How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Pakistan?
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Pakistan?
Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for Pakistani travellers visiting the United Arab Emirates for holidays, shopping, family trips, business-related tourism, and short stays. For Pakistani passport holders planning a tourist trip, arranging the correct UAE entry visa before travelling is an important part of the preparation process.
A Dubai visa is not a single universal document. Different types of UAE visas and entry permits exist, and their eligibility, duration, sponsor requirements, fees, and application procedures can differ.
For ordinary tourism, the UAE government says tourists can arrange visas through UAE-based airlines, hotels, and licensed travel agents. Dubai-specific immigration services are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, commonly known as GDRFA Dubai. The UAE government also identifies official online channels and authorized typing centres for applicable visa applications.
This guide explains the Dubai tourist visa process for Pakistani applicants, including application routes, documents, fees, processing time, validity, financial requirements, and important precautions.
Do Pakistani Citizens Need a Dubai Visa?
Pakistani citizens travelling on Pakistani passports generally need an appropriate visa before travelling to Dubai for tourism.
The exact visa required depends on the purpose of the trip. A tourist visa is different from a visit visa for relatives or friends, a transit visa, a work-related entry permit, and other UAE immigration categories.
For a normal holiday, applicants should identify the appropriate tourist visa before submitting an application.
Dubai's official immigration service currently provides a single-entry tourist visa for 30 or 60 days. The service also has a multiple-entry tourist visa option for 30 or 60 days.
Who Issues a Dubai Visa?
Dubai immigration services are handled by GDRFA Dubai.
However, an ordinary traveller does not necessarily have to visit a Dubai immigration office personally to arrange a tourist visa.
The UAE government states that tourist visas can be arranged through UAE-based airlines, hotels, and licensed travel agents. It also provides official online channels for applicable visa and entry-permit services.
This distinction is important for Pakistani applicants because many applications are submitted through an airline, hotel, tourism establishment, or travel agency rather than directly by the traveller.
Main Ways to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Pakistan
There are several possible routes.
1. Apply Through a UAE-Based Airline
Some UAE-based airlines offer visa services for eligible travellers.
The UAE government specifically lists visa services associated with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai. Airline-specific conditions can apply, including requirements related to travelling with the airline.
Before using this route, check the airline's current visa conditions.
Do not assume that purchasing an airline ticket automatically means that a visa will be issued.
2. Apply Through a UAE Hotel
Some hotels in the UAE can arrange tourist visas for eligible guests.
The UAE government states that licensed hotels can arrange tourist visas subject to their conditions. Depending on the hotel, the applicant may need to maintain a reservation or purchase the relevant travel service through that provider.
If you use this method, confirm the visa service directly with the hotel and ask for a clear breakdown of the charges.
3. Apply Through a Licensed Tourism Establishment
Licensed tourism establishments in the UAE can arrange tourist visas where the relevant visa category permits this.
This is one reason Pakistani travellers often encounter visa services through travel agencies. A Pakistani agency may coordinate with a UAE-based tourism operator that submits or sponsors the application.
Before paying, confirm who is actually processing the application.
4. Apply Through Official Dubai Immigration Channels
For applicable Dubai services, GDRFA Dubai provides digital visa services.
The official UAE government portal also states that entry permits can be applied for through the GDRFA website, relevant applications, and registered typing centres.
However, not every tourist visa category can necessarily be submitted in exactly the same way by every applicant. The sponsor or host requirements of the selected service must be checked carefully.
Documents Required for a Dubai Tourist Visa from Pakistan
The exact requirements can depend on the visa category and application route.
For its single-entry tourist visa service, GDRFA Dubai lists:
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One personal photograph
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Copy of the passport
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Identity card for certain nationalities, including Pakistan
The same official service covers 30-day and 60-day tourist visas.
Passport Copy
A clear passport copy is one of the basic documents for the Dubai tourist visa application.
The passport should also meet the applicable validity requirement.
UAE immigration guidance generally requires a passport valid for at least six months for relevant visa services.
Pakistani Identity Card
This is particularly relevant to Pakistani applicants.
GDRFA Dubai specifically lists an identity card for certain nationalities, including Pakistan, for the stated tourist visa service.
Therefore, applicants should keep a clear copy of their Pakistani identity card available when preparing a Dubai tourist visa application.
Personal Photograph
A personal photograph is listed as a requirement for the Dubai single-entry tourist visa service.
The applicant should follow the current photograph specifications provided by the relevant application channel.
Health Insurance
Health insurance can be required for the applicable tourist visa category.
GDRFA Dubai's tourist visa information identifies valid health insurance among the applicable conditions.
Applicants should confirm whether the insurance is included in their quotation or must be obtained separately.
Return or Onward Ticket
A ticket for continuing the journey or leaving the UAE can also be required under the applicable tourist visa conditions.
Applicants should check the exact requirement before making travel arrangements.
Dubai Tourist Visa Fees
Visa prices are an area where Pakistani applicants should be particularly careful.
The official GDRFA Dubai service currently lists the following fees for its specified single-entry tourist visa:
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30-day tourist visa: AED 200
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60-day tourist visa: AED 300
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VAT: 5 percent
These are the listed fees for that specific Dubai immigration service.
The amount a Pakistani applicant is quoted by an agent can be higher.
For example, a travel provider may add its own service or handling charge. Other costs may also be included in a package.
Therefore, an amount such as a Pakistani rupee price quoted by an agent should not automatically be described as the official Dubai government visa fee.
Ask for an Itemized Price
Before making payment, ask the provider to explain:
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Official visa fee
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VAT
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Service charge
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Processing or handling charge
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Insurance cost, if applicable
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Any other included service
This can help prevent confusion between the government fee and the total amount payable to a private provider.
How Long Does a Dubai Visa Take?
GDRFA Dubai lists an expected completion time of 48 hours for the relevant tourist visa service.
However, applicants should not interpret this as a guarantee that every application will be approved in exactly 48 hours.
Processing can depend on the application, document verification, immigration review, workload, holidays, or other circumstances.
It is therefore safer to apply before the intended travel date rather than waiting until the last moment.
Is a Bank Balance Required for a Dubai Tourist Visa?
There is a lot of confusing information online about Dubai visa bank-balance requirements.
Applicants should distinguish ordinary short-term tourist visas from the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
The UAE government states that the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa requires a bank balance of USD 4,000 or its equivalent during the preceding six months. It also has insurance and return/onward ticket requirements.
This should not automatically be treated as a USD 4,000 requirement for every ordinary 30-day or 60-day Dubai tourist visa.
Similarly, an agent's suggested travel budget is not automatically an official bank-balance requirement.
Five-Year UAE Tourist Visa
The UAE also provides a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
According to the UAE government's official guidance, this visa is available to all nationalities subject to its conditions. Applicants must meet requirements including the stated USD 4,000 bank-balance condition, valid UAE health insurance, and a ticket showing a continuing or return journey.
The five-year visa is a separate category from the ordinary short-term Dubai tourist visa.
The UAE government states that the holder can stay for up to 90 days on each visit, subject to the applicable annual limits.
Therefore, applicants should not mix the requirements of the five-year visa with those of an ordinary short-term tourist visa.
Single-Entry Dubai Tourist Visa
GDRFA Dubai's official service provides a single-entry tourist visa for:
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30 days
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60 days
The listed official fees are AED 200 and AED 300 respectively, plus 5% VAT.
A single-entry visa is intended for one entry into the UAE under the conditions of the issued visa.
The traveller should check the actual visa document for its entry validity and permitted stay.
Multiple-Entry Dubai Tourist Visa
Dubai also has a multiple-entry tourist visa service.
GDRFA Dubai currently lists:
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30-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 300
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60-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 500
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5% VAT
The exact total can vary depending on the circumstances and applicable charges.
A multiple-entry visa is different from a single-entry visa because it permits multiple entries subject to its validity and conditions.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Pakistan
The practical process can be summarized as follows.
Step 1: Confirm Your Visa Category
Determine whether you need a tourist visa, visit visa, transit visa, or another type of UAE entry permit.
For a normal holiday, a tourist visa is generally the relevant category.
Step 2: Decide Your Intended Stay
Determine whether you need a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa, where the relevant service offers those options.
Step 3: Check Your Passport
Make sure your Pakistani passport meets the applicable validity requirement.
For relevant UAE visa services, the passport generally needs at least six months' validity.
Step 4: Prepare Your Photograph
Prepare the required recent personal photograph according to the current specifications of the application channel.
Step 5: Prepare Your CNIC Copy
Keep a clear copy of your Pakistani identity card because GDRFA Dubai specifically lists an identity card for Pakistan among the relevant nationalities for its stated tourist visa service.
Step 6: Select an Application Route
Choose an eligible airline, hotel, licensed tourism establishment, or applicable official immigration channel.
Step 7: Verify the Provider
If you are using an agent, verify that the provider is genuine before sending passport copies or transferring money.
The UAE government specifically warns travellers to verify the authenticity of travel agents before paying or sending official documents.
Step 8: Confirm the Visa Type
Ask the provider to state exactly which Dubai or UAE visa category is being submitted.
Step 9: Check the Fee
Ask which part of the quotation is the official visa fee and which part is a service charge.
Step 10: Submit the Application
Complete the application information accurately and provide the required documents.
Step 11: Pay the Applicable Charges
Pay the official fee and any legitimate service charges through the verified application route.
Step 12: Keep the Reference
Save the application number, receipt, or other reference provided by the application channel.
Step 13: Wait for Processing
Allow the relevant authority or authorized provider to process the application.
Step 14: Receive the Visa
If approved, the electronic visa or entry permit is issued through the applicable channel.
Step 15: Check the Issued Visa
Check your name, passport number, visa category, entry type, validity, and permitted stay.
Step 16: Prepare for Travel
Keep the visa, passport, insurance information if applicable, and other required travel documents accessible.
Applying Through GDRFA Dubai
GDRFA Dubai provides digital channels for applicable immigration services.
For the single-entry tourist visa service, GDRFA describes the digital process as:
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Login to the smart-services system.
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Search for the required service.
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Complete the application information.
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Pay the applicable service fees.
The service is available through GDRFA's digital channels.
However, the tourist visa service specifies that the sponsor or host in the UAE should be a tourism establishment.
This is important because an applicant should not assume that simply opening an online portal means that every tourist can independently submit every category without an eligible sponsor or tourism establishment.
Applying Through a Pakistani Travel Agent
Using a travel agent can be convenient, but applicants should understand what the agent is actually providing.
A Pakistani travel agency may coordinate with a UAE-based tourism operator or another eligible provider.
Before paying, ask:
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What exact visa category is being applied for?
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Who is the UAE-based sponsor or provider?
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What is the official government fee?
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What is the agency's service charge?
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Is VAT included?
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Is insurance included?
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What happens if the visa is refused?
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Will I receive an official electronic visa after approval?
Avoid providers that describe their own package price as the government visa fee without an itemized explanation.
Dubai Visa vs UAE Tourist Visa
The terms "Dubai visa" and "UAE tourist visa" are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but the immigration system can involve different authorities and service categories.
Dubai has its own immigration authority, GDRFA Dubai.
Other emirates may use federal immigration channels through ICP for applicable services.
Therefore, an applicant should identify the emirate and visa category rather than assuming that every UAE visa is processed through the same portal.
What to Do After Visa Approval
Do not immediately assume everything is correct after receiving the electronic visa.
Carefully check:
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Full name
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Passport number
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Nationality
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Date of birth where displayed
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Visa type
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Number of entries
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Entry validity
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Permitted stay
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Any conditions shown on the document
If there is an error, contact the issuing provider or relevant immigration authority before travelling.
Important Mistakes to Avoid
Using an Unverified Agent
Do not send passport copies or make payments to an unknown provider simply because the person claims to arrange Dubai visas.
Confusing Government Fees With Package Prices
A travel package can include several services. Do not assume the entire package price is the government visa fee.
Applying Under the Wrong Category
A tourist visa is not the same as a family visit visa, employment entry permit, transit visa, or other category.
Assuming USD 4,000 Applies to Everyone
The USD 4,000 bank-balance condition belongs to the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa requirements. It should not automatically be applied to every ordinary short-term tourist visa.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Even when an official service lists an expected processing time, applications can require additional review.
Ignoring Passport Validity
A passport close to expiry can create problems with visa processing and travel.
Final Checklist for Pakistani Travellers
Before submitting a Dubai visa application, check the following:
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Pakistani passport is valid for the required period.
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Passport copy is clear.
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Personal photograph meets the current specifications.
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Pakistani identity card copy is available where required.
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Correct tourist visa category has been selected.
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Single-entry or multiple-entry status is understood.
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Intended stay is compatible with the selected visa.
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Official fee has been identified.
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Agent or service charge has been separated from the official fee.
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VAT and other charges are understood.
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Health insurance requirement has been checked.
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Return or onward ticket requirement has been checked.
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Application provider has been verified.
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Application reference has been saved.
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Issued visa will be checked against the passport before travel.
Conclusion
Applying for a Dubai visa from Pakistan starts with choosing the correct visa category and application route. Pakistani travellers can use applicable UAE-based airline, hotel, licensed tourism, or authorized immigration channels, depending on the visa category and its conditions.
For the specified Dubai single-entry tourist visa service, GDRFA Dubai currently lists 30-day and 60-day options with official fees of AED 200 and AED 300 respectively, plus 5% VAT. The authority lists a 48-hour expected completion time for the service, while actual processing can vary.
Pakistani applicants should pay particular attention to passport validity, the required identity-card copy, insurance and travel-ticket conditions where applicable, and the difference between official visa fees and private service charges.
Most importantly, verify the current requirements and application route before submitting documents or paying money, because UAE visa rules and service conditions can change.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Pakistani passport holders generally need a UAE entry visa before travelling to Dubai for tourism unless they qualify for another applicable entry arrangement. For Dubai tourist visas, GDRFA Dubai states that the tourist visa is issued for single entry for 30 or 60 days and that the sponsor or host in the UAE should be a tourism establishment. Pakistani applicants are specifically listed among nationalities for which an identity card from the country of origin is required for the stated Dubai tourist visa service.
Required Documents
For the Dubai single-entry tourist visa service, GDRFA Dubai lists one personal photograph, a passport copy, and an identity card for certain nationalities including Pakistan. The passport must generally be valid for at least six months. Depending on the visa category and application route, valid health insurance and a return or onward travel ticket may also be required.
Fees
For Dubai's official single-entry tourist visa service, the listed fee is AED 200 for 30 days or AED 300 for 60 days, plus 5% VAT. These are official service fees for the specified GDRFA Dubai service and should not automatically be treated as the final amount quoted by a Pakistani travel agent, airline, hotel, or other service provider.
Processing Time
GDRFA Dubai lists an expected completion time of 48 hours for the relevant tourist visa service. This is an expected service-completion time and should not be treated as a guarantee of visa approval or travel authorization within exactly 48 hours.WHEN TO APPLY:Apply before the intended travel date and allow enough time for document preparation, application processing, possible verification, and travel arrangements. Avoid relying on a last-minute application because the actual time can vary.
Application Method
Dubai visa applications can be submitted through a
Validity Period
Dubai's official single-entry tourist visa service covers 30-day and 60-day tourist visas. Other UAE
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm that you need a UAE visa before travelling to Dubai.
- Decide that your purpose of travel is tourism.
- Decide whether you need a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
- Decide how many days you intend to stay.
- Check whether a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa matches your intended visit.
- Check your Pakistani passport expiry date.
- Make sure the passport meets the applicable six-month validity requirement.
- Prepare a clear copy of your passport.
- Prepare a recent personal photograph.
- Prepare a clear copy of your Pakistani identity card.
- Check the exact requirements of the selected Dubai visa service.
- Decide whether to use an eligible UAE-based airline visa service.
- Alternatively, check whether a UAE hotel can arrange the visa.
- Alternatively, use a licensed tourism establishment or authorized travel provider.
- For applicable Dubai immigration services, use the GDRFA Dubai channel.
- Check whether the selected service requires a UAE sponsor or tourism establishment.
- Verify the application provider before sending documents.
- Confirm the exact visa category being requested.
- Ask for a breakdown of official fees and service charges.
- Confirm whether VAT is included in the quoted amount.
- Check whether health insurance is required for your selected category.
- Check whether a return or onward ticket is required.
- Complete the application information accurately.
- Upload or submit the required documents.
- Review your passport information before submitting the application.
- Pay the applicable official fees and authorized charges.
- Keep the payment receipt or application reference.
- Monitor the application through the relevant application channel.
- Respond if the immigration authority or authorized provider requests additional information.
- Wait for the official visa decision.
- Receive the electronic visa after approval.
- Save a copy of the issued visa.
- Check your name on the issued visa.
- Check your passport number on the issued visa.
- Check the visa category.
- Check whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry.
- Check the entry-validity period.
- Check the permitted duration of stay.
- Make sure the visa information matches the passport you will use for travel.
- Keep the visa and required travel documents accessible during your journey.
Official Information
Official Website: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/tourist-visa
Contact: For Dubai immigration and visa matters, the responsible authority is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai). Federal UAE visa services are handled through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). ICP lists its call centre as 600522222.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pakistani passport holders generally need an appropriate UAE visa before travelling to Dubai for tourism unless they qualify for another applicable entry arrangement.
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE. Dubai immigration matters are handled by GDRFA Dubai, while some UAE visa services fall under the federal ICP system.
Yes. Pakistani travellers can arrange applicable Dubai tourist visas through eligible UAE-based airlines, hotels, licensed tourism establishments, and authorized visa channels.
The UAE government states that UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas directly. Tourist visas are arranged through UAE-based airlines, tour agencies, or hotels that apply through the relevant UAE authorities.
A Pakistani travel agency may provide visa-arrangement services, often working with a UAE-based tourism operator. Verify the agency and understand who is actually submitting the application.
Some UAE-based airlines provide tourist visa services subject to their own eligibility and travel conditions.
UAE government guidance states that licensed hotels can arrange tourist visas subject to their conditions.
GDRFA Dubai lists a personal photograph, passport copy, and identity card for certain nationalities including Pakistan for its specified single-entry tourist visa service.
The GDRFA Dubai service specifically lists an identity card from the country of origin for certain nationalities, including Pakistan.
The relevant UAE visa requirements generally require a passport valid for at least six months.
A personal photograph is listed among the requirements for the Dubai single-entry tourist visa service. Follow the current specifications of the application channel.
GDRFA Dubai lists AED 200 for the 30-day single-entry tourist visa service, plus 5% VAT.
GDRFA Dubai lists AED 300 for the 60-day single-entry tourist visa service, plus 5% VAT.
Not necessarily. The official GDRFA fee can be different from the total amount charged by an airline, hotel, travel agency, or other service provider.
No. A provider's total quotation may include the official visa fee, VAT, service charges, insurance, or other costs.
GDRFA Dubai lists an expected completion time of 48 hours for the relevant tourist visa service. This is not a guarantee of approval within exactly 48 hours.
Applicable Dubai visa services can be submitted through GDRFA Dubai's digital channels. The UAE government also identifies official online and authorized service channels.
GDRFA Dubai is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, the Dubai authority responsible for applicable immigration and residency services.
ICP is the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, which provides federal immigration and visa services.
The UAE government states that applicable visa applications can be processed through typing centres registered with ICP or GDRFA.
Do not assume a general bank-balance requirement for every ordinary tourist visa. The UAE specifically states a USD 4,000 bank-balance requirement for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
The USD 4,000 condition is specifically associated with the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa and should not automatically be applied to an ordinary 30-day tourist visa.
Valid health insurance is a requirement for applicable UAE tourist visa services. Check the exact conditions of the visa category being requested.
A travel ticket for continuing the journey or leaving the UAE can be required under the applicable tourist visa conditions.
No. Submission of documents does not guarantee visa approval. The relevant UAE immigration authority makes the final decision.
You should verify the authenticity of the travel agent before sending official documents or making payments. The UAE government specifically advises travellers to check the legitimacy of agents.
Ask for the exact visa category, official fee, service charge, VAT, insurance cost if applicable, processing expectations, refund conditions, and the identity of the UAE-based provider handling the application.
Dubai has a multiple-entry tourist visa service for 30 or 60 days, subject to its applicable requirements. GDRFA Dubai lists AED 300 for 30 days and AED 500 for 60 days, plus 5% VAT, for the specified service.
A single-entry visa is used for one entry, while a multiple-entry tourist visa permits multiple entries subject to the conditions and validity of the issued visa.
Dubai's specified single-entry tourist visa service provides 30-day and 60-day options. Other categories have different conditions.
Check your name, passport number, visa category, number of entries, entry validity, and permitted stay.
Yes. Immigration rules, fees, service channels, and documentation requirements can change, so applicants should verify current information before applying.
Dubai immigration information is available through GDRFA Dubai, while the UAE government portal provides information about visa channels and federal services.
Check the entry validity and all conditions on the issued visa before travelling. The visa should be valid for the intended entry date.
Contact the issuing provider or relevant immigration authority before travelling to determine how the information should be corrected.
Extension depends on the visa category and applicable immigration rules. Do not assume that every tourist visa has the same extension conditions.
Not necessarily. Tourist visas, visit visas, transit visas, and other entry permits can have different purposes, sponsors, fees, validity periods, and requirements.
Applicants should consider the risk of non-refundable travel arrangements before the visa decision. Visa processing and approval are not guaranteed.
The UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa is available to all nationalities subject to its specific conditions, including the stated financial, insurance, and travel requirements.
The UAE government states that the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows up to 90 days per visit, with the applicable annual limit.
No. A package may combine visa processing with travel, accommodation, insurance, transportation, or service charges. Only the amount identified by the relevant authority should be treated as the official visa fee.