Getting a Tourist Visa for Dubai: A Simple Guide

Planning a trip to Dubai? Or maybe you’re a resident and looking to invite some friends over or have your family visit you? Whatever your need may be, the right visa is crucial. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand how to get a tourist visa for Dubai.

There are three main ways to enter Dubai as a tourist:

1. No Visa Required

If you are from a Gulf Cooperation Council country, then you are in luck! For you, no visa is required at all. Just show your passport or national ID card at arrival and enter Dubai.

2. Visa on Arrival

Some nationalities, upon entering the country, get a visa right at the airport in Dubai. The type of visa is often called a “visa on arrival.” It applies to about 50 nationalities, which include:

– The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

– United States of America

– Countries in the European Union

Depending on your nationality, you may get a 30-day or 90-day visa. Some visitors can even extend their stay.

Good news for Indian travelers too! If you are holding a valid US tourist visa, a US green card, or if you are residing in the UK or EU, you can get a 14-day visa upon arrival. Just remember that your green card or residence visa is valid for more than six months.

Mexican passport holders get special treatment. You have multiple entries, as much as 180 days, and the visa is valid for six months.

Note that the list of nationalities to be able to obtain a visa on arrival is subject to change. Do double-check online before you travel to see that your country’s list remains to be the same.

3. Pre-arranged Visa

If you are from a non-GCC country and cannot manage to land a visa upon arrival, worry not! You can still sweat it in Dubai. You just have to get a hold of a visa arrangement earlier than traveling. Here is how:

1. Apply through airlines like FlyDubai or Emirates

2. Contact a licensed travel agent or tour operator

3. Seek assistance from the hotel you will be staying in Dubai

Note: You cannot get a tourist visa from the UAE Embassy—one of the aforementioned agents must make its official visa office apply on your behalf.

By understanding these three ways by which a tourist visa can be made available, one can arrange their Dubai tour with less stress. Be it not needing one, be it getting an on-arrival one, or be it needing to make arrangements beforehand, you know now. Have a visit loaded with joy to Dubai!