A Guide on Dubai’s Immigration Requirements and Procedures
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited countries in the world. Dubai’s busy airport and well-developed public transport system help make it an attractive destination for tourists. Dubai has a large population of expats, mostly from Europe and North America. It has been reported that there are over 100,000 expats living in Dubai alone! However, if you plan to visit Dubai, you can still be denied entry because of your nationality or immigration status. Before you go on your next vacation or visit Dubai, read up on what you should know about the entry procedures for visitors to this country.
What are the requirements for visitors to enter Dubai?
Visitors must obtain a visa before entering the UAE. The visa may be single or multiple entry with a validity period ranging from 3 months to 10 years depending on your nationality. Some nationalities require visas for multiple entries within 6 months as opposed to 3 months. The duration of stay may vary depending on where you are staying in Dubai
Requirements for Visiting Dubai
You must have a visa to visit Dubai.
If you plan to stay for more than one month, or if you plan to leave the UAE and re-enter, you’ll need a residence permit as well.
If you are staying in Dubai for less than 1 month, you will not require a residence permit.
All visas, residence permits, and approvals for multiple entries should be obtained through the Ministry of Interior before your arrival in Dubai
Dubai Visa Types
There are several types of visas for visitors to Dubai. All of these visas come with different requirements, so it is important to decide what type of visa you need before applying.
A Tourist Visa is typically the most common type of visa and allows multiple entries into the UAE within a 6-month period as long as the visa is valid for 3 months. A tourist visa does not allow for any work or study in Dubai.
A Business Visa allows visitors to engage in business activities in Dubai and also allows them to stay longer than a tourist visa (up to 10 years). Additionally, it may only be issued by an authorized agent in your country and will require an additional fee.
A Family Visa allows visitors with family members living in Dubai or a spouse who already has a residence permit and family members living abroad to enter the UAE without having to apply for a new visa and stay up to 3 months.
An Emergency Visa allows visitors at risk or those who have been victims of crime or human trafficking to enter the UAE without having to apply for a new visa and stay up to 30 days. It is not extendable once this 30-day period has elapsed. This type of visa cannot be acquired from an agent outside Dubai.
Multiple Entry Visa
If you are planning to stay longer than 3 months, you will need a multiple entry visa. This type of visa allows for the holder to come in and out of Dubai many times before their visa expires. The duration of stay on a multiple entry visa is up to three years, but there are also some nationalities that require a 6-month single visit visa.
Single Entry Visa
A single entry visa is valid for 30 days. If you’re staying for longer than 3 months, you must apply for a multiple entry visa.
Single Entry Visa Exemptions
The following nationalities are exempt from the need for a visa in order to enter the UAE:
-Those who have visited at least once within the last 6 months.
-Those having a valid residence permit of Germany, France, Spain, Belgium and Italy
-Holders of diplomatic passports
-Holders of an official visit or transit visa for Jordan
-Holders of a diplomatic or service pass issued by an Arab League country
-Members of the family of someone holding one of these visas
-Students on a study visa if they are staying with their sponsor or if they are studying in Dubai.
Single or Multiple entry visa requirements by nationality
– Canadians: 3 months single entry
– Americans: 3 months single entry
– British: 3 months single entry
– Emiratis: 6 months multiple entries
– Australians: 6 months multiple entries
– Indians: 6 months multiple entries
– South Africans: 3 month single entry or 6 months multiple entries
– French: 3 month single entry or 6 month multiple entries
– Italians: 3 month single entry or 6 month multiple entries
– Japanese: 10 years consecutive visa period
Visas for citizens of some countries that require a multiple entry visa
If you are holding a multiple entry visa for citizens of some countries, you will have to apply for an additional visa when you arrive in the UAE. You may have to pay a fee or complete an online application before applying for this additional visa.
A Guide on Dubai’s Immigration Requirements and Procedures
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited countries in the world. Dubai’s busy airport and well-developed public transport system help make it an attractive destination for tourists. Dubai has a large population of expats, mostly from Europe and North America. It has been reported that there are over 100,000 expats living in Dubai alone! However, if you plan to visit Dubai, you can still be denied entry because of your nationality or immigration status. Before you go on your next vacation or visit Dubai, read up on what you should know about the entry procedures for visitors to this country.
What are the requirements for visitors to enter Dubai?
Visitors must obtain a visa before entering the UAE. The visa may be single or multiple entry with a validity period ranging from 3 months to 10 years depending on your nationality. Some nationalities require visas for multiple entries within 6 months as opposed to 3 months. The duration of stay may vary depending on where you are staying in Dubai
What to know before you visit Dubai
If you are a tourist, you can get your visa on arrival at the airport by filling out an I-94/I-95. If you are living in Dubai and need a visa, you must submit your application to the nearest UAE embassy. You will then have to go through the process of obtaining your visa from there.
What if I’m not a tourist or visiting family?
There is no such thing as a visa on arrival for residents of the UAE. Residents must acquire their own visas before entry
Going Back and Forth Between Dubai and the United States
If you are a US citizen and plan on visiting Dubai, you will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 3 months. Your visa will only be valid for the duration of your stay in Dubai. You will also be required to have a return ticket in order to enter Dubai and return to the United States. Before you go back, make sure to get your entry stamp before leaving the UAE!
What to do if you are denied entry to Dubai?
If you are denied entry, whether it be for your nationality or for another reason, the UAE has a “No Entry” list that stipulates reasons why visitors may be denied entry. If you are on this list, contact the UAE embassy or consulate in your country and discuss the situation with them. They can help get you off of the “No Entry” list so you are able to enter Dubai.
The UAE is a country of many opportunities. It’s not easy to start a business there, but if you’re willing to work hard at it and do your research, there is no better place to see what you’re capable of.
