dubai visa

Dubai Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Known as the ‘city of gold’, Dubai is one of the 7 emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Being a popular hotspot, the city impresses almost anyone. The Dubai visa has been one of the most issued visas from the UAE for quite some time now.

What is a Dubai Visa?

Thanks to the government’s policies, getting a Dubai visa for Indians is fairly easy. The visa allows Indian citizens to enter the UAE and visit Dubai. Since the permit is in the form of a Dubai e visa, you can get the permit with great ease. Now, although it is widely known as a Dubai visa for Indian citizens, the actual permit is called a UAE visa. When it is issued by a Dubai based entity rather than the other emirates, it comes as a Dubai permit. Although, this is still equally valid in all the other emirates.

How to apply for Dubai Visa?

First things first, the UAE embassy in India does not issue a visa 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. These factions apply for a visa on your behalf to the official issuing authority in Dubai. The Dubai visa process can be mentioned as follows -

  • Choose the method of application that is easier for you. While choosing travel agencies, ensure that they are well-reputed and genuine. 
  • Now, determine the type of visa you require.
  • Once you do that, obtain the necessary documents as per your visa type. 
  • Fill in the Dubai visa application form available at the airline websites, or at the travel agencies.
  • The necessary documents will be then uploaded to the respective online portals by the respective agency. 
  • Proceed to pay the visa fees online. 
  • They will then submit the 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.

Types of Visa for Dubai

Based on the different purpose, type of entry and length of stay, the Dubai permit can be categorized into the following -

  • Dubai Transit Visa - The transit permit for Dubai is issued if you are travelling to another country via Dubai International Airport, and all you need is to stay in the country for a few days in transit. This type is issued for two periods such as -
    • 48-hour transit
    • 96-hour transit
  • Service  - This type of permit allows you to stay in the country for a period of 14 days from the day of arrival. This is mainly used by people travelling for commercial and business purposes. 
  • Dubai Tourist Visa - The tourist visa allows the individual to visit Dubai and other emirates for a period of up to 30 days. There are two types of tourist permits based on entry types. 
    • Single-Entry Tourist
    • Multiple-Entry Tourist
  • Dubai Long Term Tourist Visa - These are issued for people wanting to stay in UAE for a longer period. The visa is issued for a duration of 90 days. Based on the type of entry, these can be classified into the following two -
    • Long Term Single-Entry Tourist Visa
    • Long Term Multiple-Entry Visit Visa

Documents for Dubai Visa

As per the Dubai visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you will need to submit. However, based on the exact type of permit, there will be additional documents necessary.

  1. A valid Passport - up to at least 6 months from the date of arrival in UAE 
  2. Colour copies of your passport bio page and last page
  3. Confirmed round trip flight tickets
  4. 1 coloured photograph
  5. Proof of employment

Dubai Visa Photo Requirements

  • Dubai 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

Dubai Visa Fees

The Dubai Visa cost for Indians depends on several factors such as the type of the permit, the number of entries, the duration of the visit, as well as any express visa processing charges. There may be additional service charges levied based on the mode of application. It is essential to confirm the exact fees before applying for the visa.

Entry Purpose Stay Duration Validity Fees
Single entry Normal Tourist 90 days 58 days 18000.0
Single entry Normal Transit 4 days 58 days 5026.0
Single entry Express Transit 4 days 58 days 5904.0
Single entry Normal Business 14 days 14 days 8784.0
Single entry Express Tourist 29 days 58 days 6730.0
Single entry Normal Tourist 29 days 58 days 5852.0
Multiple entry Normal Tourist 90 days 58 days 38226.0

Dubai Visa Processing Time

The visa for Dubai normally issued in about 3-5 working days. However, it can vary depending upon any express option, the exact type of the permit, or any other complications arising with documents. It also depends upon your mode of application. It is therefore essential to apply for your visa well in advance. Your processing may also be faster depending upon certain eligibility criteria such as your passport containing a visa to Schengen, UK, USA, etc in the past 5 years. It can also speed up if you have an invitation letter from a family member in the UAE.

How to check Dubai Visa Status?

You can perform the Dubai visa status check 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 one of the Dubai visa application centres, you can track it by visiting their website with your reference number and passport expiry date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to extend a visa for Dubai?

The Dubai and UAE government has started issuing extensions upon payment of additional charges, provided that you apply before the original visa has expired. The application must be made by the sponsor who has issued your visa in the first place. The permit for short term categories can be extended up to a maximum of 2 times, and to a maximum duration of 60 days.

Is a consultant required for a visa for Dubai?

Since you cannot apply for a Dubai permit directly to the embassy, applying through a visa consultant is one of the options. However, this is not mandatory. You may choose to apply through the airline or other methods instead. Although, in order to ensure that there are complications and that you get the visa easily and fast, it is highly recommended to use the services of a travel agent.

What if my visa for Dubai is rejected?

The UAE/Dubai immigration policies are quite strict. As a result, there is a thorough verification when you make an application. Sadly, if your visa is rejected, the authorities do not provide a reason. Hence, it is vital that you check the application properly before submitting. Once the visa is rejected, you may apply again provided that you have a better and accurate application.

My passport is expiring soon, can I still get a visa for Dubai?

This depends on the validity of the passport. As per the regulations, your passport must stay valid for at least 6 months from the date of planned entry into Dubai. This means that if your passport will expire within this period, you will be ineligible to apply.

Is Ok to Board applicable for Dubai visa?

The ‘OK to board’ (OTB) is not required for all cases. You will require an OTB if you are travelling to Dubai on an ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport. This will also depend on the airline you are using, and a few other factors.

 

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