How to get tourist Visa for Dubai

Dubai is the second largest city and emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), an Islamic country along the Persian Gulf. The high number of businesses and banks in Dubai have led it to be called "the financial capital of the Arab world." In most cases, if you would like to visit Dubai, then you will need to apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa before arrival. You will need to provide personal documents and travel reservations. Dubai visas differ slightly depending upon your nationality. This article will tell you how to get a tourist visa for Dubai.

Steps

30-day Tourist Visa

1. 1
   Research if you and your trip are eligible for a 30-day tourist visa. If you are from a qualifying country and your trip is less than 30 days long, you can apply for this tourist visa when you arrive at the Dubai airport. It is free of charge.
   • Eligible countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Mario, Liechtenstein, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
   • If you are a member of a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, you do not need a visa to visit Dubai. However, you must have a valid passport. These countries include: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
2. 2
   Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to depart Dubai.
3. 3
   Proceed directly to customs check and you will be instructed on how to get your visa.

Sponsored Tourist Visa

1. 1
   Find a sponsor, if your trip or your nationality do not qualify you for the 30-day visa. Popular sponsors are major hotels, Emirates Airlines and tour or travel companies.
   • Book your flight with Emirates Airlines, and at least 1 night at a hotel or travel with a tour group or travel company. Some hotels may require that your housing during the length of your stay in Dubai be booked with them.
2. 2
   Make sure you have a passport that is valid for 6 months from your date of departure from Dubai.
3. 3
   Fax the airline, hotel or travel company a color copy of your passport, your travel itinerary and the reason for your visit. You can state the reason simply as "tourism."
4. 4
   Wait for your visa, while the travel company takes care of the arrangements. A visa usually takes approximately 3 days to be processed. Contact the company to ensure they will fax you a copy of the visa when it is ready.
   • The original copy of the visa will be kept at your point of entry in Dubai, such as the Dubai airport. Most airlines will require you show them a copy of the visa, before you can board a flight to Dubai.
5. 5
   Choose a credit card on which you can pay your fees. You must pay 210 UAE dirhams (57 dollars, 42 euros, 37 pounds) to the Dubai Naturalization and Residency department, 220 dirhams (60 dollars, 44 euros, 38.50 pounds) for e-form fees, and you must hold a 1000 dirham (270 dollar, 200 euro, 175 pounds) deposit that will be refunded upon your departure from Dubai.
6. 6
   Fax a credit card authorization and a color copy of your credit card to the company. The copies of your credit card must be in color and include both the front and back sides.
   • A credit card authorization is a letter stating that these fees can be charged to the card. It must be dated and signed.
7. 7
   Take the copy of the visa with you when you travel. Your visa can be used within 60 days from the date of issue. It is valid for 30 days upon entry
   

 Tips

• The list of countries eligible for a 30-day tourist visa changes frequently. Check the UAE website before applying for a visa.
• You can apply for a renewal of your sponsored tourist visa for 30 additional days. You must pay a fee of 620 dirhams (169 dollars, 124 euros, 109 pounds).
• The UAE also grants "Visit Visas" to people looking to visit a relative in Dubai. You should apply for a Visit visa through your nearest UAE embassy, or through the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department. Application forms are available on their website.
• Ask the company to fax a copy of your tourist visa to your country's embassy in Dubai.