In 2023, obtaining a Dubai Visa on Arrival (VOA) is made easy for eligible travelers. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn about the application process and enjoy your trip to Dubai.

Important Information:

• US citizens planning a trip to Dubai can avail the Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility.
• To qualify for VOA, US citizens must possess a valid US passport with a minimum of six months validity.
• The visa approval process includes security and background checks conducted by immigration authorities.
• The final decision regarding approval or denial of the Dubai VOA rests with the immigration authorities.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens Traveling to Dubai: Do You Need a Visa on Arrival?

Travelers from the United States who wish to visit Dubai are required to obtain a visa. US citizens can apply for a UAE visa upon arrival in Dubai. This also applies to individuals holding a US green card, such as Indian passport holders.

It is important to note that the Visa on Arrival (VOA) program has certain conditions and requirements that must be met. The final decision on whether to grant or deny a visa application rests with the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Unfortunately, there have been instances where Indian travelers have been denied a visa on arrival at the airport. This has resulted in significant financial losses, as they had to cancel their plans and accommodation arrangements. Additionally, they were subsequently deported from the country.

Ineligible for Dubai Visa on Arrival: What Are Your Options?

Please note that not all countries qualify for a Dubai Visa on Arrival (VOA). If you find yourself ineligible, you will be required to obtain a Dubai Tourist Visa instead.

Essential Documents for Dubai Visa on Arrival: A Complete Guide

To apply for a Dubai tourist visa (Visa on Arrival), you don't need any specific documents. However, it is important to ensure that you have the following items ready:

• Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport has a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Return Flight Ticket: You will need to show proof of your return journey from Dubai.
• Sufficient Funds: Carry enough cash or have a credit card with you to cover the visa fee, if applicable.

By having these essentials prepared, you can streamline your visa application process and ensure a smooth entry into Dubai.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Dubai Visa on Arrival

Obtaining a visa on arrival is a simple and hassle-free process. Once you arrive at the Dubai airport and disembark from your flight, you will need to proceed to the Immigration counter.

At the Immigration counter, the friendly staff will guide you through the application process. As part of this process, you will be required to undergo biometric procedures. During this stage, you will need to provide your fingerprints, and the immigration authorities may also take a photograph of you.

Once the biometric procedures are completed, the immigration authorities will affix the UAE visa onto your passport and update the information in the ICA and AMER systems. With your visa secured, you can then proceed to collect your luggage, exit the airport, and begin your wonderful vacation in Dubai.

Understanding the Dubai Visa: An Overview of the Application Process

Applying for a visa to visit Dubai may seem like a complex task, but with the right information and guidance, the process can be quite straightforward. This overview will provide you with a clear understanding of the Dubai visa application process.

Exploring the Dubai Visa on Arrival (VOA): Everything You Need to Know

A Visa On Arrival (VOA) is a convenient and efficient option for obtaining a short-term visa upon arrival at the Immigration counter, without the need for prior arrangements. Upon disembarking from your flight, you can proceed directly to the Immigration counter in Dubai to have your UAE visa stamped in your passport.

The VOA processing time in Dubai is remarkably swift, usually completed while you wait. The process is straightforward, and immigration officials will promptly stamp your passport with the UAE visa on arrival.

The UAE's Visa On Arrival system is known for its hassle-free approach, making it a popular choice among travelers seeking short stays in the country. Now, let's explore the available types of UAE visas on arrival specifically for US citizens and Indian nationals holding valid green cards.

It is important to note that while the VOA is a convenient option, there is a potential risk of having your visa application denied upon arrival at the airport.

Types of Visa on Arrival for Dubai: Explained

Dubai offers Visa On Arrival for visitors, with four different types available:

• 30-day Visa On Arrival: This visa allows visitors to stay in Dubai for a maximum of 30 days. It is a convenient option for short-term visits and tourism purposes.
• 90-day Visa On Arrival: This visa permits visitors to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days. It is suitable for individuals planning an extended stay, such as for business meetings, conferences, or exploring the city at leisure.
• 180-day Visa On Arrival: The 180-day visa is designed for those seeking a more prolonged stay in Dubai. It allows visitors to stay for a maximum of 180 days, offering greater flexibility for individuals who wish to engage in long-term projects or spend an extended period with family and friends.

Please note that the 14-day Visa On Arrival is exclusively available for Indian nationals. We will provide more detailed information about this particular visa in a later section of this blog.

In the following sections, we will delve into the specific requirements, application process, and other important details for each of these Visa On Arrival options in Dubai.

30-Day UAE Visa on Arrival: Your Guide to the Application Process

The 30-day Visa On Arrival is an ideal option for short-term visits to Dubai, but it's essential to understand its limitations and requirements.

This visa allows for a single entry into the country, meaning you can enter Dubai only once during its validity. You'll have a total of 30 days to explore and experience Dubai's attractions, with an additional 10-day grace period before your departure becomes necessary. It's crucial to abide by these timelines as overstaying can result in fines.

Should you desire an extended stay, you can apply for a visa extension through the Immigration authority, granting you an additional 40 days. The cost for extending your 30-day UAE on-arrival visa is AED 1000.

For travelers who plan to leave and return, obtaining a new 30-day Visa On Arrival is possible each time they enter the country, without any limit on the number of visas one can acquire.

Requirements for the 30-day Visa On Arrival:

• A valid passport or US green card, with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• A return flight ticket as evidence of your intention to return to your home country.
• Eligibility is limited to passport holders from specific countries.

Processing time and cost for the visa:

Your 30-day UAE on-arrival visa will be processed promptly upon your arrival at the airport, and it is provided at no cost.

Please note that during peak travel periods, there may be a queue for visa processing due to the high number of travelers.

90-Day UAE Visa on Arrival: How to Obtain It

The 90-day Dubai on-arrival visa offers the convenience of multiple entries within a 6-month validity period. This visa is specifically designed for citizens of 48 eligible countries, making it an excellent choice for individuals planning an extended stay in Dubai.

With a multiple-entry visa, you have the flexibility to enter and exit Dubai as many times as desired within a 6-month period. This visa option is particularly beneficial for frequent business travelers who need to make multiple visits to Dubai.

It's important to note that the 90-day Dubai on-arrival visa cannot be extended beyond its initial duration.

Requirements for the 90-Day Visa on Arrival:

To apply for the 90-day Dubai on-arrival visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Valid Passport or US Green Card: Ensure that your passport or US green card remains valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Dubai.
• Return Flight Ticket: Present a return flight ticket as proof of your intention to return to your home country after your stay in Dubai.

Visa Processing Time and Cost:

The 90-day Dubai on-arrival visa is available free of charge. Upon your arrival at the airport, you can have your visa processed immediately. However, during busy periods, there may be a waiting time in the queue before your turn.

Rest assured, the visa processing procedure is typically swift and hassle-free.

180-Day Visa on Arrival in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Dubai offers a convenient and flexible 180-day on-arrival visa, which grants multiple entries into the country. With this visa, visitors can freely enter and exit Dubai on various occasions throughout the 6-month validity period.

To be eligible for this visa, you must ensure that you meet the following requirements:

• Valid Mexican passport: Your passport should be up to date and valid for the duration of your stay in Dubai. Make sure to check the expiration date and renew it if necessary.
• Return flight ticket: As part of the visa application process, you will need to provide proof of a confirmed return flight ticket. This demonstrates that you have planned your trip and intend to leave Dubai within the visa's 6-month validity period.

By fulfilling these requirements, you can enjoy the convenience of the 180-day on-arrival visa, allowing you to explore Dubai at your leisure and make multiple visits within the visa's duration.

14-Day Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens: Application Process Unveiled

The 14-day visa on arrival is a single-entry visa specifically designed for Indian nationals visiting Dubai.

The visa on arrival for Indian passport holders in Dubai remains valid for 14 days from the date of issue and grants entry into Dubai for a single visit.

If you wish to extend your stay, you have the option to extend this visa for an additional 14 days. It is important to note that failing to exit the country or extend your visa within the designated timeframe may result in fines. Once extended, the visa will remain valid for a total of 28 days.

What are the requirements for obtaining a 14-day visa on arrival?

To be eligible for the 14-day visa on arrival, you must hold an Indian passport and possess a valid residence visa issued by the UK or EU countries, or alternatively, possess a green card or visitor's visa issued by the USA. The requirements for this visa are similar to other visa-on-arrival applications and include a return flight ticket and a valid passport.

For detailed instructions on how to apply for the Dubai visa on arrival for Indian citizens, you can refer to the "Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indians" guide.

How much does the 14-day visa on arrival cost?

Unlike other visa on arrival options, the 14-day visa requires a payment of 120 AED. It is important to note that visa fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the Embassy or Consulate website for the most up-to-date information regarding visa costs.

Can I extend my 14-day visa on arrival?

Absolutely! You have the opportunity to extend your visa once, allowing for an additional 14 days in Dubai. To extend your visa, you must visit an Immigration office prior to the expiration of your current visa on arrival.

Please be aware that there is a visa extension fee of 250 AED associated with extending your visa.

Dubai Visa on Arrival: Receiving a New Visa Each Time You Enter and Exit

Unfortunately, not all visa categories provide this convenience. Individuals with a 30-day on-arrival visa can enter the country and exit without the need to obtain another visa or pay any additional fees.

However, it's important to note that this benefit is not extended to holders of other types of on-arrival visas. Only individuals who have been outside the country for a duration of six months or longer are eligible for a new on-arrival visa free of charge. The issuance of on-arrival visas is at the discretion of immigration officials, who hold the sole authority in this matter.

Denied Dubai VOA: Understanding the Consequences and Next Steps

If your application for a Dubai Visa on Arrival (VOA) is rejected, it means you will not be granted entry into the country through the VOA program. The immigration officer at the port of entry will inform you of the denial, and you will be obligated to return to your country of origin or the last location you departed from.

Considering these circumstances, it is strongly recommended for Indian travelers to secure their Dubai tourist visa in advance rather than relying on the VOA option.

FAQ

Can I apply for a Dubai visa on arrival?

Yes, you can apply for a Dubai visa on arrival if you are an Indian national with a valid US green card. To learn more about the Dubai visa on arrival process for Indians, please refer to our detailed blog.

Which countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai?

Dubai offers on-arrival visas of different durations (30, 90, and 180 days) to various countries. Here are the eligible countries:

Countries eligible for a 30-day UAE visa on arrival:

Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vatican City.

Countries eligible for a 90-day UAE visa on arrival:

Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay.

*180-day VOA: If you hold a Mexican passport, you are eligible for a 180-day visa on arrival.

Do I need a passport to go to Dubai?

Yes, a valid passport is required for entry into the UAE, including Dubai.

Can I extend a Dubai visa on arrival?

Yes, you can extend certain UAE on-arrival visa types. Here are the details:

• 30-day visa on arrival: You can extend this visa once for an additional 30 days. The extension can be done at the Immigration offices in Dubai before your visa expires. Please note that there is a visa extension fee of 1000 AED.
• 90-day and 180-day visas on arrival: Unfortunately, these visas cannot be extended.

Is it easy to get a visa on arrival for Dubai?

Yes, obtaining a visa on arrival for Dubai is relatively easy. All you need to do is arrive in Dubai and apply at the airport.

Where can I apply for a Dubai transit visa?

The most convenient way to apply for a Dubai Transit Visa is through your airline. Normally, airlines handle the application process for transit visas in Dubai. Your airline will submit the application through the eChannel or the GDRFA website for the respective Emirate. Once your UAE visa is approved, the airline will notify you.

Can US Green Card holders get a visa on arrival?

The eligibility for a visa on arrival for US Green Card holders depends on your passport. If your country is listed in the "What Countries Are Eligible For A VOA?" section mentioned above, you are eligible for the respective Dubai visa on arrival as a US Green Card holder.