Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a modern and wealthy region. Several hundred thousand tourists come here yearly for the sun, shopping, superb hotels, or parties all night long. At first look, this might be a completely deserted United Arab Emirates (UAE) village. Through this guide, you will get details of the procedure for obtaining a UAE visit visa, and also having important key information will allow you to avoid the process being stressful (a must).
Do You Need Visa For UAE?
One can say for visiting UAE, Dubai or any part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), an Indian passport holder will require a valid visa in the form of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or eVisa. But those having any of the visas which are the USA, UK, or Schengen resident visas do not need a separate visa for Dubai, UAE.
Types of Visa for Dubai, UAE
People looking for Visas can avail any of the following visa, depends on their reason of their visit to UAE.
- Tourist Visa – People visiting UAE for tourism or visit their families/relatives/friends or for their work, it can be any reason, but one should apply for a tourist visa also known as Visit Visa. It is further divided into the following categories:
- 14-day Single entry tourist visa – In this type of visa, a person can stay in the country for 14 days maximum and are allowed only one time entry. Also, it is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
- 30-day Single-entry tourist visa – With this visa type, people can stay in the country for 30 days maximum and only one time entry is allowed. It is valid for 60 days from the issue date.
- 30-day Multiple entry tourist visa – It is the best option for the people who need to take frequent trips to the country. They should apply for this type of visa. The validity of this visa is for 60 days from the issue date.
- 90-day Single entry tourist visa – This type of visa is for those people who like to stay for longer period in UAE. People are allowed once only but they can stay for 90 days. The validity of this visa is 60 days from the issue date.
- 90-day Multiple entry tourist visa – This type of visa is for the people who want to stay for 90 days, however the entry allowed is once only. But they are free to travel multiple times.
- Business Visa – Business travelers needs to have a business visa in order to stay in the UAE for 14 days.
- Work Visa – If you are going to work in UAE, you need a UAE work visa first. It is however obtained only from the employer or sponsor
- Study Visa – those who wish to study in UAE can get the visa which is issued for one year at a time. However it can be renewed.
- Transit Visa – People who are flying to another country, and soon they have another flight somewhere via Dubai, UAE can obtain the Dubai transit visa. The visa is valid for a 14-day period. Passengers can stay for 96 hours.
Following are the steps for Visit Visa Application for UA
- 1. Determine Your Visa Type
- 30-day tourist visa
- 90-day tourist visa
- Multiple-entry visa
- Transit visa
Kindly check what visa is more compatible with your travel plans and how long you will stay.
- 2. Check Your Eligibility
Prior to applying, it is obligatory to confirm your suitability. Citizens from certain countries are invited to apply for visa-on-arrival or visa-mostly among other options. I would suggest you check the official UAE government website for the latest information on your country’s status.
- 3. Gather Required Documents
To apply for UAE visit visa, you will most likely need:
- A passport valid for at least six more months
- A passport size photograph
- A visa application complete with form
- Documents for accommodation in the UAE
- A return flight ticket
- Bank statements (to show sufficient funds)
- 4. Choose Your Application Method
There are multiple channels to be used in the case of visa applications to the UAE, such as:
- a. Through a UAE-based sponsor – If you have any relations, friends, or even companies sponsoring your coming to the UAE you can go through the Residence’s General Directorate of the Ministry of Interior and apply for the visa.
- b. Through a travel agency or airline – There are several travel agents and technical liaison offices that are competent to process UAE visit visa applications. Over the years I have found this method to be very convenient and time-efficient.
- c. Online application – For certain nationalities, it is possible to do online application by the official UAE government portal.
- 5. Submit Your Application
You can use the application method of your choice through submitting the duly completed application form and attaching all the necessary documents. My advice is this: double-check before you send to make sure everything is in order and thus avoiding more waiting time.
- 6. Pay the Visa Fees
Visa fees have varying rates based on visa type and duration range. Pay the non-refundable fee for the visa, even though the application is rejected.
- 7. Wait for Processing
Waiting period from 3 to 5 operational days is standing to the required processing time for UAE visit visas. On the other hand, I have noticed at times the procedures get done faster than predicted. It is always best to apply for your visa well ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience and inconvenience your holidays may bring to you.
- 8. Receive Your Visa
Upon approval, you will be sent your visa either electronically or by your sponsor. I recommend that you verify all information on your visa for any errors.
- 9. Prepare for Your Trip
The visa obtained now you can focus on the trip planning of the trip. I suggest that you expose yourself to the customs and rules of UAE so as to have a positive and respectful visit. They issue these!
Key Points to be kept in mind
Visa rules tend to be changed since as time passes you may notice the updates on the UAE government portal.
Having your visa expired even just within the grace period can put you under a risk of being punished, fined, and even banned from further traveling.
There are people from some countries may have to submit a medical test at the airport.
It is very important to have travel insurance if you are going to visit the UAE.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is a rather meticulous process to get a UAE visit visa as it involves detailed planning. However, if you carefully follow the steps, as well as prepare much-needed documents, you will very much increase the probability of your successful application.
Also Read – Documents Required For Pharmaceutical Exports