Transit Visas

A transit Visa applies to businessmen and tourists. It requires the sponsorship of companies or hotels licensed to operate within the UAE. This visa is valid for use within one month from the date of issue.

The duration of stay is 14 days from date of entry, exclusive of arrival and departure days. It is non-renewable.

In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and flight details, and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport which should be valid for at least three months. There is a fee of Dhs 220 for obtaining a Transit Visa. Hotels in Dubai charge approximately Dhs 270 - 300 (US$ 75 - 85) per visa in order to cover the services for obtaining a visa for their guest.

The Transit Visa holder may enter and depart the U.A.E through any airport.

Visit Visas

The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in Dubai, those coming for family visits as well as those on long term business visits.

It requires the sponsorship of any U.A.E. resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the U.A.E.

This visa is valid for entry within two months from its date of issue.

The duration of stay is 30 days from the date of entry, and may be renewed twice, each time for 30 days, up to a total of 100 days including a grace period of 10 days. A fee of Dhs 500 is charged for each renewal. A visit visa further entitles its holder to change his status to that of residence or employment provided certain conditions are met.

In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and arrival details and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport which should be valid for at least three months. There is a fee of Dhs 100 for obtaining a visit visa. Hotels in Dubai rarely sponsor their guests on Visit Visas and if they do, they charge approximately Dhs 270 - 400 (US$ 75 - 110) per visa in order to cover the services for obtaining a visa.

The Visit Visa holder may enter and leave the country through any port of entry in the U.A.E.

A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a “Tourist” Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from: East and West Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong citizens, South Africa, Singapore and China. The “Tourist” Visa entitles its holder to a 30 day stay. It is non-renewable and has no grace period. The “Tourist” Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries. The fee is Dhs 100. Hotels in Dubai charge approximately Dhs 270 - 300 (US$ 75 - 85) per visa in order to cover related administrative and other costs. The “Tourist” Visa will be issued by the Central Administration in future.

Transfer visa

This is a special type of visa which applies to passengers passing through UAE airports. The passenger can obtain a visa for upto 96 hours by leaving his/her passport with the immigration authorities. The visa is only valid if the passenger is travelling onwards from Dubai to another destination and not returning to the country of original departure. There is no fee for this type of visa which can be sponsored by any airline operating in the UAE.

Multiple-Entry Visas

Multiple-entry visas are availed to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local establishments, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is Dh 1,000. The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while in the country. The visa would be stamped on the passport.