UAE tourist visa requirements and process in 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a leading tourist destination, blending modern marvels with breathtaking natural beauty. According to Skift’s State of Travel Report, the country ranked as the second-fastest-growing destination for international arrivals, right after Austria, in 2022. The UAE was also the most visited country in the region, welcoming 22.7 million tourist arrivals. Keep reading to learn about the requirements and application process for a tourist visa in the UAE.

What is a tourist visa?

The number of international tourist arrivals in the UAE is expected to grow steadily from 2024 to 2028, reaching a total increase of 4.4 million. If you are one of those tourists arriving in the country, you will need a tourist visa.

A tourist visa grants you entry to the country for a certain period. You cannot enter the UAE without a tourist visa unless you come from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region or any of the 82 countries with a visa-free or visa-on-arrival perk. These territories include India, the USA, the UK, China, Japan and Russia, among others.

Read: Visa free travel to the UAE from 82 countries

How to apply for a tourist visa in UAE

To enter the UAE, these are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Choose a sponsor

When applying for a UAE Visa, getting a sponsor is a key step. This sponsor could be a family member, colleague or friend. But in case you don’t have a personal connection, an airline, a hotel or a travel agency can serve as your sponsor.

Some sponsors have additional requirements. For instance, if you choose an airline, you typically have to book your round-trip ticket with them. 

Step 2: Determine the type of tourist visa

There are different types of visas in the UAE. Depending on your preference and eligibility, you can get any of the following:

• Single-entry visa
  • Short-term, valid for 30 days from the date of entry
  • Long-term, valid for 60 days from the date of entry 
• Multiple-entry visa
  • Short-term, valid for 30 days from the date of entry
  • Long-term, valid for 60 days from the date of entry
• 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for 90 days from the date of entry 

Step 3: Complete the requirements

First, you must complete an application form. Depending on who your sponsor is, the application form may vary. Apart from the filled-out application form, you must prepare the following:

• A colored ID photo
• A copy of your passport
  • The passport must show your name, nationality, birth date, birthplace, passport number, date of issuance and expiry and name of parent or legal guardian
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of travel
• Supporting documents
  • Round-trip flight ticket
  • Hotel booking
  • Financial proof (e.g., income tax return, certificate of bank statement)
  • Birth certificate 
  • Certificate of employment
• Visa fee

Step 4: Send your application over to your sponsor

Send the requirements over to your sponsor. If it’s someone in the UAE, they will be the one to take care of your application from there. They will also have to submit a copy of their Resident Visa and their Emirates ID as an additional requirement.

If you have an airline, hotel or travel agency as your sponsor, simply follow their specific instructions. They will apply for the visa on your behalf to the official visa-issuing authorities in the country. Keep in mind that UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. 

Tips for your UAE tourist visa application

To help you have your tourist visa application approved, here are some practical tips to follow.

• Carefully review your requirements. Your sponsor is likely to go over your application multiple times. It is advisable to meticulously check your requirements before submission. Once the application is in the hands of your sponsor, making changes or additions becomes challenging.
• Include a comprehensive set of supporting documents. Consider submitting additional documents such as employment and financial proof to demonstrate that your visit to the UAE is solely for tourism purposes.
• Conduct extra research, particularly if your sponsor is a travel agency or hotel. Take the time to thoroughly search for reputable entities, compare prices and select your sponsor wisely. Since you’ll be sharing personal information, prioritize choosing someone with strong credibility and ample experience.

Final thoughts

The UAE is a top tourist destination, taking pride in both top-class metropolises and natural sceneries. A tourist visa in the UAE is one of the most important documents you need to visit the country. By gathering all pertinent requirements and choosing a trustworthy sponsor, you’re only a few steps away from experiencing the country’s captivating beauty and culture.

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