Here’s How To Apply For A Dubai Tourist Visa As Sheikh Hamdan Announces Easier Application Process

It was on November 1st that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister, announced the launch of three initiatives for boosting Dubai’s global tourism competitiveness. These initiatives include integrating more visa services into Visit Dubai, which is the official tourism platform of the city. But did you know travellers can now apply for single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas, including long-term multiple-entry visas, through the Visit Dubai app? Here’s all you need to know about this update.

Tourists Can Apply For Multiple-Entry & Single-Entry Visas Through Visit Dubai

As revealed in a report in the National News, travellers will be able to apply for these aforementioned visas through Visit Dubai, with additional visa categories expected in future. Visitors will be able to access services through a single channel. They won’t have to navigate through multiple websites, applications or entities. It should be noted that the platform provides the services together with information and tools. It supports every stage of the visitor journey. This includes short-term holidays and family visits to long-stay business trips, and transit stopovers.

One Place For All Visa Types

The tourist visa comes in different options through the Visit Dubai website. The website, however, redirects applicants to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Yes, it continues to remain responsible for assessing applications and issuing visas. For a single-entry tourist visa, there are two options available, which are 30 days and 60 days. This allows visitors to enter the country once and stay for the permitted duration. Once the visitor leaves the country, they will not be able to use the Visa to enter.

A multiple-entry tourist visa is also available for 30 days and 60 days. These allow visitors to enter and leave Dubai several times during the validity period of the visa. However, these are subject to the permitted stay conditions.

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What Are The Required Documents?

Visa required a multiple number of documents. This includes passport, which is valid for at least six months, a recent passport size photo with white background, valid UAE medical insurance, and confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Visitors may be asked to provide hotel booking or accommodation details on arrival. They may also need to give additional identification documents, which depend on the nationality of the applicant.

The fee as listed by GDRFA is AED200 for a 30-day single-entry visa, while for a 60-day visa, it is AED300. This excludes VAT and other applicable service charges. For a multiple-entry visa, the fee is AED300 for a 30-day visa and AED500 for a 60-day visa, excluding VAT and other service charges that are applicable.

UAE Offers Several Types Of Visas

Dubai also offers a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for frequent visitors. Generally, each visit is limited to 90 days and allows holders to enter the country several times. This stay can, however, be extended by another 90 days if the total stay does not exceed 180 days within a year. Beyond the tourist visas that are available through the Visit Dubai website, the UAE also offers several other visas. For instance, there is also a visit visa for relatives and friends, which allows foreign nationals to travel to see people who are living in the UAE. This is issued for single or multiple entries, and it is subject to eligibility and sponsorship requirements.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/PiotrSurowiec from Getty Images (Cover image is for representative purposes only)

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