Dubai Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist permit is issued to people who are travelling to Dubai to take part in tourism-related activities. However, for people belonging to the GCC countries, as well as the other visa-exempt countries, a visa on arrival will be issued. India, however, does not belong to this list, and as a result, a tourist visa for Dubai is required. This permit can be issued for a duration of 30 days with single or multiple entries, as required. There is also a different long term tourist permit if you wish to stay for up to 90 days.

Note that although it is commonly known as a ‘Dubai’ tourist permit, the visa issued by Dubai is officially called the UAE tourist visa. Although, the permit is valid throughout the rest of the UAE as well.

The UAE embassy does not issue a permit to ordinary passport holders. The applications require you to have a sponsor and therefore, is done with the help of Dubai based airlines, a travel agency, or a hotel. They can apply for a visa on your behalf to the official issuing authority in Dubai. The procedure for Dubai tourist visa can be mentioned as follows -

1. Choose the method of application that is easier for you. While choosing travel agencies, ensure that they are well-reputed and genuine. 
2. Now, determine the type of visa you require.
3. Once you do that, obtain the necessary documents as per your visa type.
4. Fill in the Dubai tourist visa application form available at the airline websites, or at the travel agencies.
5. The necessary documents must be then uploaded to the respective online portals.
6. Proceed to pay the visa fees online.
7. Submit your application.

Always ensure that you provide the correct details along with genuine documents. You may get a visa denial if your application is incorrect. This may cause you from not being able to apply for the visa in the future.

Please note that if you are flying to Dubai via their home-based airlines (Emirates or Fly Dubai), you can apply at one of the Dubai Visa Service Centres located all over India. If you are being sponsored by a relative or friend, they can apply for you at a visa issuing authority located in Dubai.

You must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to apply for the permit.

• You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of travel.
• You must possess an ordinary passport.
• Your sole purpose of visit must be tourism alone.
• If you are a female below the age of 18, you must be accompanied by a family member.
• You must possess enough funds to support your stay in the country.
• You must be healthy enough to travel to Dubai.

As per the requirements for Dubai tourist visa, you will have to submit the following documents for your application.

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
• Colour copies of your passport 
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets
• 2 Coloured photographs
• Proof of occupation

• Dubai tourist visa photo size: 35X45 mm
• Recently captured
• Face: directed towards the camera
• Eyes: open, and looking straight at the camera
• Background: plain white
• Headgear: allowed for religious purposes
• Glasses: only  prescription eye-wear
• Neutral facial expression

The Dubai tourist visa cost depends on factors such as the number of entries in the visa, the duration of the visa, as well as any additional charges due to express option, and can also vary based on the service charges of the airline/hotel/travel agency.

The tourist permit is normally issued in about 3-5 working days. However, it can vary depending on factors such as any express processing options, the length of the visa, the entry type, or even upon any complications arising with documents. It also depends upon how you chose to apply. Your processing may also be faster depending upon your travel history such as your passport containing a visa to Schengen, UK, USA, etc in the past 5 years.

You can check your status in a number of ways. If you have applied through an airline, you can log in to their portal and check the status. Travel agencies also allow you to track the status in the same way. Alternatively, you can send an email to the agency/airline/hotel enquiring about the status. If you have applied through a DVPC, you can track it by visiting their website with your reference number and passport expiry date.

Once you obtain your tourist permit, keep in mind the following key points - 

Before travelling -

• You will have to take a print out of your visa and keep it with you as a part of your travel documents.
• Ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents such as passport, identification documents, and visa.
• Make a note your validity as staying back in the country beyond the expiry is a criminal offence and may attract hefty fines and penal action. 
• If you are applying via a Dubai based airline, you may have to fly with them to the UAE.

At the border - 

• Upon landing, you will have to show your visa and passport to the border control. 
• Note that the visa does not guarantee you entry into the country. This is dependent on the decision of border control in Dubai. 

While you are in Dubai -

• While you are in the country, you can visit any of the different Emirates.
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot work or take part in business activities.
• You can extend your visa by applying for an extension.
• Dubai has strict laws. You are expected to abide by these while you are in the country.
• You must respect the customs and traditions in the country.

If you require any kind of information regarding Dubai, you can check out the Dubai travel guide.