineet and Shrushti for assisting us for our USA & Schengen visa. We got all possible assistance from the staff. Awesome services You just have to give them necessary documents and everything else is taken care of. Will surely come back to you guys for our next visa. Mrs. Sayali Gujar

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Want to be a licensed tourist guide in the UAE? Here’s how you can do it

Living in uae.

How you can a build a side hustle to make extra money, meet people from across the world

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• Can I enter the UAE if I have taken Moderna, Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

Dubai: Love meeting people from different cultures and enjoy showing visitors to the unique sights and sounds of the UAE, especially as Expo 2020 Dubai comes closer? A side job as a tourist guide might be the perfect way to not just do what you love but also earn some extra money in the meantime.

So, if you would like to try your hand at guiding tourists from across the world to the UAE, here is how you can apply for a licence in the UAE.

How can I make extra money as a tour guide?

The tour guide licence is open to people from all nationalities. If you are interested in working as a tour guide, you would first need to apply for a licence and submit all the necessary documents. The detailed steps are provided below. Once you submit your application to the respective Emirate’s tourism department, you will also receive the necessary training before the licence is issued.

Once you do become a licensed tour guide, you can work full-time, part-time, or as a freelancer. You could either tie up with tourism agencies or individual tourist agents, or even reach out to clients through online platforms like websites that help tourists plan their trip and stay in the UAE.

However, it is important to note that you would need to submit some documents like a Police Clearance Certificate, language proficiency certificate and a First Aid Training certificate, which you can get by approaching a first aid training provider in the UAE. While you would need to cover the costs of these training certificates, reach out to the tourism department to find out if they have tied up with any service providers that give corporate discounts to applicants for tour guide licences.

Applying for a tour guide licence in Abu Dhabi

To apply for the tour guide licence, you would first need to visit the Abu Dhabi Government Services website – tamm.abudhabi

In the services list, select the service for ‘Enroll in the Tourist Guide Training’ or visit this web link directly: https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/aspects-of-life/consultationstraining/businesssupport/BusinessTraining/RequestaTouristGuideLicence

Log in using your UAE Pass .

Upload the following documents:

• Copy of your CV

• Emirates ID

•  A Good Conduct Certificate

• First Aid Certificate

• Passport copy

• Photograph

• UAE residence visa copy

Licence validity

The tour guide licence is valid for two years.

Licence cost

The licence costs Dh5,500.

Any interested Abu Dhabi tour guide applicants must register their information and submit their application on the TAMM website. Upon approval, the applicant will undergo training from Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi - including knowledge assessments and tour sessions - in order to become a licensed tourist guide.

Applying for a tour guide licence in Dubai

Anyone wishing to become a tour guide in Dubai can get training and a licence from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), also known as Dubai Tourism. You can become an English or Mandarin speaking guide. To receive a licence you must first pass an assessment.

Documents needed

You would need to keep copies of the following documents:

• No Objection letter from your sponsor

• Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police.

• High School Completion Certificate (12th grade or higher)

• English Proficiency Certificate

• Passport-sized photo

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Dubai Tourism website - https://www.dubaitourism.gov.ae/en/services/apply-for-tour-guide-training

2. Click on ‘Apply Now’. You will be directed to the tour guide training website, where you will first need to create an account. Then, submit your application by uploading the required documents.

Your application will be verified by the Dubai College of Tourism team. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview.

3. Attend interview - Applicants undertake an interview and numeracy and English language assessment. Both will happen on the same day. Successful applicants will be notified that they have been offered a place at Dubai College of Tourism.

4. Make initial payment – you will then be asked to make an initial payment of Dh750.

5. Initial assessment - Tour guides undergo an initial assessment. If successful, they then proceed to the next stage. A further payment of Dh1,500 will be required to proceed with this stage. Tour guides will undergo a knowledge assessment and interview at Dubai College of Tourism. If successful, they then proceed to the third and final stage.

A final payment of Dh5,270 is required to proceed with this stage. Tour guides will undergo guiding skills training and assessment.

6. Practical assessment - After completion of all the training stages, tour guides select an appointment for a final practical assessment at Dubai College of Tourism. Tour guides have two attempts to pass this assessment.

7. Receive tour guide licence - Successful completion of the course will be rewarded with a tour guide licence issued by DTCM and valid for two years.

English – Dh7,500

Mandarin – Dh10,000

Dh20 – Knowledge and innovation fee

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