UAE 5 Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
This post covers everything you need to know about the UAE 5 year multiple entry Tourist Visa. It covers the costs, application process and required documents.
Dubai Visa on Arrival: Application Process Explained 2023
Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan
Mar 7, 2023
8 min read
If you're planning a trip to Dubai, you might be wondering about the Dubai visa requirements.
US citizens and US green card holders can apply for the Dubai visa on arrival. You can easily get your visa upon landing at Dubai International Airport without having to go through a complicated application process. Here are the specifics:
- How to apply: Once you arrive in Dubai, find a visa on-arrival service stall to get your visa.
- Dubai visa on arrival cost: The 30 and 90-day visa on arrival is FREE. However, the 14-day visa on arrival costs 120 AED
- Dubai visa on arrival processing time: The visa is immediately processed at the airport.
Read on to learn the exact visa process and requirements to ensure you get your on-arrival visa with ease.
Do US Citizens Need A Visa On Arrival To Enter Dubai?
Yes. US Citizens need a visa to enter Dubai and can apply for a UAE visa on arrival.
US green card holders, like Indian passport holders with green cards, can also apply for a UAE visa on arrival.
What If I Am Not Eligible For The Dubai VOA?
As you can see, not all countries are eligible to apply for a Dubai VOA. If this is true for you, then you'll need to apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa.
Luckily, you can use Atlys to apply for your next UAE visa effortlessly.
What Is A Dubai Visa On Arrival (VOA)?
A VOA is a type of short-term visa that you can obtain upon arrival at the Immigration counter without the need for prior arrangements. Simply disembark from your flight and head straight to the Immigration counter to get your UAE visa on arrival stamped in your passport.
In Dubai, the VOA processing time is virtually non-existent, as it's done while you wait. It's a straightforward process, and officials will stamp your passport with the UAE visa on arrival.
Overall, the UAE's Visa On Arrival system is a hassle-free way to enter the country for short stays, making it a popular choice for many travelers. Next, we'll look at the types of UAE visas on arrival for US citizens and Indian nationals with valid green cards.
Note that the terms Dubai and UAE visa on arrival is often used interchangeably.
What Are The Types Of Visa On Arrival For Dubai?
There are 4 types of Visa On Arrival for Dubai:
- 30-day visa on arrival
- 90-day visa on arrival
- 180-day visa on arrival
- 14-day visa on arrival (only available for Indian nationals)
For the purpose of this overview, we will discuss the 30, 90, and 180-day VOA. More on the 14-day VOA later in the blog.
30-Day UAE Visa on Arrival
The 30-day Visa On Arrival is perfect for short stays in Dubai, but it's important to know its limitations.
It's a single-entry visa, which means you can only enter the country once. You'll have 30 days to enjoy Dubai, plus an extra 10-day grace period before you need to leave. If you overstay, you could face a fine.
If you want to extend your stay, you can apply for a visa extension through the Immigration authority, which will give you an additional 40 days. The cost for extending your 30-day UAE on-arrival visa is AED 1000.
If you plan to leave and come back, you can get a new 30-day Visa On Arrival each time you enter the country, with no limit to the number of visas you can get.
30-DAY VISA ON ARRIVAL REQUIREMENTS
- A valid passport or US green card—and it must be valid for at least 6 months.
- A return flight ticket, which proves you'll be returning to your home country.
*You must be a passport holder from the eligible countries.
VISA PROCESSING TIME AND COST
Your 30-day UAE on-arrival visa will be processed immediately at the airport and is FREE of charge.
Take note: if there are a lot of travelers, you might need to wait in queue for your visa to be processed.
90-Day UAE Visa on Arrival
The 90-day Dubai on-arrival visa allows you to enter the country multiple times during its 6-month validity period. This visa is available to citizens of 48 eligible countries, and it's a great option for those planning a longer stay in Dubai.
With a multiple-entry visa, you're allowed to enter and exit Dubai as many times as you want within a 6 month period. This visa is typically preferred for business travelers who need to visit Dubai multiple times.
Unfortunately, the 90-day Dubai visa on arrival cannot be extended.
90-DAY VISA ON ARRIVAL REQUIREMENTS
Similar to the 30-day visa, you'll need the following:
- A valid passport or US green card—and it must be valid for at least 6 months.
- A return flight ticket, which proves you'll be returning to your home country.
VISA PROCESSING TIME AND COST
You can apply for a 90-day Dubai on-arrival visa for FREE! In addition, you can have your visa processed right away at the airport upon your arrival. However, please keep in mind that if there are many travelers, you may need to wait in line for your turn.
Nonetheless, the process is generally quick and hassle-free.
180-Day VOA
The 180-day on-arrival visa is a multiple-entry visa. This means that you can enter Dubai more than once when your visa is valid. The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Therefore, you can enter and exit Dubai as many times as you want with this visa in 6 months.
You must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Valid Mexican passport
- Return flight ticket
14-Day Dubai Visa On Arrival For Indians
The 14-day visa on arrival is a single entry visa that is only available for Indian nationals.
The Dubai visa on arrival for Indian passport holders is valid for 14 days from the date of issue; and can be used to enter Dubai once.
This visa for Dubai for Indians can be extended for an additional 14 days. You will receive a fine if you fail to exit the country or extend your visa. If you extend your stay, your visa is valid for 28 days.
What Are The Visa Requirements For A 14-Day On Arrival Visa?
First, you must be an Indian- passport holder with a valid residence visa issued by UK or EU countries or a green card or visitor's visa issued by the USA. The requirements are the same as the other Visa On Arrivals (return flight ticket and valid passport).
For a step-by-step guide, read the Dubai Visa on Arrival For Indians.
What Does A 14-Day On-Arrival Visa Cost?
This is the only visa on arrival you have to pay for. This visa fee is 120 AED. However, the visa costs might change; check the Embassy or Consulate website for the visa fees.
Can I Extend My 14-Day On Arrival Visa?
Yes, you can! You can extend your visa once for an additional 14 days. You must extend your visa at an Immigration office before your current Visa On Arrival expires.
There is a visa extension fee of 250 AED.
What Are The Required Documents For Dubai Visa On Arrival?
There are no specific documents required for your Dubai tourist visa (VOA). However, make sure to have the following:
- Passport (minimum of 6 months validity)
- Return flight ticket
- Cash or your credit card to pay the visa fee (if you're applying for a visa that has a fee)
What Is The Process To Obtain A Dubai Visa On Arrival?
The process of getting a visa on arrival is very straightforward. After you disembark your flight, you must go to the Immigration counter in Dubai.
They will assist you with the application process, and you also have to participate in Biometric procedures. During the biometric procedure, you need to provide your fingerprints, and the immigration authorities might take a photo of you.
After you go through the Biometric procedures, the immigration authorities will stamp the UAE visa on your passport and update it on the ICA and AMER systems. Then you can collect your luggage, exit the airport and enjoy your holiday in Dubai.
Will I Get A New Visa On Arrival Each Time I Enter And Exit Dubai?
Sadly, not all on-arrival visa categories offer this benefit. Holders of 30-day on-arrival visas can enter and go without paying for another visa.
Other forms of on-arrival visa holders are not permitted to use this service. Only those who have been away from the country for six months or more are eligible for a new free on-arrival visa. The immigration officials have the sole authority to issue an on-arrival visa.
How To Get Your Dubai visa for Indian citizens
If you're not eligible for the Dubai visa on arrival, you can easily apply for the Dubai tourist visa using Atlys.
With Atlys, you can complete a UAE Visa application, error-free in under 2 minutes. This sounds crazy, right?
Here's what you can expect with Atlys:
- Straight-forward application process - this can be done in minutes!
- Support with gathering your documents - Atlys helps you gather all the required documents.
- Step-by-step instructions - Atlys will be there every step of the way!
Still don't believe me? Download the Atlys app and start your application now.
Dubai Awaits
Pack your bags, get on a flight, and have an adventure! No more standing in a queue or waiting for your UAE visa application. Just show up and have a fantastic, warm holiday.
Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm an Indian Passport Holder. Can I Apply For A Dubai Visa on Arrival?
Yes. Indian nationals with a valid US green card can apply for a Dubai visa on arrival. For more information, read our detailed blog about the Dubai visa on arrival for Indians.
What Countries Are Eligible For A VOA?
Dubai offers 30, 90, and 180-day on-arrival visas to the following countries:
Countries eligible for the 30-day UAE visa on arrival:
Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vatican City
Countries eligible for the 90-day UAE visa on arrival:
Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay
*180-day VOA: If you hold a Mexican passport, you are eligible for a 180-day VOA.
Do You Need A Passport To Go To Dubai?
Yes, everyone entering the UAE needs a valid passport.
Can I Extend A Dubai Visa on Arrival?
Yes, however, you can only extend certain UAE on-arrival visa types:
-
30-day VOA: Yes, you can! You can extend your 30-day visa on arrival once for another 30 days. You can extend your On-arrival visa at the Immigration offices while you're in Dubai. You need to extend your visa before your Visa On Arrival expires. There is a visa extension fee of 1000 AED.
-
90 & 180-day VOA: Unfortunately, you can't extend your 90 and 180-day visa on arrival.
Is It Easy To Get A Visa On Arrival For Dubai?
Yes. Getting a visa on arrival is easy; all you need to do is arrive in Dubai and apply at the airport.
How Much Does A Visa On Arrival For Dubai Cost?
The Visa on Arrival is free unless you apply for a 14-day visa. If you apply for a 14-day visa, you can expect to pay AED 120.
How long Can I Stay In Dubai Without A Dubai Tourist Visa?
30 days is how long you can stay in Dubai without a Dubai Tourist Visa.
What Are The Different Types of Visas For Dubai?
There are different types of UAE Visas. Each visa is issued for a specific reason. These are the different visas:
- 30-Day Dubai Tourist Visa
- 90-Day Dubai Tourist Visa
- Service/14-Day Visa
- eVisa for Residents from GCC, GCC residents, and their companions can apply for an electronic visa (EVisa)
- Transit Visa has a 48-hour transit visa and a 96-hour transit visa.
- Student Visa
You can apply and get your application form for these visas at a UAE Embassy.
All UAE visas must be formally canceled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs before issuing a new visa.
Where Can I Apply For A Dubai Transit Visa?
The easiest way to apply for your Dubai Transit Visa is through your airline. Transit Visas for Dubai are normally then applied for by your airline. The airline will submit your application through the eChannel or the GDRFA website for each Emirate. The airline will notify you as soon as your UAE visa is approved.
You can also apply for a Dubai Visa through Atlys, which is quick and easy, only taking a couple of minutes.
Can US Greencard holders Get A VOA?
This depends on your passport; if you are from one of the countries mentioned above in the section What Countries Are Eligible For A VOA?, you are eligible for the respective Dubai visa on arrival for US green card holders.