The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an ideal destination for travelers worldwide, offering rich culture, modern architecture, and unique experiences. However, before planning a visit, it’s crucial to understand the UAE visa process. Hence, this page provides an in-depth look at the visas available, eligibility criteria, the application process, and how we can assist you.

UAE Visa Categories

The UAE provides several visa options to cater to different purposes of travel. Below is a breakdown of the main types:

• Tourist Visa
  Purpose: Ideal for leisure travelers; available for single or multiple entries.
  Validity: 30 or 90 days, depending on the chosen option
• Business Visa
  Purpose: Ideal for business travelers; available for single or multiple entries.
  Validity: 30 or 90 days, depending on the chosen option
• Transit Visa
  Purpose: For travelers passing through the UAE with a stopover of at least 8 hours.
  Validity: Issued for 48 or 96 hours; non-extendable and available only through airlines in the UAE.
• Student Visa
  Purpose: For enrollees in educational institutions in the UAE.
  Validity: Up to one year, with the possibility of renewal
• Residency Visa
  Purpose: Suitable for working individuals, those starting a business, or those with sponsorships by family members.
  Validity: 1 to 3 years; renewable
• Golden Visa
  Purpose: Allows investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and exceptional talents to live, work, and study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.
  Validity: Long-term residency (5 or 10 years) 

Eligibility Criteria for a UAE Visa

The eligibility requirements for each visa type may vary. However, the following are general guidelines:

1. Tourist Visa: Applicants must have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and return flight tickets.
2. Business Visa: Requires a valid passport, invitation letter from a company in the UAE, and supporting documents for business activities.
3. Transit Visa: Requires proof of onward travel, along with hotel bookings for the stopover period.
4. Student Visa: Admission letter from an institution that the UAE recognizes, along with proof of financial means, and medical insurance.
5. Residency Visa: Requires a valid employment contract or proof of sponsorship, health insurance, and medical fitness certificate.
6. Golden Visa: Applicants must invest at least AED 2 million in a public investment fund or own one or more properties worth at least AED 2 million. In addotion, they must fully own investments and properties and not through a loan. They may also be entrepreneurs of a future-oriented/technical economic project worth at least AED 500,000, or outstanding specialized talents. Specifically, this includes doctors, scientists, creative individuals in culture and art, inventors, executive directors, athletes, and specialists in engineering and science. It is also open to outstanding students, pioneers of humanitarian work, and frontline heroes.

Additional Notes:

1. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or can receive a visa on arrival.
2. Applicants with past visa refusals or criminal records may face additional scrutiny.

How to Apply for a UAE Visa

The process of obtaining a UAE visa can vary depending on the type and purpose of the visit. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Determine your UAE visa type
  Assess which visa best suits your travel purpose (tourism, business, residence, etc.).
• Step 2: Gather the required documents
  Ensure you have a valid passport (with at least six months of validity). Also, additional documents may include recent photographs, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or a sponsor letter.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  You can submit applications online through the UAE government portal, airlines, or authorized visa service providers. In some cases, UAE embassies or consulates must process applications.
• Step 4: Pay the UAE visa fees
  Fees vary based on visa type and processing time. You can usually make payments online.
• Step 5: Receive your UAE visa
  Upon approval, you will receive the visa electronically. Print it out for immigration checks upon arrival. Typically, authorities process UAE visas within 3 to 5 business days, though urgent services can expedite the process.

Our Services

At ETA Visa Services, we understand that each visa application is unique. Our visa experts are dedicated to simplifying the process and offering a hassle-free visa application experience. Our comprehensive services include:

• Visa Advisory
  We provide insights into the visa type that best matches your travel needs. In addition, we conduct a personalized eligibility assessment and clarify any specific requirements. Moreover, we also offer expert guidance for complex cases or specific visa queries.
• Document Processing
  We assist you in gathering, reviewing, and preparing all requirements. Our team ensures each document meets UAE requirements, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections. In addition, we also provide guidance if you need to submit any special forms, letters, or photos.
• Visa Submission and Tracking
  Our team submits your application to the appropriate UAE portal, embassy, or visa application center. Next, we monitor your application’s progress and update you with real-time status changes. For any updates or requests for additional documents, we will communicate these to you promptly.
• UAE Visa Collection
  We will handle the collection of visas processed through embassies or centers on your behalf. More importantly, we will verify the visa’s accuracy before delivering it to you, ensuring a smooth process for your travel. 
• Online Applications
  Apart from visa applications to the UAE embassies or visa application centers, we also support online visa applications for eligible travelers. For instance, our team ensures you complete your e-visa application with the required information and documents. Furthermore, this service eliminates the need for physical paperwork and visits to the UAE embassy / consulate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
  Yes, tourist visas can be extended twice, each for 60 days. Furthermore, the extension must be processed before the current visa expires. However, note that it comes with certain rules and limitations. 
• Do all nationalities require a visa to enter the UAE?
  No, citizens of certain countries can enter the UAE visa-free for up to 90 days or obtain a visa on arrival. Particularly, this includes most European Union countries (except Ireland), as well as Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. In addition, it also applies to citizens of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Maldives, and Montenegro, among other countries.
  Note: Visa policies can change. Hence, it’s best to check with the nearest UAE embassy / consulate or your airline. In addition, you can also check the official UAE government portal for the most up-to-date information.   
• What happens if my visa application is rejected?
  If authorities reject your e-visa application, then they will inform you of the reason. In some cases, they may not refund the application fees. However, you may be able to re-apply depending on the grounds for the rejection.
• What airlines accept UAE e-visa applications?
  Apart from hotels, travel agencies, and other third-party entities, you may also apply via airline portals. Specifically, this is possible if you’re flying with airlines like Emirates Airlines or Flydubai.
• Can I apply for a UAE e-visa if I have a residence permit in a GCC country?
  Yes, expatriate residents of GCC countries can apply for a UAE visit visa. However, this is possible as long as they have a valid GCC residence permit for at least six months. Additionally, they must also meet certain professional criteria.