Dubai Visa â Apply for a UAE Tourist Visa Online
Dubai visa is the common travel term for permission to enter the United Arab Emirates for tourism or a short visit. Check whether your passport needs advance approval, compare visa durations and submit your application online before departure.
Written by Sophia Martins, Visa Consultant ⢠DTCM Licence No. 589515 ⢠Reviewed by DubaiVisa.com Compliance Team
Who Should Apply for a Dubai Visa Before Travel?
Separate your passport from your residence status first. That prevents the most common eligibility mistake.
You may not need an advance tourist visa. Confirm the current allowance, passport validity and permitted stay before boarding.
Apply online before departure. Your UK, US, Canadian, Australian, EU or GCC residence document may support eligibility, but it does not replace your passport.
What Is a Dubai Visa?
A Dubai visa normally refers to a UAE entry visa used by a traveller visiting Dubai. It is not a city-only travel document. When a UAE tourist visa is issued and its conditions permit entry, the traveller may generally enter through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or another approved UAE port and travel across the seven Emirates.
Many tourist applications are processed as electronic visas. The approved document is delivered by email, and the traveller should check the passport number, name, validity and entry conditions before flying.
Dubai visa and UAE visa
Travellers use both phrases. âDubai visaâ reflects the destination people search for; âUAE visaâ describes the country-level entry permission.
- Tourism and short visits only
- Delivered electronically when approved
- Not permission to work or reside
Do You Need a Dubai Visa?
Whether you are travelling for a holiday, family visit, cruise, business meeting or short stopover, your visa requirements depend on your passport nationality and travel circumstances. Use the four connected factors below together rather than relying on residence alone.
Passport nationality
The passport presented to the airline and UAE immigration is the main starting point.
Country of residence
A BRP, Green Card, PR card, EU permit, GCC ID or other residence document may affect a conditional route.
Existing visas
Some valid visas or residence permits from qualifying countries can affect entry-on-arrival eligibility for selected nationalities.
Purpose of travel
Tourism, transit, employment, study and residence are different legal categories and must not be mixed.
Why Visit Dubai?
Dubai combines globally recognised landmarks with year-round leisure and major commercial activity. Visitors can view the city from the Burj Khalifa, explore Dubai Mall, see Palm Jumeirah, join a desert safari, relax on public and resort beaches, or stay in luxury hotels with convenient access to the city. Families can plan waterparks, theme parks, aquariums, museums and indoor attractions, while business travellers attend exhibitions, conferences and international events. Seasonal shopping festivals, traditional souks and modern retail districts add more reasons to visit. Short-stay travellers can build an itinerary around one or two areas, while longer stays allow time to explore beyond Dubai. An approved UAE tourist visa generally allows eligible travellers to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, subject to the conditions of the issued visa.
One trip, many experiences
Dubai Visa Types
This pillar explains the categories briefly. Use the linked specialist page for detailed conditions or to start the correct application.
Tourist Visa
For holidays, sightseeing and ordinary leisure travel. Common options include 14-day, 30-day and 60-day stays with single or multiple entry.
Read the tourist visa guideVisit Visa
Visit visas can cover eligible family, friend or other short-visit purposes. Sponsorship and supporting evidence vary, so the correct purpose must be confirmed before submission.
Ask about visit eligibilityTransit Visa
Designed for short stopovers. The 48-hour and 96-hour routes have separate validity, airline and itinerary requirements.
Read transit visa guideMultiple-Entry Visa
Useful when a traveller must leave and re-enter the UAE during the approved period. Entry validity and permitted stay still apply on every trip.
View multiple-entry optionLonger-Stay Tourist Visa
A 60-day tourist visa gives eligible visitors more time for a longer holiday or family trip. It remains a temporary visitor route and does not permit employment.
View 60-day tourist visaNot sure which one?
Use the passport you will travel with, then match your stay duration and number of entries. Our team can review the documents before submission.
Check my eligibilityUAE Long-Term and Special Visa Categories
These categories are different from the short-stay tourist service offered on this page. They follow separate government eligibility, sponsorship and application procedures.
Residence Visa
Allows eligible individuals to live in the UAE through employment, family sponsorship, property ownership, retirement or other approved grounds.
Employment or Work Visa
Used when a foreign professional has qualifying UAE employment. The employer normally manages the work permit and residence process.
Golden Visa
A long-term residence program for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, researchers, exceptional talents and other eligible categories.
Green Visa
A renewable long-term residence route for qualifying skilled workers, freelancers, self-employed professionals and investors under current government criteria.
Student Visa
For eligible international students enrolled at approved UAE educational institutions. Institution and residence procedures apply.
Retirement Visa
Available through separate residence procedures for eligible retirees who meet applicable age, financial, property or service criteria.
Dubai Tourist Visa Options
Choose by permitted stay and the number of entries needed. Final availability depends on nationality, travel profile and current UAE immigration assessment.
14-Day Single Entry
$122 USDFor a brief holiday, event or short family visit.
Check Eligibility30-Day Single Entry
$125 USDFor a standard holiday, family visit or one UAE trip.
Apply for 30 Days60-Day Single Entry
$220 USDFor a longer holiday or extended family visit.
Apply for 60 Days30-Day Multiple Entry
$259 USDFor eligible travellers who need more than one UAE entry.
Apply Multiple Entry60-Day Multiple Entry
$359 USDFor a longer travel window with repeat UAE entry.
Check AvailabilityExpert Document Review
Tell us your passport, residence country, travel dates and required stay. We will help identify the relevant tourist route.
Chat on WhatsAppDubai Visa Requirements
The exact checklist can vary by passport and travel profile. These are the standard starting documents for an eligible tourist application.
Passport
Clear, uncropped bio page from an ordinary passport with at least six monthsâ validity.
Photograph
Recent colour passport-style image with a white or light plain background.
Residence proof
Valid BRP, eVisa proof, Green Card, PR card, EU permit, GCC ID or other status document when relevant.
Supporting documents
Flight, accommodation, passport cover, national ID, bank statement or family documents may be requested.
Who Cannot Apply Through This Online Tourist Visa Service?
This page supports eligible ordinary-passport holders seeking short-stay UAE tourist or transit assistance. It is not the correct route for every passport or immigration purpose.
Restricted passports
DubaiVisa.com currently cannot accept Bangladesh or Afghanistan passport applications. Other restrictions may apply after eligibility review.
Diplomatic or special passports
Diplomatic, official, service, emergency or other non-ordinary passports can follow separate authority and airline rules.
Employment or residence
Work permits, employment visas and UAE residence visas require separate sponsor or government procedures and are not sold here.
Long-term immigration
Golden, Green, student, retirement and other long-term routes must be handled through their applicable official process.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa Online
Complete the online application using the same passport you will present when travelling.
Choose visa
Select the duration and single- or multiple-entry option.
Complete form
Enter personal and travel details exactly as shown in the passport.
Upload files
Add the passport, photograph and supporting documents requested.
Pay securely
Review the applicant, selected visa and final price before payment.
Receive eVisa
When approved, check the electronic visa delivered by email before departure.
Ready to Start Your Dubai Visa?
Select your nationality first. If your documents need attention, request a review before submission to reduce preventable delays.
Dubai Visa Processing Time
Standard assisted processing is commonly estimated at 24â72 working hours after complete, acceptable documents are received. Express or urgent handling may be available for eligible nationalities and visa categories.
Weekends, UAE public holidays, peak travel periods, immigration checks and additional-document requests can extend the timeline. Do not purchase non-refundable travel arrangements solely on an estimate.
Read the full processing-time guideWhat helps avoid delays?
- Full passport edges visible
- Names and dates match exactly
- Photograph is sharp and recent
- Residence document is valid
- Extra documents supplied promptly
No processing time or approval is guaranteed.
Dubai Visa Fees
The amount depends on stay duration, number of entries, nationality, supporting checks and the processing option selected.
| Visa | Entry | Displayed price | Best for | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-Hour Transit | Transit | $100 USD | Very short stopover | Check eligibility |
| 96-Hour Transit | Transit | $110 USD | Longer stopover | View visa |
| 14-Day Tourist | Single | $122 USD | Short holiday | Check eligibility |
| 30-Day Tourist | Single | $125 USD | Standard trip | View visa |
| 60-Day Tourist | Single | $220 USD | Longer visit | View visa |
| 30-Day Multiple | Multiple | $259 USD | Repeat entry | Check availability |
| 60-Day Multiple | Multiple | $359 USD | Longer repeat travel | Check availability |
Dubai Visa Validity and Stay Duration
Entry validity is the period during which the issued visa can be used to enter the UAE. Stay duration is the permitted time in the UAE after entry. They are not the same.
A single-entry visa normally ends after one eligible entry and exit. A multiple-entry visa permits repeat entry only within its approved validity and conditions. Always use the dates shown on the final issued visa.
Entry validity
The window in which you must enter after the visa is issued.
Stay duration
The approved number of days counted according to the issued visa conditions.
Dubai Visa Extension
Some UAE tourist visas may be extendable under the rules applicable at the time. Do not assume every visa can be extended. Check the option before the permitted stay expires and avoid overstay penalties.
Read extension and overstay guideDubai Visa on Arrival
Citizens of eligible countries can receive UAE entry permission on arrival for an approved stay. Selected other nationalities may qualify through a conditional route when they hold specified foreign visas or residence permits.
Check the updated conditional routeUAE Visa Change Options: A2A and B2B
Airport-to-airport and border-to-border visa changes may help eligible visitors leave the UAE before their current permitted stay expires and return after receiving valid new entry permission. These routes are not automatic extensions. Availability depends on passport nationality, current visa status, immigration history, transport rules and the entry requirements of the transit or border destination.
A2A Visa Change: Airport to Airport
An A2A visa change requires the traveller to exit the UAE by air before overstaying. Depending on the arranged route, the traveller flies to an eligible nearby destination or follows an approved transit itinerary while the new UAE entry permission is processed.
- Valid passport and current UAE status
- Confirmed flight or transit arrangement
- Eligibility for the destination or transit point
- New UAE entry permission before return travel
B2B Visa Change: Border to Border
A B2B visa change involves leaving the UAE through an authorised land borderâcommonly on an arranged Oman routeâand returning only when the traveller meets the applicable border and UAE re-entry conditions.
- Passport and nationality eligibility
- Valid exit and transport arrangements
- Oman or other border-entry requirements
- Approved UAE visa or permitted re-entry route
| Option | Exit method | Usually considered when | Important checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2A | By air | A flight-based visa-change route is available | Airline, transit destination, nationality and new UAE visa status |
| B2B | By authorised land border | An eligible road and border route is operating | Border rules, transport, nationality, Oman eligibility and UAE re-entry |
Dubai Visa Information Guides
Use these specialist pages when you need more detail. The main pillar stays broad while each guide answers one focused search intent.
Dubai Visa by Nationality
Choose the passport you will present to the airline and UAE immigration. These guides explain the route for major traveller groups without duplicating it on this broad pillar.
Dubai Visa for Residents
Living in another country may provide useful residence evidence or conditional eligibility, but your passport remains central. Use the hub matching your current legal residence.
Dubai Visa from Europe
European citizenship and European residence are not the same. Start with the regional guide, then open the country page matching where you legally live.
UAE Visa for GCC Residents
GCC citizenship and expatriate residence follow different entry rules. Use the GCC pillar first, then select the country that issued your current residence document.
Special Residence and Eligibility Guides
These pages answer narrower questions about a foreign residence document without competing with the broad Dubai visa pillar.
UK BRP and eVisa Holders
Check how passport nationality, BRP history and current UK eVisa proof affect the UAE route.
Open UK BRP hubUS Green Card Holders
Permanent residence supports US status, but Dubai entry still depends on the passport used.
Open Green Card hubAustralian PR Holders
Use the dedicated route for Australian permanent residents travelling with a non-Australian passport.
Open Australian PR guideCanadian PR Holders
Check the resident guideâs dedicated PR section for foreign-passport permanent residents.
Open Canadian PR sectionCommon Reasons for Dubai Visa Refusal or Delay
UAE immigration authorities make the final decision. A refusal reason is not always disclosed, but incomplete or inconsistent applications can create avoidable risk.
Ask about refusal assistance- Blurred, cropped or damaged passport scan
- Passport validity below the route requirement
- Name, date or passport-number mismatch
- Expired or unsuitable residence evidence
- Missing family, travel or supporting documents
- Previous overstay or unresolved immigration record
- Applying under the wrong nationality or visa category
Travel Tips Before Visiting Dubai
Check the eVisa
Confirm your name, passport number, validity and entry conditions immediately after receipt.
Carry travel proof
Keep return or onward travel, accommodation details and travel insurance accessible.
Save two copies
Keep the visa and passport copy on your phone and carry a printed copy as backup.
Respect the purpose
A tourist visa does not permit employment. Use the correct official route for work or residence.
Why Choose DubaiVisa.com?
Use a clear, supported application route with document checks before submission and practical help when your travel profile needs closer review.
Supporting travellers since 2006
Long-standing UAE travel-service experience backed by Al Hadaf Travel & Tourism LLC.
Millions of journeys
DubaiVisa.com has helped power more than 11 million journeys through its wider travel-service experience.
Live visa support
Speak with a visa expert when eligibility, family documents or travel history needs clarification.
Secure online payment
Review the applicant, visa route and final checkout amount before using an available secure payment method.
Document review
Passport, photograph and supporting files are checked for visible issues before immigration submission.
Faster processing options
Express and urgent handling may be available for eligible passports and visa categories, subject to current availability.
Dubai Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the broad questions covered by this main pillar.
What is a Dubai visa?
It is the common term for UAE entry permission used by eligible travellers visiting Dubai. A tourist visa can generally support travel across the Emirates, subject to its issued conditions.
Is a Dubai visa the same as a UAE visa?
For ordinary tourist searches, people often use the terms interchangeably. The legal entry permission is for the United Arab Emirates, not only the city of Dubai.
Do I need a Dubai visa before travelling?
It depends on your passport nationality, residence or qualifying visa, travel purpose and intended stay. Some travellers receive entry permission on arrival; others must apply in advance.
Can I apply for a Dubai visa online?
Yes, eligible tourist and transit applicants can complete the assisted process online, upload documents, pay securely and receive the result electronically.
How much does a Dubai visa cost?
Displayed assisted-service prices currently range from $100 for a 48-hour transit route to $359 for a 60-day multiple-entry option. Check the complete pricing page before payment.
How long does a Dubai visa take?
Standard assisted processing is commonly estimated at 24â72 working hours after complete documents are accepted. Express handling may be available, but no timeline or approval is guaranteed.
What documents are required?
Most applicants begin with a valid ordinary passport, recent photograph and travel details. Residence proof, flight, accommodation, national ID, passport cover or financial documents may be requested.
How long must my passport be valid?
An ordinary passport with at least six monthsâ remaining validity is the standard starting requirement for the tourist routes described here. Airline or immigration rules may require more in a specific case.
Can I enter Abu Dhabi with a Dubai visa?
A standard UAE tourist visa is not a Dubai-only document. Travellers may generally enter or travel through Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates, subject to the visa and immigration conditions.
Can I use any airline after approval?
Many standard UAE tourist visas are not tied to one airline, but transit visas and certain sponsored routes can have specific conditions. Check the final document and airline rules before departure.
Can I extend a Dubai tourist visa?
Some routes may be extendable under the rules in force. Do not assume extension is automatic; review the extension section before your permitted stay expires.
What is an A2A visa change in the UAE?
A2A means airport to airport. An eligible visitor exits the UAE by air before overstaying and follows the confirmed flight or transit route. Return travel is permitted only after the required new UAE entry permission and airline conditions are satisfied.
What is a B2B visa change?
B2B means border to border. The traveller leaves through an authorised land border, commonly using an arranged Oman route, and may return only when all border, nationality, transport and UAE re-entry conditions are met.
Is A2A or B2B better for changing a UAE visa?
Neither option is universally better. The suitable route depends on nationality, passport validity, current UAE status, immigration history, available flights or border transport, and the rules operating on the travel date. Request an eligibility check before booking.
Can I work in Dubai with a tourist visa?
No. A tourist or visit visa does not authorize employment. Work requires the appropriate employer-sponsored permit and residence process.
Does a residence permit guarantee visa-free UAE entry?
No. A BRP, Green Card, PR card, EU permit or GCC ID does not by itself guarantee entry. It can affect a conditional route for some nationalities, but the exact criteria must be met.
Can children apply for a Dubai visa?
Yes, eligible children can apply, but each child requires their own passport and visa where advance approval is required. Birth certificates or parental documents may be requested.
Is travel insurance required?
Insurance requirements depend on the route and current rules. Even where not requested during initial submission, comprehensive travel medical insurance is strongly recommended.
What happens if the application is refused?
Approval is solely at UAE immigration discretion. The team can review visible document or data issues and discuss whether a corrected new application or other assistance is appropriate, but approval cannot be guaranteed.
Can I track my application online?
Yes. Use the DubaiVisa.com tracking page with the relevant application details.
Should I book non-refundable flights before approval?
Avoid relying on an estimated processing time. Where possible, use flexible or refundable arrangements until the visa is approved and checked.
Start Your UAE Tourist Visa Application
Choose your passport nationality, compare the tourist visa options and submit clear documents. For family, group or complicated travel history, ask for an eligibility review before paying.
