UAE Entry Requirements for Dubai Trip: Visa and Travel Information

If you are going for Dubai trip you need to be aware of the available visas types and get one according to your needs. The different Dubai visas include, a tourist visa, transit visa, Business visa and resident visa among others. The tourist visa can either be a 30 days or 60 days’ visa, both with single, and multiple entry options. This visa is ideal for those visiting the emirate for tourism purposes and for a short period of time.

If you want to stopover in Dubai for a short time before proceeding to the next destination, apply for a transit visa. You can get a 48 hours’ transit visa or the 96 hours’ transit visa. with this visa, you are free to leave the airport and explore the emirate within the visa’s validity period. The business visa is for those who are vising Dubai for business purpose, conferences and meeting. If you are visiting as a student for studies, you should apply for the student visa. 

If you are not sure about the appropriate visa that will best suit your purpose of travelling to Dubai, you can consult a travel agency. Our customer service team consist of professionals who will guide you through the process and help you in application.

Some nationalities benefit from visa free and visa on arrival policies. This means that they can just enter the UAE with only a passport and they will be issued a visa upon their arrival.

Citizens of the GCC countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman are allowed to enter the UAE without a visa. Other countries that do not need a visa to enter Dubai include France, Germany and Netherlands. They however must carry their travel documents such as a valid passport with them at all times.

Visa on arrival is a benefit extended to countries such as USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Argentina and South Korea. If you are from either of the countries, you will be issued with a 30 days or 90 days’ visa upon arrival at the any immigration entry point.

Below are the countries that qualify for an on arrival visa to Dubai: 

Before entering Dubai there are documents that you should have. The primary documents you need is a passport with at least 6 months’ validity. You also need to have confirmed air tickets which acts as a proof of your intention to return back to your country. This is common requirements for transit visa holders and tourist visa holders.

If you are visiting on tourist visa you also need to a proof of accommodation, which can be a hotel booking and the address. You will also need a travel insurance which will insure you in case of medical emergency during your stay in Dubai.

When travelling to Dubai you are required to firsts apply for a visa if you are not from visa free and Visa on arrival countries. You can apply the visa through a reputable agency such as the Arabiers or the airline you intend to travel with. Send your documents such as passport, photos to the agent attending to you and pay for visa fees. 

This process will take 3 to 4 days’ and you will be issued with a visa hassle free.

You can opt to apply for the visa through the government online platform. The eVisa is best for tourist visas and other short term visas.  All you need is to accurately fill in the online forms, upload the documents and pay the visa fee.  The visa will be processed and issued within 3 to 5 days.

If you are traveling for business or to visit family, the UAE based sponsor who is a resident can help you in getting a visa. The sponsor needs to fill all the documents for you, submit and pay the visa fee. Once the visa is processed it is sent to them and then you can get your visa.

To enjoy a smooth experience as you enter Dubai it is important to carry out the last check before leaving for Dubai so as to make sure everything is in place. First begin by checking the primary documents such as passport, tickets and travel insurance are there. Make sure you have the digital copies in your phone as a backup in case they are lost or damaged.

The other thing is to download the useful apps that will be of great help during your trip to Dubai. You can get the uber app, airline app to help you with the airline schedules and city navigation app to easily navigate through the city. You can also get an app to help you transit in case you are faced with language barrier during your trip.

Dubai having one of the Busiest airports in the world that is equipped with modern facilities and strict immigration processes, it is crucial for one to be aware of all the requirements at the airport. The airport has smart gates which are used by UAE citizens, residents and other special travelers. 

This is as faster channels that bypasses the normal procedures at the immigration and security control checkpoints. Only eligible travelers are allowed to use the smart gates. The airport has some biometric screen as a standard for security. Therefore, some travelers may be subjected to the facial or iris scanning at the immigration for security purpose.

If you are entering Dubai it is crucial to be aware of some of the items that are restricted in Dubai. This is important since it helps in avoiding delays at the immigration. Some prescribed drugs, weapons and high value electronics will have you subjected to more clearance. To save on time make sure that you are have carried the items that will not have you flagged by immigration for additional procedures before clearance.

Dubai custom department also restricts the amount of items that you can bring into the country tax free. You need to check with the customs to be aware of the limits. You must also declare at the customs if you are exiting or entering the country with more than AED 100000 in cash.