Visa types
Dubai tourist visa: routes, documents and choices
A tourist visa is relevant when a traveller is not eligible for visa-free entry or permission on arrival. The exact application channel, price and conditions depend on the visa product and the airline, hotel, licensed tourism office or authority handling it.
This page does not cover: employment, residence or assuming every applicant can apply directly to the same authority.
Start with eligibility, not a product
First confirm whether you need a prearranged tourist visa at all. Buying the wrong product can waste money and may not be refundable.
The UAE Government says tourist visas can be arranged through UAE-based airlines, hotels and travel agents. The provider may impose its own booking or sponsorship conditions in addition to the government service conditions.
Common Dubai tourist services
| Service | Official Dubai description | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry, 30 days | GDRFA lists a 30-day single-visit tourism service. | One entry; provider eligibility still applies. |
| Single entry, 60 days | GDRFA lists a 60-day single-visit tourism service. | Longer stay does not mean multiple entry. |
| Multiple entry, 30 or 60 days | GDRFA lists multiple-entry tourism services for these periods. | Compare entry count as well as stay duration. |
| Five-year multiple entry | A separate product with financial evidence, insurance, ticket and stay limits. | Its guarantee/deposit and annual day limits make it materially different. |
Documents shown by the Dubai service
- A personal photograph.
- A passport copy; the service conditions state at least six months’ validity.
- A national identity card for certain listed nationalities on the GDRFA service page.
- A ticket to continue the journey or leave the UAE.
- Health insurance valid in the UAE.
This is a summary of a specific GDRFA service page, not a promise that it is the complete list for your airline, tourism office or personal circumstances.
A careful application sequence
- Confirm that a tourist visa is the right route and choose single or multiple entry deliberately.
- Confirm which authorised provider can handle the application and whether a flight/hotel booking is required.
- Request the complete written price, separating government charges, VAT, provider fees and any deposit.
- Submit the provider’s current document list and keep a copy of the terms and payment confirmation.
- Use the official status channel associated with the issuing authority; do not rely on an unrelated tracker.
Related guidance
Official sources checked
Open the source that applies to your situation before booking or applying. Links can change without notice.
Review and corrections
Published and independently compiled by Dubai Visa Process. Last evidence review: 3 September 2026. Rules can change between reviews.
Found a problem? See our correction process and report it.