🔹 1. Do You Need a Visa to Enter Dubai?
Dubai (UAE) classifies visitors into three categories:
| Category | Example Countries |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free (on arrival) | USA, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore |
| Visa on Arrival (pre-approved) | India (with valid US/UK/EU visa), China, etc. |
| Visa Required (pre-arranged) | Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc. |
➡️ Check your status: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id
🔹 2. Types of Dubai (UAE) Visas
| Visa Type | Validity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 30 or 60 days | Tourism, family visit |
| Transit Visa | 48 or 96 hours | Stopover travel through Dubai |
| Visit Visa (sponsor) | Up to 90 days | Invited by friend/family/business |
| Student Visa | 1 year (renewable) | For higher education in UAE |
| Work Visa/Residence | 1–3 years | With job offer from UAE employer |
| Golden Visa | 5–10 years | Investors, professionals, special talent |
🔹 3. Dubai Tourist Visa (for Most Travelers)
✅ Options:
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30-day single entry
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60-day single or multiple entry
✅ Where to Apply:
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UAE-based Airlines: Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad
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UAE Hotel or Travel Agency: If booking through them
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UAE Sponsor: Friend, relative, or business
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Online via ICP or GDRFA portals
✅ Documents Required:
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Passport (6+ months validity)
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Passport-sized photo (white background)
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Travel itinerary or flight booking
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Hotel booking or UAE address
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Visa fee payment
🔹 4. Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours)
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For travelers transiting through UAE airport
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Issued by airline only (must not exit airport otherwise)
✅ Requirements:
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Valid onward ticket to a 3rd country
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Passport valid for 6 months
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Hotel reservation for stopover (if 96 hrs)
📝 Note: 48-hour transit visa is free; 96-hour visa costs ~AED 50
🔹 5. Visit Visa with Sponsor (Family/Friends in UAE)
✅ Sponsor Must:
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Be a UAE resident with valid Emirates ID
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Submit request on GDRFA portal or app
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Pay applicable fees and deposit
✅ Documents Required:
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Passport copies (applicant + sponsor)
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Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate)
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Emirates ID copy of sponsor
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Return flight ticket
🔹 6. Work Visa / Residence Visa
Only UAE-based employers can sponsor this visa. You cannot apply on your own.
Process:
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UAE employer obtains work permit from Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE)
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Visa approval issued
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Entry permit granted (valid 60 days)
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After arrival, complete medical, Emirates ID, biometrics
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Get residence visa sticker in passport
🕒 Timeframe: 2–6 weeks
🔁 Validity: 1 to 3 years (renewable)
🔹 7. Student Visa
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Requires confirmed admission in a UAE-accredited university
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Sponsor can be the university or a UAE resident relative
Required:
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Passport, photo, admission letter
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Tuition payment proof
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Accommodation details
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Emirates ID (after arrival)
🔹 8. Dubai Visa Fees (2025 Estimates)
| Visa Type | Fees (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 30-day Tourist Visa | AED 350–400 |
| 60-day Tourist Visa | AED 500–650 |
| Transit Visa (96 hrs) | AED 50 |
| Work Visa (employer pays) | AED 2,000–6,000+ |
| Student Visa | AED 1,000–2,000 |
💳 Payment Mode: Online, bank transfer, or via sponsoring agency
🔹 9. Visa Extension / Renewal
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Tourist visas can usually be extended twice for 30 days each (fee: ~AED 600 per extension)
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Overstay fines: AED 50–100 per day
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No need to exit country for renewal in most cases
🔹 10. Key UAE Visa Portals
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🖥️ ICP (Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship): https://icp.gov.ae
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🖥️ GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai-specific visas): https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
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✈️ Emirates Visa Services: https://www.emirates.com
🔹 11. Important Tips
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Never overstay your visa — it affects future approvals.
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Buy valid health insurance covering UAE.
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For job seekers, visit on a Jobseeker Visa or long tourist visa.
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UAE immigration is very strict on documentation — always ensure accuracy.