Dubai Tourist Visa Guidelines: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

The city of Dubai, once a tiny fishing hamlet on the Arabian Gulf, is now one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. As one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is home to almost 200 nationalities and offers tourists an unforgettable experience. Dubai exudes a spirit of potential and creativity, whether on the banks of the Creek or at the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest structure. Memories are just waiting to be formed here, with an unrivalled coastline, stunning desert, and magnificent cityscapes.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reopened its borders and restarted tourist visa applications for fully vaccinated visitors, including Indian citizens, ahead of Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Dubai Tourist Visa Guidelines in 2024

The Dubai Tourist Visa Guidelines outline the specific rules and regulations established by the Dubai immigration authorities for visitors who wish to explore the city's wonders. To help you navigate through this topic effectively, we have divided the guidelines into various sections for your convenience.

Must Read: Dubai Visa for Cameroon Passport Holder Living in Cameroon  

1. Types of Dubai Tourist Visas

Dubai offers different types of tourist visas based on the duration and purpose of your visit. Let's take a closer look at these visa categories:

1. 14-Day Tourist Visa
2. 30-Day Tourist Visa
3. 90-Day Tourist Visa

Each visa type comes with its own validity period, allowing you to plan your stay accordingly.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To obtain a Dubai tourist visa, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. The following requirements must be fulfilled:

• A valid passport with a minimum validity term of six months is required.
• Confirmed return ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Dubai
• Proof of financial ability to finance your stay
• No criminal record

It's crucial to ensure that you fulfil these criteria before proceeding with your visa application.

Suggested Read: Am I Eligible for Dubai Transit Visa with Layover Less Than Eight Hours 

3. Application Process

The application process for a Dubai tourist visa is relatively straightforward. To apply for a visa, follow these steps:

• Fill out the online visa application form.
• Attach the required documents, such as passport copies, photographs, and flight details.
• Pay the visa fee through the designated payment channels.
• Submit your application.

Your application will be assessed by immigration authorities once it has been filed, and you will be notified regarding the status of your visa.

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4. Required Documents

When applying for a Dubai tourist visa, it's essential to prepare the necessary documents. The following documents are typically required:

• Passport with at least six months' validity
• Passport-size photographs
• Confirmed return ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Dubai (hotel booking, invitation letter from a host, etc.)
• Bank statements or other proof of financial capability
• Completed visa application form

Make sure to have these documents ready and ensure their accuracy before submitting your visa application.

5. Processing Time

The Dubai Tourist Visa Processing Time varies according to the visa category and other criteria. Typically, it takes around 3 to 5 working days for the authorities to process your application. However, during peak seasons or under certain circumstances, it may take longer. It's advisable to apply for your visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

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6. Visa Fees

Dubai tourist visa fees also depend on the type of visa you are applying for. The costs may vary from one category to another. It's important to check the official Dubai immigration website or consult with the relevant authorities to get accurate information about the current visa fees.

7. Visa Extension

If you wish to extend your stay in Dubai beyond the initial visa period, you have the option of requesting a visa extension. The extension process involves submitting the required documents and paying the extension fee. It's crucial to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid any legal complications.

Dubai Tourist Visa Rules: Covid

Passengers from Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Karachi, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia with all types of visas and/or entry permissions granted by the appropriate authority in the United Arab Emirates are permitted to travel to Dubai by following the stated rules:

1. Dubai tourist visa requirements for Indian

• First test: RT-PCR 48 hours after aircraft departure.
• 2nd test: 6 hours prior to departure at Airport (the second test will take place at the Airport six hours before departure)
• Arrival in the UAE is required for the third test (free of charge as of now).
• 4th test: All customers, including children and babies, must upload COVID-19 negative RT-PCR results to the AIR Suvidha Portal. Within 72 hours after departure, a test should have been taken.
• 5th test: If the customer's travel finishes at the first port of entry, they must pay for a molecular test when they arrive and proceed to home quarantine or self-health monitoring. They are not obligated to wait for the results of the tests.
• Customers will have to wait for the RT-PCR test results if there is an onward connection. Only if the test findings are negative will you be allowed to continue your travel.

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2. These are some of Dubai's tourist visa regulations:

• 72 hours before flight departure from Dubai, the cost of an RT-PCR test is around AED 60–80 per individual. No test is required for children under the age of one.
• A new procedure has been implemented by the Dubai Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, which will take effect on June 23, 2021.
• Residents should have had two doses of a vaccine that has been authorized by the UAE Authority.
• Within 48 hours of departure, passengers must have gotten a negative test result for a PCT Test. Citizens of the United Arab Emirates are exempt.
• Only PCR test certificates with QR codes are acceptable.
• 4 hours before departure, all travellers should undergo a rapid PCR test.
• On arrival at Dubai Airport, all passengers must undergo a PCR test. Passengers should be placed in institutionalised quarantine until they get their PCR test results, which should arrive within 24 hours. Citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates
• Diplomats are free from this requirement.

3. Operating Status

• According to the most recent information obtained on May 6, 2021, all tourists travelling from India are prohibited from entering Dubai until May 31, unless they spend 14 days in another nation before arriving in Dubai.
• Passenger Obligation
• Abu Dhabi takes 72 hours, while Sharjah takes 96 hours. Children under the age of 12 are not required to take the test. The certificate must be signed and stamped by the appropriate approved lab, and it must be in English or Arabic, with a QR code on the original report. Transiting Dubai RT-PCR 72 hours before departure is acceptable; nevertheless, the rules of the other countries will apply.
• UAE nationals are exempt from the aforementioned but will be asked to perform a PCR test upon arrival at DXB.

Further Read: Guide to Dubai Airport Transit Security Checks and Procedures 

All travellers must comply with the following requirement:.

• Before arriving at DXB, complete the Declaration Form.
• Before you go, download the COVID-19 DXB smart app.
• No later than 96 hours before departure, print a negative COVID-19 certificate and PCR test. PCR is waived for children under the age of 12 and travellers with moderate or severe impairments.
• A healthcare professional must sign and stamp all negative COVID-19 certificates (digital stamps and signatures are acceptable).
• Perform PCR tests on DXB arrivals and self-isolate until results are obtained.
• Tourists holding a valid visa or visa on arrival do not need to seek clearance from the GDRFA or the ICA.
• Tourists must have a valid round-trip ticket from their destination country.
• Tourists must have a hotel reservation or proof of address, as well as sufficient cash to cover daily expenses throughout their stay.
• The ALHOSN app must be downloaded and registered by all passengers travelling.
• The DXB Smart App must also be downloaded and registered by visitors to Dubai.
• When entering the UAE, you must download and submit a Health Declaration Form and a Quarantine Undertaking Form.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has published a list of laboratories around the nation that conduct the Covid-19 real-time RT-PCR test, TrueNat test, and CBNAAT test.

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