Introduction to Dubai Visa Types

Dubai's reputation for luxury might scare off travellers, but don't let the glitz and glam fool you! With smart planning, you can experience the wonders of this dazzling city without emptying your wallet.

From securing the right visa to the application and documentation process, this guide is what you are looking for. Read on to know more.

Types of Dubai Visas for Indian Nationals

14-day Tourist Visa

If you are looking for a quick getaway to Dubai, the 14-day Dubai tourist visa is ideal. This short-term visa allows you to stay in Dubai for up to two weeks to explore the city at your leisure. You will have enough time to see many of the top Dubai attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and Miracle Garden. The 14-day visa is very affordable, and processing time is usually within 3 to 5 business days.

30-day Tourist Visa

For those wanting a longer Dubai holiday, the 30-day Dubai tourist visa gives you an entire month to experience all the Emirates has to offer. This is a great option if you want to combine sightseeing with relaxation time at the beach or one of Dubai’s lavish resorts. You will be able to take things at a slower pace and not feel rushed to fit everything into a shorter trip. The 30-day visa does cost slightly more than the 14-day option but is still reasonably priced. Processing time is typically 5 to 7 business days.

90-day Tourist Visa

The 90-day Dubai tourist visa provides the most flexibility for an extended Dubai getaway. Spend three full months soaking in the sun, shopping at Dubai’s massive malls, dining at world-class restaurants, and enjoying various entertainment options. This long-term visa is ideal if you want to use Dubai as a hub and also to visit other Emirates like Abu Dhabi or if you need to travel for business. The 90-day visa does come at a higher cost due to its longer validity but it can save you money in the long run. Processing time is usually 7 to 10 business days.

Dubai Student Visa

Dubai is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for students worldwide, offering world-class universities and cutting-edge facilities. Whether you are interested in Engineering, Technology, Business, Science, Aviation, Architecture, or even specialized fields like Agriculture and Interior Design, Dubai's dynamic institutions provide high-quality education for both local and international students.

Dubai Visit Visa

If you are fortunate enough to have family or friends living in Dubai, you could qualify for a Dubai visit visa to stay with them. Your host, whether a UAE resident or citizen, will need to sponsor the Dubai places to visit with family by providing required documents like copies of their passport, residence visa, and an invitation letter. Dubai visit visas can be issued for up to 90 days. Fees and processing times will depend on your specific situation. This is a convenient option if you want to spend quality time with loved ones who call Dubai home.

Documents Required for Dubai Visa Application

To obtain a Dubai visa, you will need to provide several key documents. Don’t worry, the list isn’t too long, and the requirements are pretty standard.

Passport - First, you will need a scanned copy of the first and last pages of your valid passport. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining for tourist visas and a full blank page for the visa stamp.

Photographs - You will also need to provide one or two recent passport-sized photos of yourself. The photos should be in colour and have a plain white background. About 80% of your face should be visible in the photo.

Proof of Funds - To show you have sufficient funds for your trip, provide a copy of a recent bank statement. The statement should show available funds of at least $100 per day of your trip. For Dubai visa application process, statements for each family member are needed.

Travel Itinerary - A copy of your round-trip flight itinerary or e-ticket confirmation is required. For Dubai transit visas, your onward travel details within 96 hours of arriving in Dubai are needed.

PAN Card - Indian nationals will need to provide a scanned copy of their PAN card for identification purposes.

Once you have all the necessary documents ready, you can apply for your Dubai visa. You have a few options:

• Apply directly through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website.
• Apply through an approved third-party agency like a travel agent, tour operator, or airline.
• For visa on arrival, you can apply once you arrive in Dubai if you have a green card from the US or UK/EU residence visa.

Processing times range from 48 to 96 hours, depending on the type of visa. The fees as of 2024 are:

• Dubai Transit visa: Rs 4,599
• Tourist visa (14 days): Rs 6,399
• Tourist visa (30 days): Rs 6,699
• 90-day visa for Emirates ticket holders: Rs 20,500
• 90-day visa for other airlines: Rs 23,000

Please verify to see the updated visa fees before choosing an option. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and payment ready to go, then start the Dubai visa application process! Let the countdown begin.

Additional Documents for Visit Visas

To obtain a Dubai visit visa, you will need to provide a few extra documents depending on your specific situation. For example, if you are visiting family or friends who are residents of Dubai, they will need to submit some paperwork on your behalf.

Sponsor's Passport and Visa

Your sponsor, whether a family member, friend, or hotel, will need to provide scanned copies of their passport and Dubai resident permit or work visa. These documents prove that you have legitimate ties to Dubai that warrant a visit.

Sponsor's Proof of Residence

A valid tenancy contract, utility bill, or bank statement showing your sponsor’s address can serve as proof of their residence in Dubai. This further establishes their status as a resident and their ability to invite you to visit.

Sponsor's Financial Documents

Your sponsor may need to provide bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months to demonstrate that they have the means to support you during your trip. While not always required, submitting these statements helps ensure your application will be approved, especially if applying for a long-term visit visa.

Letter of Invitation

A handwritten letter of invitation from your sponsor describing your relationship and the purpose of your visit should accompany the other documents. The letter should specify where you will stay during your trip and that your sponsor will be responsible for your travel and accommodation costs.

Additional Documents for Airport Entry

Even after obtaining your Dubai visit visa, you will need a few more documents to present when entering Dubai:

• A return flight ticket or proof of onward travel to another country within 90 days.
• Travel insurance coverage for emergency medical expenses of at least $100,000 and emergency evacuation/repatriation of at least $50,000. Consider for a comprehensive international travel insurance policy like Royal Sundaram.
• A photocopy of your passport and Dubai visit visa.
• Proof of accommodation for your entire stay such as hotel bookings or a letter from your host.
• Sufficient funds to cover expenses of at least $100 to $300 per day. Carry cash, credit cards, or bank statements as evidence.

With the right documentation and preparation, obtaining a Dubai visit visa and passing through immigration at the airport can be a smooth process. Make sure you have everything in order well before your trip to avoid complications. Your Dubai adventure awaits!

How to apply for a Dubai visa:

Fill up the Visa Application Form

The first step to obtaining a Dubai tourist visa is filling up the visa application form. This typically asks for details like your name, date of birth, nationality, passport info, the type of visa you need, and airline and flight details. Make sure all fields are properly filled out and double-check that the information provided is accurate. Once done, save the form.

Upload Required Documents

Next, you will need to upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, like the first and last page of your passport, a recent passport photo, and other paperwork depending on the purpose of your trip. For Dubai family visa, the resident will need to provide documents proving their residence and employment status. Have all documents ready to upload with your application.

Pay the Required Fees

With your form submitted and documents uploaded, you can proceed to pay the required visa fees, either through net banking, credit card, or debit card. Visa fees may change, so check the current amount before paying. Once payment is made, your visa will be processed within 7 to 10 business days.

Receive Your Visa

If your application is approved, your actual visa will be stamped in your passport upon arrival at the Dubai airport. For added convenience, Dubai also offers an e-visa option where you receive an electronic visa to print at home prior to travel. Just be sure to print two copies—one for entry into Dubai and one for your return trip.

Planning Your Trip

With a visa in hand, you are ready to start planning your Dubai adventure! There are so many exciting things to experience, like shopping at one of the world’s largest malls, seeing the view from the Burj Khalifa observation deck, strolling through the Palm Jumeirah, or going on an overnight desert safari.

Dubai offers a memorable getaway with its blend of culture, modern marvels, and natural beauty. By following the necessary steps to obtain a proper visa, you can gain access to all the excitement Dubai has in store for you and your loved ones.

While you are busy planning your Dubai itinerary, don't forget to safeguard your trip with Royal Sundaram International Travel Insurance. Consider travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations, you will have valuable coverage to address any surprises that may arise. This allows you to fully enjoy your Dubai adventure without worry.