Travellers from all over the world flock to Dubai, famous for luxury shopping, beautiful beaches and an iconic skyline. But, you need to understand which tourist visa suits your travel plan best before you pack your bags. There are three main short-term visas issued by Dubai you can choose from. These are the 14-day, 30-day and 60-day visas. What you want to do during your visit and how long you plan to stay decide which one you should choose.
This blog is a detailed discussion on a Dubai tourist visa where we have explained each visa type so you can decide which one you should choose.
What Is a Tourist Visa to Dubai?
Allowing foreign nationals to visit Dubai for leisure purposes, a tourist visa is a short-term entry permit. These visas are issued by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government. You can apply for them through airlines, travel agencies, hotels or online directly.
Those not eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival, especially tourists from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and some other countries need to apply for a visa before landing in the UAE.
Overview of the Three Tourist Visas
With its own purpose and suited for travellers of different types, there are tourist visas of 14 days, 30 days and 60 days available from the UAE. Here are the details of each:
The 14-Day Tourist Visa
Meant for: stopovers, short getaways or quick business tripsAllowing you to stay in Dubai for up to 14 days, these are single-entry visas. These cater to travellers passing through Dubai en route to another destination or those looking to visit Dubai on a short visit. It’s used for weekend breaks or for attending short events or meetings by many visitors.
Why choose it?
If you already know your itinerary and are planning a trip of less than two weeks, this visa is the most cost-effective option. These visas are suitable even when you want to explore Dubai for a few days while passing through the city to another country.
The 30-Day Tourist Visa
Meant for: Festivals, family holidays or medical tourism With the 30-day visa, you have more time to explore Dubai and other cities in the UAE as well. Enjoy more relaxed travelling with no rush visiting iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah to name just a few. You can also opt for this visa when you visit family members or attend events for a longer time. Once you leave the UAE, the visa is no longer valid since it’s a single-entry visa.
Why choose it?
If you’re keen to explore Dubai at a relaxed pace or you want to stay with your family for some time, you have a balanced option in the 30 days Dubai visa. There’s enough time for you to travel around the city and enjoy its diversity.
The 60-Day Tourist Visa
Meant for: Remote work trips, long stays or extended family visits Those who want to stay longer in Dubai should apply for the 60-day visa. This visa offers the most flexibility when you’re visiting your relatives, working remotely or exploring business opportunities. You can also explore nearby emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah since there’s more time in your hand.
Why choose it?
If you want to avoid the hassle of having to extend your visa and when you need more than a month, a 60-day visa is your best choice. While it costs more than a 14-day and a 30-day visa, it serves your needs better when you’re planning a longer stay.
How to Choose the Right Visa for Your Trip
Your personal travel needs and how long you need to stay decide which is the correct visa for you. You may consider the following factors:
Duration of Stay
The 14-day visa is perfect if your trip is short, under two weeks. The 30-day visa works well if you plan to visit Dubai for around three to four weeks. Go for the 60-day visa if you are planning a stay of more than one month.
Travel Budget
The longer you stay, the higher the visa fee. The cost for the 14-day visa is the lowest, the 30-day visa slightly higher and that of the 60-day visa is the highest. When you choose a visa, you must take your budget into consideration.
Purpose of Visit
The 14-day visa is suitable if you’re taking a short holiday, attending an event or just transiting through Dubai. The 30-day visa is ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed trip to Dubai or for longer family holidays. Choose the 60-day visa for long-term visits or remote work trips.
Risk of Overstay
You’ll be fined if you overstay your visa. You should therefore choose a visa that leaves you with enough time so you can complete all your activities. Applying for a longer visa makes more sense than overstaying with a shorter one and failing to complete what you came for.
Also Read : Dubai Family Trip: Visa and Travel Tips for Indian Citizens
How to Apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa
There are certain methods through which you can apply for a tourist visa to Dubai. Here are the details:
- Through UAE-based airlines like Emirates or FlyDubai
- Through travel agencies or tour operators
- Hotels in Dubai if you book your stay with them
- Online visa portals
You must apply at least a week before the day you plan to travel. While a regular visa takes 3-5 working days for processing, you can get one quicker by paying extra for express services.
Conclusion
Make sure that you choose the right visa so you can make the most of your Dubai trip. Travel Saga Tourism has the necessary expertise and experience to assist you. You may be looking for a quick visit, a family holiday or an extended stay, you’ll find a visa that fits your needs perfectly. Before you decide on one, assess your budget, travel duration and why you’re travelling. Pick the right visa and enjoy a smooth visit to Dubai