How to Get a Dubai Visa

The city of Dubai is a semi-sovereign political unit within the United Arab Emirates. It is a global financial capital and its prosperity has made it a popular tourist destination in recent years. Boasting attractions like the tallest building in the world and extravagant retail complexes, it attracts millions of visitors per year.^[1] Citizens of the European Union, United States and select nations should be able to enter Dubai without getting a visa ahead of time; others will need to find a local sponsor.

Method 1

Traveling From a Nation with a Special Agreement

1. 
   1
   Determine if you can enter without a visa. Citizens of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states not required to have a visa to enter Dubai. These nations include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.^[2]
2. 
   2
   Determine if you can receive a visa upon entrance. Citizens of 33 countries can receive a visa immediately upon entry into Dubai after meeting some basic requirements. Citizens of the United States are among those who are allowed to enter Dubai in this way.

   • This also applies to: Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the Vatican.
3. 
   3
   Meet requirements to obtain visa upon entrance. For the above-named countries, you will still need a passport that does not expire within six months in order to obtain a visa. You will also need a confirmed roundtrip ticket that includes a departure date from Dubai.

   • These visas will be valid for 30 days. However, you can request more time from either the immigration officer at the airport, or the local immigration office in the UAE.^[3]
4. 
   4
   Apply for a long-term multiple-entry visa. Citizens of Germany and the United States can apply for these at the UAE embassies in their respective nations. The allow citizens to spend several months a year in Dubai for multiple years. Regulations differ somewhat for visitors from the respective countries.

   • German citizens can get a visa that lasts for as long as two years, but only permits visits of up to three months per year. No sponsor is required but there is a visa fee of AED 1500.
   • US citizens are can obtain visas valid for as long as 10 years, permitting them to stay up to 6 months per visit. A local sponsor – probably an employer – is required, but there is no fee for the visa.^[4]

Method 2

Traveling from a Nation without a Special Agreement

1. 
   1
   Consult with your nation's United Arab Emirates embassy. Obtaining a visa can be complex and regulations will differ depending upon your country of origin. Find your local embassy and consult with them about your options.
2. 
   2
   Get a tourist visa. In order to get a tourist visa you will need to be sponsored by a local hotel or travel company. Talk to whoever you plan on staying with or traveling through about getting a travel visa. Typically, your sponsor will be responsible for applying for the visa, but you should be aware of the requirements.

   • A tourist visa will only be valid for thirty days and is not renewable. You will be fined if you stay longer than the allotted time.^[5]
   • For a tourist visa you will need a passport, travel insurance, and money to cover fees.^[6]
   • This type of visa is available for citizens of Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, St. Kitts-Navis, St. Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, and "other non-defined American nationalities."^[7]
3. 
   3
   Get a transit visa. If you are stopping in Dubai on the way to another destination and have valid outward ticket, you can get a transit visa. A transit visa is valid for a stay of at least 8, but no more than 96 hours. Citizens of Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen are not eligible.
4. 
   4
   Get a visit visa. A visit visa applies to parties traveling to Dubai for family or business. You will need a local resident or business to sponsor a visit visa. They can be for last for 30 or 90 days and are nonrefundable.

   • If you are traveling with an individual sponsor, you will need the passports of the sponsor and the sponsored traveler and travel insurance. You will also need either proof of kinship or an employment contract.
   • A company will need to provide proof of passport, travel insurance, and establishment card.^[8]
   • Both short and long term visas need to be used within 60 days of being issued. Fees are charged for both, including a refundable deposit of AED 1000.^[9]