How to Get a Tourist Visa for Dubai
Dubai is a tourist destination worth visiting any time of the year. It appeals to tourists of all ages owing to its natural and man-made attractions. There are many things to do and see in this sprawling and thriving desert city of the UAE. You can indulge in a plethora of activities from shopping, adventure, and entertainment. Besides, Dubai is also a popular destination for foodies. You can taste the best cuisines of the world. The streets, hotels, and restaurants all serve the best foods. However, before visiting this tranquil and sublime desert city, you have to obtain a tourist visa. Getting it is not complex unless you are geared with the knowledge of essential things and procedures involved. You can apply for a tourist visa for Dubai online through several sources. Here are the steps that you have to follow for getting a tourist visa for Dubai.
Brace yourself with the rules for Dubai tourist visa
The rules for getting a tourist visa for Dubai is not same for countries. Citizens of selected nations don’t need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. They can easily get it at the time of arrival at the UAE’s airport. For instance, if you hold a US citizenship or of a selected European country, you can get a free visa on arrival at the UAE airport or any entry points you have chosen. This type of tourist visa is provided to you for 30 days. In case you want to extend your tourist visa, you can apply it after its expiry and leaving the country. However, re-approval of your visa application will rest with the immigration authority.
In case you have a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) country citizenship, there is no need for a visa. By being a GCC citizen, you are entitled to enter the city for a vacation or as a domestic help without a visa. This leverage is offered to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
Visa requirements prior to traveling
If you neither belong to GCC nor other the listed countries that are offered tourist visas upon arrival at the entry point, you can still apply for a tourist visa. This will again depend on the citizenship you hold. For security reasons, citizens of a few nations that have been alleged of supporting terrorism, are banned from entering Dubai. If that is not the case with your country, you will need someone who can sponsor your visit. The sponsorer can be your relative residing in Dubai, a hotel, a tour agency, or a destination management company. It is better to get the latest information about getting a tourist visa for Dubai from your embassy. However, there is a provision with the embassy to obtain a tourist visa even if your country is not in the approved list. In that situation, you have to just produce evidence that you are residing in a country that is approved for a free visa on arrival. The chance of obtaining the visa is greater if you are living in the United States and not in your own country unapproved by the UAE government.
Procedures to follow for getting a tourist visa for Dubai
You can fill an application form for Dubai visa online through an official website of your embassy, airline company, a hotel, or a tour company. The steps are simple to follow and the website will guide you.
1. Fill Dubai application form for a tourist visa with correct and complete information
2. Upload necessary documents required for visa processing. These include scanned copies of your passport, certificate of date of birth, and the latest passport sized photograph in color with white background
3. Pay the visa fee through your debit or credit card. Print the electronic receipt and keep it with you
4. Follow up with the server provider on phone
When to apply for a tourist visa for Dubai
Timing is important when applying for a tourist visa for Dubai. Since hundreds of applications are received by the visa service providers each day, the processing of your application may take time. Generally, the processing takes five to six days. Therefore, to be on the safer side, apply for your tourist visa at least one week or 10 days in advance. Don’t buy the air ticket unless your visa is approved. Your application may get rejected due to lots of reasons. Once the visa is approved, you can carry a printed copy and show it to the immigration authority at the airport.
A visa is important prior to booking your air ticket for a permission to enter the city. For your convenience, many travel companies are arranging this service for you once you book a holiday package with them. So, avail it and apply for a tourist visa for Dubai online with a reliable and experienced visa service provider.
