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Your Complete Guide to Dubai Visit Visas
A visit visa to Dubai is a temporary entry permit issued for tourism, family visits, business exploration, medical treatment, or transit. Depending on the category, visitors may stay for 30, 60, or 90 days on a single-entry or multiple-entry basis.
This article explains who needs a visit visa, which types are available, what each one costs, what documents are required, how to apply, how to extend a visa, and what happens if you overstay. All fees and procedures are verified against official GDRFA and ICP sources.
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Who Needs a Visit Visa to Enter Dubai
Not all travellers require a pre-arranged visit visa. Entry rules depend entirely on nationality.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman — enter the UAE freely without a visa. Passport holders from over 70 countries receive a visa on arrival at no charge. EU and EEA nationals receive a multiple-entry visa on arrival valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. Passport holders from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and China receive a 30-day visa on arrival, extendable for an additional 30 days.
Eligible Indian nationals holding a valid US visa, UK residence permit, EU residence permit, or residence permits from Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore may obtain a 14-day visa on arrival for a fee of AED 100, extendable once for an additional 14 days for AED 250.
All other nationalities must obtain a pre-arranged visit visa before travelling to the UAE. The visa must be sponsored by a UAE-based entity such as a licensed tourism establishment, airline, hotel, UAE resident, or authorised service centre. Applications are submitted through The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) for Dubai-issued visas or through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services portal for other emirates.
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Types of Visit Visas Available in Dubai
The UAE visit visa system offers several categories based on purpose and duration. The GDRFA lists the following main types for Dubai.
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
This visa is issued for tourism purposes for 30 or 60 days. The sponsor must be a licensed tourism establishment in the UAE. It can be extended before expiry through the GDRFA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
A multiple-entry tourist visa allows repeated entries during its validity. The visa is available for 30- or 60-day stay periods per visit. It is also issued through licensed tourism establishments.
5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
This long-term visa allows unlimited entries over five years. Each visit permits a stay of up to 90 days, extendable for a total of up to 180 days per calendar year. The applicant does not need a local sponsor. According to ICP, applicants must demonstrate a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 for the six months preceding the application.
Visit Visa for Relatives and Friends
UAE residents may sponsor family members or friends for a visit. The visit visa is available for 30, 60, or 90 days on a single-entry basis. Sponsorship salary requirements depend on the relationship to the visitor. According to ICP, first-degree relatives require a sponsor with a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000, second- or third-degree relatives require AED 8,000, and friends require AED 15,000.
Business Opportunity Exploration Visa
This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the UAE to explore investment or business opportunities. It does not require a local sponsor, but the applicant must demonstrate financial capability or an existing business establishment outside the UAE.
Jobseeker Visit Visa
Issued for 60, 90, or 120 days as a single-entry visa. Applicants must be classified as skilled professionals by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or hold a degree from one of the top 500 globally recognised universities.
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Documents Required for a Dubai Visit Visa
The documentation requirements depend on the visa type. The standard requirements for all categories, as listed by the GDRFA, include:
- A valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- A confirmed return or onward travel ticket
- Valid medical insurance covering the UAE
For passport holders from Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, or Afghanistan, a national identity card from the country of origin is also required.
Additional documents apply to specific visa types:
- Family visit visas require proof of relationship (attested marriage or birth certificate), a copy of the sponsor's passport and Emirates ID, an attested tenancy contract, a recent utility bill, and a salary certificate or attested labour contract.
- 5-year multiple-entry tourist visas require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 4,000 for the preceding six months.
- Business exploration visas require proof of investment capacity or evidence of an existing business establishment.
- Jobseeker visas require attested academic qualifications and evidence of professional classification.
All documents must be clear, current, and legible. Incomplete submissions are the most common reason for delays or rejection.
How to Apply for a Visit Visa to Dubai
Dubai visit visa applications can be submitted through several authorised channels. The GDRFA processes all Dubai-based applications.
Step 1 — Determine the Correct Visa Category
Select the visa type based on the purpose and planned duration of stay. Verify eligibility requirements for the chosen category before preparing documents. For an overview of all long-term residency pathways available alongside a visit visa, see the Complete Guide to UAE Residency Visas.
Step 2 — Gather All Required Documents
Prepare the full set of documents as listed above. Ensure the passport has at least six months of remaining validity and that medical insurance is valid in the UAE.
Step 3 — Submit the Application
Applications may be submitted through the following channels:
- GDRFA Smart Services — available online 24/7 through the GDRFA website or mobile application. Applicants log in using UAE Pass or create an account, complete the application form, upload documents, and pay fees.
- Amer Centres — authorised government transaction centres that process visa applications on behalf of the GDRFA. EGSH, an authorised Amer Centre, manages the full visit visa application process from eligibility review through to visa issuance.
- Airlines — Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia offer visa processing for passengers with confirmed bookings.
- Hotels and travel agencies — licensed tourism establishments in Dubai may sponsor and process tourist visas.
- ICP Smart Services — for applications processed outside Dubai (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates), the ICP portal is the primary channel.
Step 4 — Pay the Fees
Government fees are paid electronically through the chosen platform by credit or debit card.
Step 5 — Receive the E-Visa
The GDRFA states that the expected processing time is 48 hours. Once approved, the electronic visa is sent to the applicant's email address. Travellers should carry a printed copy of the e-visa when entering the UAE.
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How to Extend a Visit Visa in Dubai
Visit visa holders who wish to stay longer may apply for an extension before the visa expires. Extensions are processed through the GDRFA or through an authorised Amer Centre. EGSH handles visit visa extensions as part of its full range of residency services.
Extension rules vary by visa type:
- 30-day tourist visas (single entry) may be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- 60-day tourist visas may be extended subject to GDRFA approval.
- 90-day long-term tourist visas are not extendable.
- Visit visas for relatives and friends may be extended, with total stay not exceeding 180 days in a calendar year, subject to GDRFA approval.
The extension must be submitted before the visa expires. There is no grace period for pre-arranged visit visas. Overstay fines begin accruing from the first day after expiry. The extension fee is paid at the time of application, and the updated e-visa is typically issued within 48 hours of approval.
Important Regulations Before Applying
Visitors should be aware of several important regulations before submitting an application.
Employment on a visit visa is prohibited. Working in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa may result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Passport validity. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Medical insurance. Valid health insurance covering the UAE is required for all visit visa categories.
Visa status change. Certain visit visa holders may change their status to a residence or employment visa without leaving the UAE. This process is regulated by the GDRFA and requires separate approval and eligibility confirmation for the new visa category. EGSH processes visa status change applications through its authorised Amer Centre. For a detailed overview of this process, see the guide on converting a tourist visa to a residence visa.
Entry validity. All visit visas are valid for entry into the UAE for 60 days from the date of issue. The authorised stay duration (30, 60, or 90 days) begins from the date of entry, not the date of issue.
Medical fitness requirements. Applicants converting a visit visa to a residence visa must complete a medical fitness examination at an accredited Smart Salem centre. Smart Salem centres provide same-day electronic results recognised by the relevant UAE authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 30-day tourist visa to Dubai cost?
The government fee for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is AED 200, plus 5% VAT. Additional service centre charges may apply. If the applicant is already inside the UAE, an additional AED 500 is charged along with AED 10 for the Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 for the Innovation Dirham, as confirmed by the GDRFA.
Can I extend my Dubai visit visa without leaving the country?
Yes. Visit visa extensions can be processed through the GDRFA or through an authorised Amer Centre before the visa expires. The extension is issued electronically within 48 hours of approval.
What is the overstay fine for visit visas in Dubai?
The overstay fine is AED 50 per day, standardised across all visa types by ICP. Fines accrue from the first day after expiry for tourist and visit visas.
Do I need a sponsor for a tourist visa to Dubai?
For standard tourist visas, a UAE-based tourism establishment, airline, or hotel must act as sponsor. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa does not require a local sponsor, but applicants must demonstrate a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 for the preceding six months, as required by ICP.
What documents do I need for a family visit visa in Dubai?
Applicants need a valid passport, a passport photograph, attested proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate), the sponsor's passport and Emirates ID copies, an attested tenancy contract, a recent utility bill, a salary certificate, and valid medical insurance.
How long does it take to process a Dubai visit visa?
The GDRFA states that the expected processing time is 48 hours from submission for standard applications through digital channels.
Can I change my visit visa to a residence visa in Dubai?
Yes. Certain visit visa holders may apply for a visa status change without leaving the UAE, subject to GDRFA approval and separate eligibility requirements for the new visa category.
What happens if my visit visa application is rejected?
Government visa fees are generally non-refundable once the application has been processed. Some service providers may deduct a processing fee before issuing partial refunds for unprocessed applications. Applicants should ensure all documents are complete and correct before submission to minimise the risk of rejection.
Is medical insurance mandatory for a Dubai visit visa?
Yes. Medical insurance valid in the UAE is a mandatory requirement for all visit visa categories, as stated in the GDRFA terms and conditions.
What is the minimum salary requirement to sponsor a relative on a visit visa?
ICP requires a minimum monthly income of AED 4,000 for sponsors of first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives, and AED 15,000 for friends.
Official Sources and References
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — Federal authority responsible for regulating identity, citizenship, and all entry and residence matters for foreign nationals in the UAE.
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) — Dubai authority responsible for issuing, extending, and managing visit visas, residence permits, and entry permits in the Emirate of Dubai.
- UAE Government Portal (u.ae) — Official UAE Government platform providing consolidated information on visa types, fees, and immigration services.
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — Federal ministry responsible for regulating labour standards and skilled worker classifications relevant to jobseeker visas.
Important Notice
The information in this article is current as of April 2026 and is based on official sources published by ICP, the GDRFA, and the UAE Government Portal. Visa fees, requirements, and processing rules are subject to change at the discretion of UAE government authorities. Final approval of all visa applications rests with the relevant government authority. Applicants are advised to verify the latest requirements directly with ICP or the GDRFA before submitting an application.
