Visa Types
UAE Visa Requirements Explained
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family and friends, do business, or transit through UAE.
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About United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital, located in the Western Asia on the Eastern Coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The seven emirates are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
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About Tourist Visa For Travel to the UAE
- Tourist Visa for Travel to the UAE — The UAE Embassy does not issue visit/tourist visas on ordinary passports.
- Tourist visa for an Indian National, holding an ordinary passport, is arranged by a sponsor in UAE. It can also be obtained on booking a hotel in UAE or through the Emirates Airlines Office or the Air Arabia Office or through a Travel Agent in India.
Note: Indian Nationals, with a valid US Visa (minimum 6 months) can get Visa on Arrival at the UAE Airport.
Key Points for UAE Visit Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to UAE?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to UAE
UAE visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online or Offline at VFS Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, Biometrics not required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a UAE visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a UAE visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visit visa, you can stay for up to 90 days.
What kind of visa will we acquire from UAE?
The embassy will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label on your passport.
You will receive an E-Visa from the Embassy, which you can access through your Account.
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Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
The visa fees for the UAE for all categories from India are as follows: Visitor Visa:
- Single entry: AED 330 (approximately INR 7,400)
- Multiple entry: AED 800 (approximately INR 17,845)
- 60-day single entry: AED 650 (approximately INR 14,500)
- For undergraduate studies: AED 1,500 (approximately INR 35,690)
- For postgraduate studies: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
- For PhD studies: AED 2,500 (approximately INR 57,260)
- For skilled workers: AED 3,000 (approximately INR 68,850)
- For unskilled workers: AED 2,000 (approximately INR 46,475)
- For investors: AED 500,000 (approximately INR 1.14 crore)
- For entrepreneurs: AED 250,000 (approximately INR 57,260,000)
- For highly skilled workers: AED 100,000 (approximately INR 2,294,250)
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How to Apply for a Visa for UAE?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has specific requirements for obtaining a visa to enter the country. Here are the options you mentioned for obtaining a UAE visa:
Host or Sponsor in the UAE: To apply for a UAE visa, you typically need a host or sponsor who is living in the UAE. This can be a family member, friend, or a company/employer. The host or sponsor will be responsible for initiating the visa process on your behalf and will be required to provide necessary documentation to support your visa application.
Licensed Travel Agency: Another option is to apply for a UAE visa through a licensed travel agency. In some cases, when you purchase a travel ticket through the agency, they may assist you with the visa application process. It's important to ensure that the travel agency you choose is reputable and authorized to handle UAE visa applications.
VFS Centres in India: If you are in India, you can submit your UAE visa application at the VFS Centres. VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company that handles visa application services on behalf of various countries, including the UAE.
UAE Immigration & E-Visa Portal: The UAE also offers an online application system called the UAE Immigration & E-Visa Portal. This portal allows eligible individuals to apply for a visa electronically. However, it's worth noting that not all types of UAE visas are available through the e-visa system, and certain visa categories may still require a sponsor or authorized service.
Step-by-step guide (VFS Global)
Let us walk you through the process
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Identify Visa Type
- When applying for a visa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is important to identify the specific visa type based on your purpose of visit, such as tourism, business, employment, or family visit.
- Visit the official website of the UAE embassy or consulate in your country to access comprehensive information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures.
- Review the specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and sponsorship obligations for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application for the UAE.
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Begin your application
Once you have prepared for your visa application, you can download the visa application form, fill it out completely, print the form, and bring it along with the required documents for your chosen visa category to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
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Book an appointment
Once you have filled your visa form, you can drop off at the visa application center with no need to book an appointment. Please check opening hours.
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Pay your fees
Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment can be made at the time of your appointment.
You will have to pay the Visa fee at the Visa Application Centre in .
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Visit a Visa Application Centre
You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person or by your representative.
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Track your application
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your passport expiry date to access this service.
Step by Step Guidelines (UAE Immigration & E-Visa Portal)
Let us walk you through the process
- Fill your information in online forms to process your e-visa to UAE at the link Apply for UAE e-Visa.
- In this step, you are required to enter the exact personal information of the applicants to avoid unwanted delays
- Please double-check your information to make sure that all of it is correct before submitting it. After that, choose the payment method and fill in the secure payment page for our visa service fee.
- After receiving full payment for Visa Service Fee and United Arab Emirates Government Fee, you need to provide some extra documents to complete your application form when we require
- After finishing step 2, please check your email from us for your confirmed information, and we will let you know when you will have your UAE e-Visa .
- Get the e-Visa within 03 business days for normal service.
- Get the eVisa within 48 hours for urgent service.
- Get the eVisa within 24 hours for super urgent service.
- The e-Visa will be processed and issued electronically and sent to you via email.
- Please print your UAE e-Visa that we send you via email to board the airplane.
- When you arrive in the UAE with a valid e-Visa, you may have biometric information taken at the arrival port, and a stamp placed inside your passport.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
The document requirements for a UAE visitor visa may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the type of visa being applied for. It is essential to consult with the UAE embassy or consulate or an authorized visa processing agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
However, for a standard UAE visitor visa application, the following documents are typically required:
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Passport:
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the UAE. It should also have sufficient blank pages for visa stamps. -
Visa Application Form:
You need to complete and sign the visa application form. The form typically asks for personal information, travel details, and purpose of visit. -
Passport-sized Photographs:
You need to provide recent, colored photographs with a white background. The specifications may vary, but generally, two passport-sized photographs are required. -
Flight Itinerary:
You must submit proof of confirmed flight reservations or round-trip tickets. This shows your intention to enter and leave the UAE within the allowed period. -
Proof of Accommodation:
You need to provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements in the UAE. This can be in the form of hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host, such as a family member or friend, stating that you will be staying with them.
It is important to note that document requirements can vary, and additional documents may be requested based on individual circumstances or specific visa regulations. It is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the document requirements for a UAE visitor visa.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
There are multiple ways to apply for a UAE visa from India. Here are four common methods:
Government Portals: The UAE government provides online portals where you can apply for a tourist visa. These portals allow you to submit your visa application, provide the required documents, and make the necessary payments online.
National Airlines: Some national airlines, such as Emirates and Etihad Airways, offer visa services to their passengers. You can apply for a UAE visa through their official websites or by contacting their customer service.
VFS Global: VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company that operates visa application centers for various countries, including the UAE. They have centers in different cities in India, where you can submit your visa application and supporting documents. VFS Global acts as an intermediary between the applicant and the UAE immigration authorities, helping streamline the visa application process.
Travel Agents: Travel agents or tour operators can assist you in applying for a UAE visa. They have experience and expertise in handling visa applications and can guide you through the process. They will collect the required documents, submit the application on your behalf, and provide updates on the visa status.
When choosing a method to apply for a UAE visa, consider factors such as convenience, reliability, and any additional services provided. It's recommended to verify the specific requirements and processes associated with each method and choose the one that suits your needs best
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Here is a step-by-step process explaining how to apply for a visitor visa to the UAE from India using the available options mentioned:
Government Portals to Apply for a Tourist Visa:
- Visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website.
- Look for the visa application section and select the type of visa you wish to apply for, such as a tourist visa.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete details, including personal information and travel plans.
- Upload the required supporting documents, which may include a copy of your passport, passport-sized photographs, and proof of accommodation and travel arrangements.
- Pay the visa application fee online, following the instructions provided on the website.
- Submit your application and wait for the visa processing time specified by the authorities. You may receive updates on the application status through email or the online portal.
National Airlines:
- Visit the official website of the national airline, such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, or Air Arabia.
- Look for the visa services section or a dedicated page for visa applications.
- Follow the instructions provided on the website to access the visa application form.
- Fill out the application form with the required details, including personal information and travel plans.
- Attach the necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of your passport and passport-sized photographs.
- Submit the application form online and pay the visa processing fee as instructed.
- Wait for the airline to process your visa application and provide you with updates on the status. This may be communicated through email or the airline's online portal.
Hotels in the UAE:
- Contact the hotel in the UAE where you plan to stay during your visit.
- Inquire about their visa services and requirements.
- Provide the necessary details and documents requested by the hotel.
- Pay the applicable visa processing fee to the hotel.
- The hotel will process your visa application and provide updates on the status.
Travel Agencies:
- Research and choose a reputable travel agency in the UAE.
- Get in touch with the agency and explain your visa requirements.
- Provide the required documents, such as a copy of your passport and passport-sized photographs, to the travel agency.
- Pay the visa processing fee as per the agency's instructions.
- The travel agency will handle the visa application process on your behalf and keep you informed about the progress.
VFS Global:
- Visit the VFS Global website and select the UAE as the destination country.
- Explore the visa services offered by VFS Global for the UAE.
- Follow the instructions to access the visa application form.
- Fill out the application form with accurate details, including personal information and travel plans.
- Attach the necessary supporting documents as specified by VFS Global.
- Pay the visa processing fee online through the provided payment methods.
- Submit your application through the VFS Global website.
- VFS Global will handle the visa processing and communicate with you regarding the application status.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the chosen option and the type of visa you are applying for. Always refer to the respective websites or contact the relevant authorities or service providers for the most up-to-date and accurate information