Planning a trip to the UAE? Whether you dream of exploring the futuristic skyline of Dubai, soaking up the culture of Abu Dhabi, or enjoying the calm desert adventures of Ras Al Khaimah, you’re in for an unforgettable journey.
But before you pack your bags and book your tickets, one essential step is getting your UAE tourist visa sorted. The good news? You can apply online, hassle-free, and from the comfort of your home.
In this blog by Super Dream UAE, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from the types of tourist visas, documents required, step-by-step application process, visa fees, and some insider tips to make the entire journey smooth.
Introduction to UAE Tourism
Do You Need a Visa to Visit the UAE?
Types of UAE Tourist Visas
Tourist Visa Validity & Duration
Documents Required for UAE Tourist Visa
How to Apply for UAE Tourist Visa Online – Step-by-Step
UAE Visa Fees and Processing Time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
What to Expect After Applying
Tips for a Smooth Travel Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words from Super Dream UAE
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited countries in the world. From the glittering shopping malls and beaches of Dubai to the cultural richness of Sharjah and historical charm of Al Ain – there’s something for everyone.
Tourism plays a big role in the UAE economy. Millions of tourists arrive every year, drawn by iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and thrilling experiences like desert safaris, dune bashing, and skydiving.
The UAE has made tourism easier with simple and accessible online visa options, especially for short visits. Let’s get started with whether or not you need a visa.
It depends on your nationality.
Visa-Free Entry: Citizens from countries like the USA, UK, EU nations, Japan, Australia, and a few GCC countries get visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival.
Visa Required: Most South Asian, African, and certain Eastern European countries require a tourist visa in advance.
If you're unsure whether your country requires a visa, you can check with your airline or embassy – or just continue reading, because we’ll cover the process in detail.
There are several types of tourist visas available based on your travel duration and purpose. Here's a breakdown:
Valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
Ideal for short vacations, family visits, or quick business meetings.
Extended tourist visa for longer holidays or extended stays.
Can be used for exploring multiple emirates.
Best for people visiting family or planning to explore the UAE in-depth.
Can be single or multiple entry.
New option introduced for long-term travelers.
Stay up to 90 days per visit, extendable for another 90 days.
Popular among business visitors and frequent tourists.
It’s important to distinguish between visa validity and stay duration:
Visa Validity: This is the period in which you must enter the UAE after your visa is issued (typically 60 days).
Stay Duration: This is the maximum number of days you’re allowed to stay once you enter the UAE.
If you overstay your visa, fines will apply – usually AED 50 per day or more. So always plan your exit or extension in time.
The requirements are quite simple. You don’t need to visit an embassy or get into long paperwork. Here’s what you typically need:
A clear scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A recent passport-sized photo with white background
Flight reservation details (not always mandatory)
Hotel booking or UAE address (recommended)
Guarantor documents (only in some cases)
Optional (but helpful):
Travel insurance
Proof of sufficient funds (for longer stays)
Note: For children, birth certificates may also be required.
Let’s break it down in easy steps. Applying online is the most efficient and popular method.
Decide whether you want a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day visa depending on your travel plan.
Keep all your documents ready in digital format – preferably JPG or PDF.
Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and FlyDubai offer visa services. Alternatively, you can apply through registered travel agents in the UAE.
Super Dream UAE also helps you through the application process to make it even easier.
Provide your personal details such as:
Full Name
Passport Number
Nationality
Date of Birth
Travel Dates
Attach your passport scan, photo, and other necessary documents.
Use your debit/credit card to pay the application fee securely.
Double-check all details and hit submit.
You’ll receive a confirmation email and tracking ID.
30-Day Visa: AED 250–400
60-Day Visa: AED 500–700
90-Day Visa: AED 900–1200
5-Year Multi-Entry: AED 1500–2000+
Prices vary depending on the agent, airline, or platform.
Standard: 3 to 5 working days
Express (Urgent): 24 to 48 hours
It's always a good idea to apply at least 1–2 weeks in advance to avoid delays.
Here are some things that can delay or reject your visa application:
Blurry passport scans or photo
Expired passport
Providing incorrect details (like wrong DOB)
Applying too late before travel
Incomplete forms or missing documents
Tip from Super Dream UAE: Always triple-check your documents and information before submitting.
Once submitted, your visa status will go through the following stages:
Application Received
Under Review
Approved / Rejected
If approved, you’ll receive the e-visa PDF via email. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone as well. You’ll need it when boarding and at immigration.
In rare cases, your application might be rejected. Don’t panic – sometimes it’s just a document error or a missing piece of information. You can reapply with the correct documents.
Carry a printed copy of your visa.
Keep your passport handy at immigration.
Avoid overstaying your visa – fines are strict.
Always check the latest travel and health regulations before flying.
Respect UAE laws and cultural norms during your stay.
Pro tip: Download local apps like Careem (for rides), Zomato (for food), and RTA (for transport) to make your journey easier.
Yes! You can extend your visa for another 30 days twice without
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