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Planning to Visit Dubai - dda
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Dubai?
Whether you need a visa to enter Dubai depends on few factors, primarily the type of passport you carry and your country of origin or residence. Some visitors are eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, while others are required to apply for a visa in advance.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit to enter Dubai. They need to produce their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry into Dubai.
Visa on Arrival
Passport holders of the most European countries and many other countries are eligible for visa on arrival for 30 or 90 days. Your passport will be stamped with a free-of-charge, 30- or 90-day visit visa on arrival at the airport.
Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for at least six months, and a valid US visit visa, US green card, or UK or EU residence visa, are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai for a maximum stay of 14 days. The US visa, green card, or residence visa must also be valid for at least six months. Travelers may apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days upon payment of a prescribed fee.
Mexican passport holders are eligible for a multiple entry 180-day visit visa that's valid for 6 months from the date of issue and for a stay of 180 days in total.
Prearranged Visa
Travelers who are not eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entry are required to apply for a tourist or visit visa in advance. You can apply for a tourist visa through an authorized agency, such as your travel agent, an approved airline, or your booked hotel. While processing times may vary depending on the type of visa, issuance typically takes around 48 hours. A visit visa can also be arranged by a relative or friend who is a legal resident in Dubai, through the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Notes
GCC residents are not eligible for a visa on arrival and need to obtain an e-visa before travel.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
There are fines for overstaying, which amount to a standardized fee of AED 50 a day.
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Transit Visa
A transit visa allows a foreign traveler transiting through Dubai’s airports to enter Dubai as a visitor and stay for a period not exceeding 96 hours.
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you must apply for a transit visa in advance to enter or stay in Dubai during your transit. You can apply through a UAE-based airline or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
To obtain a transit visa, passengers must have a confirmed onward flight booking outside of the UAE and a valid hotel reservation for the duration of the stay in Dubai. Copies of these bookings must be presented during the visa application process.
Explore Dubai’s Most Unique Experiences!
The skys is the limit when it comes to activities you can do on your visit to Dubai! A unique blend of modern luxury, rich culture, and endless entertainment, welcome to an unforgettable global destination. You can drive through the clouds from 13K feet over the Palm Jumeirah with Skydive Dubai, Burj Khalifa, the longest tower in the world Dubai has a wide range of exciting experiences to offer, from theme parks and waterparks to stunning skyline views and outdoor adventures in the desert. Whether you're looking for family fun or a relaxing getaway, Dubai has something for everyone to enjoy.
Free Wi Fi Access
Most government entities in Dubai provide free Wi Fi to their customers and guests to access the internet and get services they need.
Wi Fi is also accessible for free in Dubai Airport, most hotels, shopping malls, and public areas.
Free Wi-Fi is accessible also in Dubai transportation facilities like Dubai Metro and Dubai Bus stations. Explore
As of September 2023, Dubai had an extensive network of over 23,600 free Wi-Fi hotspots, located across a diverse array of public spaces and facilities. Read more
Telecommunication service providers, du and e&, provide free Wi-Fi service at many locations in Dubai.
Tourism SIM card
Often, tourists of Dubai usually get a free Tourism SIM card from the telecom operator du, when they cross immigration at Dubai airports. More Details
When making calls, remember that mobile phone numbers in the UAE are ten digits long and the country code for the UAE is +971. To call your mobile in the UAE from abroad, callers will need to dial 00971 and then your number.
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