If you’re planning a trip to the dazzling city of Dubai, obtaining the correct visit visa is your first step. With 11 different types of visit visas available in the UAE, choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Visit visas permit tourists, job seekers, students, and more to stay in Dubai for periods ranging from 30 to 180 days, depending on the visa type you select. In this guide, we will outline the duration of stay allowed, eligibility criteria, and essential rules for each visa category. Please remember to apply for your visa before arriving in the UAE to avoid incurring higher fees at the border.

The 11 Visit Visas You Need to Know About

Single-entry Tourist Visit Visa

Tourism in Dubai is incredibly easy, with the option to obtain a single-entry tourist visa that allows for stays of either 30 or 60 days. To acquire this visa, you will need to submit a personal photograph, a copy of your passport, and pay a tourist visa fee of Dhs200 for a 30-day stay or Dhs300 for a 60-day stay. Importantly, if you are from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, or Pakistan, you will also need to provide your identity card.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and you must have a travel ticket for onward travel outside the UAE along with valid medical insurance for your stay. Additionally, you will need to be hosted by a recognized tourism establishment, such as a hotel. If you plan to stay with friends or family, consider the visa option outlined below.

Multi-entry Tourist Visa

If you find yourself captivated by everything Dubai has to offer and wish to return multiple times, the multi-entry tourist visa is ideal. This visa allows you to travel in and out of the UAE multiple times within a 30 or 60-day period. The fees are Dhs300 for a 30-day visa and Dhs500 for a 60-day visa, along with a Dhs500 fee upon arrival in the UAE.

Similar to the single-entry visa, you will need to provide a personal photo, a valid passport (that must be valid for at least six months), a ticket for onward travel, and valid health insurance during your stay. Again, if you’re from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, or Pakistan, your identity card is required.

5-year Multi-entry Tourist Visa

For those who can’t get enough of Dubai, the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa is a fantastic option. This allows for unrestricted travel in and out of the UAE with stays of up to 180 days each year for five years, without the need for a local sponsor or guarantor. Stays can be for 30, 60, or 90 days at a time, with fees of Dhs300 for 30 days, Dhs500 for 60 days, and Dhs700 for 90 days.

To apply, you will need to submit a personal photo, a valid passport, a six-month bank statement, health insurance, and a round-trip ticket. Additionally, a guarantee amount of Dhs2,000, along with a small warranty service fee of Dhs20 and a Dhs40 fee for processing, is required.

Single-entry Visa for Visiting a Friend or Relative

If you have friends or family residing in Dubai, you can apply for a single-entry visa to visit them for durations of 30, 60, or 90 days. The fees for this visa are Dhs200 for 30 days, Dhs300 for 60 days, and Dhs400 for 90 days. You will also need to provide a financial security deposit of Dhs1,000, as well as a service fee of Dhs20 and a reimbursement fee of Dhs40.

Required documents include a valid passport copy, two personal photos, medical insurance for your stay, and proof of your relationship with the resident in Dubai, such as a detailed letter. If the visit is for a foreign wife of a GCC citizen, she must present a valid residence permit from her home country.

Multi-entry Visa for Visiting a Friend or Relative

If you and your loved ones are inseparable, the multi-entry visa for visiting friends and relatives is perfect for you. The same requirements as the single-entry visa apply, but you can visit multiple times over a 30, 60, or 90-day period. The fees are slightly higher—Dhs300 for a 30-day visa, Dhs500 for 60 days, and Dhs700 for 90 days.

Student Visit Visa

If you’re coming to Dubai for education, training, or rehabilitation, you can apply for a student visit visa for periods of 30, 60, or 180 days. The fees are Dhs200 for 30 days, Dhs300 for 60 days, and Dhs400 for 180 days. Required documents include a personal photo, a valid passport copy, and a letter from an educational institution.

Additionally, a refundable financial security deposit of Dhs1,000 is required upon application.

Job Opportunity Visit Visa

This visa allows you to explore job opportunities in Dubai without needing a local host or guarantor. You can visit multiple times within 60, 90, or 120 days. The fees are Dhs200 for 60 days, Dhs300 for 90 days, and Dhs400 for 120 days.

To qualify, you’ll need a personal photo, a valid passport, and a university degree from one of the top 500 universities, as recognized by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation must classify you as a highly skilled worker at the first, second, or third professional level. A refundable financial guarantee of Dhs1,000 is also necessary, along with proof of at least Dhs3,000 in cash or credit and a return ticket.

Visit Visa for Exploring Business Opportunities

Business professionals can apply for a visit visa to explore potential business opportunities in Dubai. This visa also allows for single or multiple entries without needing a local sponsor. Required documents include two color personal photos, a valid passport copy, and proof of your investment.

The fees are Dhs200 for 60 days, Dhs300 for 90 days, and Dhs400 for 120 days, along with a refundable security deposit of Dhs1,000, a service fee of Dhs20, and a reimbursement fee of Dhs40.

Medical Visit Visa

If you need medical treatment in Dubai, a special medical visit visa is available. You can opt for a 90-day visa for Dhs200 or a 180-day visa for Dhs500. Your sponsor should be a licensed medical facility in the UAE. A refundable financial security deposit of Dhs1,000 for a single entry and Dhs2,000 for multiple entries is required.

Documentation includes a personal photo, a valid passport copy, an approved medical report, and a justification letter from your host. An escort visa may also be granted to accompany the patient.

Escorting Treatment Visit Visa

If you are accompanying someone who requires medical treatment, you can obtain a short-term visit visa. The fees and deposits are the same as for the medical visit visa, and your stay will be linked to that of the patient. Required documents include a personal photo, a valid passport copy, a copy of the patient’s visa, and a letter from the hospital justifying your visit.

Multiple Entry Visit Visa for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers from land ports or UAE embassies abroad can apply for a special visa for transporting goods into the UAE. You will need to provide a personal photo, a valid passport, proof of your relationship with a shipping company in the UAE, a driving license, and vehicle license. The fees are Dhs300 for 30 days, Dhs500 for 60 days, and Dhs700 for 90 days.

A financial security deposit of Dhs2,000, along with a service fee of Dhs20 and a reimbursement fee of Dhs40, is also required.

To ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest visa requirements, it’s always wise to check the Government of Dubai’s official website before booking your flight.

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