Can You Get A Visa For Dubai On Arrival
If you’d asked me a few years ago if it was possible to obtain a visa for Dubai on arrival, my answer may have surprised you. Before I had visited the UAE myself, there was a lot of conflicting information circulating to my reaction.
The best way to get a Dubai visa is to pre-arrange your visa and have it issued before you are set to arrive at the Dubai airport. This is the best way to make sure that you do not run into any issues with your Dubai visa. If for some reason you are unable to get a visa in advance and need to obtain one upon arrival then this article will help you.
Can You Get A Visa For Dubai On Arrival
Dubai continues to create waves and draw in thrill-seekers from all over the globe, especially the working crowd. With the UAE’s open visa policy proper documentation is the key. If you are planning to relocate to Dubai on a long term basis, then you will need a visa to enter the country.
30-day visa on arrival
Citizens of these countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period for extension.
90-day visa on arrival
Citizens of these countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days:
Indian citizens
Indian citizens holding a normal passport and either
- a visit visa issued by the USA or
- a green card issued by the USA or
- a residence visa issued by the UK or
- a residence visa issued by the EU
can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.
Read about the UAE visa requirements for non-US citizens.
Note: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. Lists of countries eligible for visa on arrival may vary from time to time; therefore, please check with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling to the UAE.
Related links
Visa on arrival– General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
For more information, please contact:
- The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
180‑day visit eligibility
If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
Dubai immigration procedures
As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International are now conducting random eye screening for visitors to Dubai.
Visitors asked to proceed for eye screening are required to present a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page at the screening counter. If you do not have a copy with you, a charge of AED 30 per copy applies ‑ payable only in AED.
Important information
Before you travel to the UAE, please check your visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa if needed, or if your passport needs to be valid for a minimum period. Holders of non‑standard passports and travel documents may also have different entry requirements: find out if you need to apply for a visa and other passport requirements.
As of 29 April 2016, GCC residence permit holders will need to apply for a UAE visa before arriving in Dubai.
As of 1 May 2017, Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date, and a visit visa or green card issued by the USA which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a charge of AED120 (subject to change). They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for AED250 (subject to change).