Dubai Visa from Canada – Complete Guide for Canadian Travelers (2026)

Planning a trip from Canada to Dubai? Whether you’re traveling for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or a short stopover, understanding the Dubai visa process for Canadians is essential before you fly. While Dubai is known for its modern infrastructure and welcoming travel policies, visa rules can still be confusing if you rely on outdated information.

This complete guide explains Dubai visa requirements for travelers from Canada, visa types, processing times, documents, costs, and common mistakes to avoid — all in one place.

Do Canadians Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?

Yes, Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates.

However, Canadian citizens are eligible for visa-on-arrival entry, which allows short-term stays without applying in advance. That said, many travelers still prefer applying for a pre-approved Dubai tourist visa to avoid uncertainty, extend their stay, or plan multiple entries.

If you are:

• Staying longer than a short visit

• Entering Dubai multiple times

• Traveling for a specific purpose

• Wanting guaranteed entry approval before flying

…then applying for a Dubai visa in advance from Canada is the smarter option.

Dubai Tourist Visa Options for Travelers from Canada

Dubai offers several visit visa categories depending on your travel plans.

1. 30-Day Dubai Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

This is the most popular option for Canadians visiting Dubai for holidays or short stays.

Key features:

• Valid for 30 days

• Single entry

• Suitable for tourism, visiting friends or family

• Can usually be extended inside the UAE

2. 30-Day Dubai Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)

Ideal if you plan to travel in and out of Dubai during the same trip.

Key features:

• 30-day stay

• Multiple entries allowed

• Useful for business travelers or GCC side trips

3. 60-Day Dubai Tourist Visa

If you want a longer stay without extensions, this visa offers more flexibility.

Key features:

• Valid for 60 days

• Available in single or multiple entry

• Good for long vacations or family visits

4. Dubai Transit Visa (48 or 96 Hours)

If Dubai is a stopover on your journey from Canada to another destination, a transit visa may be sufficient.

Key features:

• 48-hour or 96-hour stay

• Non-extendable

• Ideal for short city visits or layovers

Required Documents for Dubai Visa from Canada

Applying for a Dubai visa from Canada is fully online, and documentation is simple.

You typically need:

• A Canadian passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Clear scanned copy of passport bio page

• Passport-size photograph (white background)

• Confirmed travel details (dates only)

• Email address for eVisa delivery

No embassy visits, interviews, or original documents are required.

Dubai Visa Processing Time for Canadians

Processing times depend on the visa type and urgency selected.

Standard processing:

• 3 to 5 working days

Express processing:

• 24 to 48 hours

Urgent processing:

• As fast as same day in some cases

Once approved, your Dubai visa is issued electronically and sent by email.

Dubai Visa Fees from Canada

Dubai visa costs vary depending on duration, entry type, and processing speed.

Average ranges:

• 30-day visa: mid-range pricing

• 60-day visa: higher than 30-day

• Multiple-entry visas: higher than single entry

• Express services: additional fee

Prices are usually displayed in USD and payable online using international cards or digital payment methods.

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Canada

The application process is straightforward and fully online.

Step-by-step process:

1. Choose the visa type (30 or 60 days, single or multiple entry)

2. Fill out the online application form

3. Upload required documents

4. Make secure online payment

5. Receive visa approval by email

You can print the eVisa or keep a digital copy on your phone when traveling.

Can Canadians Extend Their Dubai Visa?

Yes, most tourist visas (30-day and 60-day) can be extended from within Dubai without exiting the country.

Extension options usually allow:

• One or two extensions

• Additional stay periods

• Simple online processing

Transit visas and visa-on-arrival entries are generally not extendable.

Entry Requirements Upon Arrival in Dubai

When arriving at Dubai, Canadian travelers should carry:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity

• Approved Dubai visa (if pre-applied)

• Return or onward ticket

• Hotel or accommodation details

Dubai immigration is efficient, and entry procedures are usually quick for Canadian passport holders.

Common Reasons Dubai Visas Get Delayed or Rejected

While approval rates are high, applications may face issues due to:

• Blurry passport scans

• Passport validity below 6 months

• Incorrect personal details

• Mismatch between passport and application data

• Previous UAE overstays

Double-checking your details before submission greatly reduces the risk of rejection.

Tips for Canadians Traveling to Dubai

• Apply early if traveling during peak seasons

• Use the same passport for booking flights and visa

• Keep a copy of your visa approval

• Respect local laws and customs

• Avoid overstaying your visa validity

Dubai is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly cities in the world, but immigration rules are strictly enforced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai visa-free for Canadians?

Canadians may receive visa-on-arrival privileges for short stays, but pre-approved visas are recommended for longer or planned visits.

How long can Canadians stay in Dubai?

With a tourist visa, stays of 30 or 60 days are allowed, depending on visa type.

Can I work in Dubai on a tourist visa?

No. Employment is not allowed on a tourist or visit visa.

Is a Dubai visa refundable if rejected?

Generally, visa fees are non-refundable if an application is rejected.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Dubai visa from Canada is simple, fast, and fully online. Whether you’re planning a short vacation, extended stay, or multiple trips, choosing the right visa type ensures a smooth travel experience.

Dubai continues to be one of the top destinations for Canadian travelers thanks to its safety, luxury, attractions, and world-class infrastructure. With the correct visa in hand, your journey from Canada to Dubai will be stress-free and enjoyable.

DubaiVisa.com Featured in Gulf News | UAE Visa Trends 2026

Sophia | Visa Consultant at DubaiVisa.com Visa Consultant

Sophia is a trusted Dubai visa consultant at DubaiVisa.com, with years of experience helping travelers from around the world secure fast and reliable UAE visas. She specializes in tourist, transit, family, and corporate visa applications, ensuring each client receives expert guidance and quick approvals.

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