United Arab Emirates Visa Policy

You can realize your planned trip to UAE by obtaining a UAE visa. Foreign nationals can apply for UAE short-term visas (tourist visa, E-visa) for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes). If you want to stay in UAE for a longer period for some reason, you can also apply for UAE residence permits after arriving in UAE.

The general visa types and categories of UAE are below:

1. Tourist (Short-term) single-entry – 30 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
2. Tourist (Short-term) multiple-entry - 30 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
3. Tourist (Long-term) single-entry - 90 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
4. Tourist (Long-term) multiple-entry - 90 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
5. Transit (48-hours) – 48 hours valid from arrival date (Non-extendable)
6. Transit (96-hours) – 96 hours valid from arrival date (Non-extendable)

You can apply for these visa types online (E-visa).

The UAE E-visa is an online way to obtain a visa to realize a trip to the UAE.

All visa types are valid for 2 months starting from the issue date for entering the UAE. After you enter the UAE you can stay in the UAE as long as the valid duration of stay (e.g. consecutive 30 days or 90 days) of your visa. You can apply for different types of UAE visas online. The fees and processing vary depending on the visa type. Here are the main types of E-visas:

1. Tourist (Short-term) single-entry – 30 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
2. Tourist (Short-term) multiple-entry – 30 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
3. Tourist (Long-term) single-entry – 90 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
4. Tourist (Long-term) multiple-entry – 90 days valid from arrival date (Extendable)
5. Transit (48-hours) – 48 hours valid from arrival date (Non-extendable)
6. Transit (96-hours) – 96 hours valid from arrival date (Non-extendable)

You can extend all extendable visa types 2 times for only 30 days each time within the UAE, except "On Arrival Visa". You can extend the "On Arrival Visa" for an additional 30 days period for once. Extension (Inside country visa) process must be begun at least 4 working days before your visa expiration date in UAE.

You can fly to any Emirate in the UAE regardless of your visa issuing Emirate. For example, you can travel to Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, etc. with a Dubai-issued visa.

Required Documents for UAE E-visa

1. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from UAE.
• Signed by holder
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3x4 size

3. Medical Insurance

• Valid in UAE for your duration of stay

4. When You Arrive in UAE, You must Present also:

• Printed UAE E-visa
• Travel Insurance (if required)

*Additional documents can be required based on your nationality. 

Processing Time for UAE E-visa

The average processing time for the UAE E-visa is 2-3 working days. Processing time for an extension of the visa (Inside country visa) is 4-5 working days.

UAE E-visa Application Fee

UAE E-visa fees for each type are below:

*You will pay an additional insurance fee in case if required.

Where to Apply for UAE E-visa Application?

You will apply for the UAE E-visa online through our website. You should choose your citizenship here, and apply for your visa in the next step. You can contact us for any additional information.   

UAE long-term Residence visas have some categories:

1. Employment Visa
2. Study Visa
3. Family Visa
4. Investor Visa

How to Get a UAE Residence Visa?

All these types of Residence visas are issued by your local UAE sponsor. You can travel to the UAE with your short-term visa and then obtain your Residence visa within the UAE by starting the “Emiratization” process by your local sponsor.

What is the Local Sponsor? Who can be a Sponsor for UAE Residence Visa?

Local sponsor for the UAE Residence permit can be a legal entity that is registered to the UAE or a citizen/resident of the UAE.

1. If you are employed by a company that is registered in the UAE, your visa will be sponsored by that legal entity (your company). They will process your Residence visa on your behalf 
2. If you are accepted and enrolled by the educational establishment (university, college, etc.) that is registered in the UAE, your visa will be sponsored by that legal entity (educational establishment). They will process your Residence visa on your behalf 
3. If you have a close family member (husband/wife, children, parent) who is a UAE citizen/resident, your visa will be sponsored by that citizen/resident in the UAE. He/she will process your Residence visa on behalf of you.
4. Investor visas allow you to get a 5- or 10-year valid visa to the UAE, depending on your investments here. In case if you invest 5 million AED or 10 million AED in real estate, investment funds, or real business, you will be eligible for this type of visa. You can find additional information related to Investor visas here.

Residence visas are issued in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

UAE offers facilitated Entry Permit (E-visa) process to GCC residents. Resident visa holders in the GCC of any nationality can obtain, depending on their occupation, a visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Before traveling, confirm with your airline, UAE embassy, or UAE immigration department in your territory. This visa is not free. Travelers must have return tickets confirmed.

1. If you are a resident of GCC, you can apply for an online entry permit to Dubai via GDRFA Dubai.
2. If you are a resident of GCC, you can apply for an online entry permit to the UAE via Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship.

Notes and Conditions

1. Once your application is approved, an e-Visa will be sent to you at your registered email address.
2. If the sponsor does not travel with them the application for GCC expatriate residents and companions traveling with GCC people will not be approved.
3. Entry permits for GCC residents are valid for 30 days from the date of issue and are permitted to remain for 30 days from the date of entry. The visa can be extended once for 30 days.
4. Entry permits are valid for companions traveling with GCC people for a period of 60 days from the date of issue and which remain for a period of 60 days from the date of entry. The visa can be extended once for 60 days.
5. If the occupation of a resident of the GCC is found to have changed after the issuance of his entry permit, the holder of the entry permit will not be allowed entry.
6. GCC residency must be valid for a period of at least 3 months from the date of arrival.
7. GCC residents' passports must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry.