Dubai Tourist Visa
Quick answer
A Dubai tourist visa is a UAE national visit visa, so it allows travel throughout the United Arab Emirates rather than Dubai alone. It is issued in 14, 30 and 60-day single-entry forms, with multiple-entry options available to some nationalities, and applications are completed online.
Most people searching for a "Dubai visa" are looking for the UAE tourist or visit visa. It is a national visa: the emirate you land in does not restrict where you can travel afterwards. This page explains what the visa covers, which option suits which trip, and what the application actually involves.
Is a Dubai visa different from a UAE visa?
No. Visas are issued at federal level, so a tourist visa obtained for a trip to Dubai is valid for entry into the UAE generally — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. There are no internal immigration checkpoints between the emirates for visa holders.
Entry itself is granted by immigration at your first point of arrival, whether that is Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum (DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH) or Sharjah (SHJ).
Which tourist visa should you choose?
| Visa | Typical stay | Entries | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay tourist visa | 14 days | Single | $120 |
| Standard tourist visa | 30 days | Single | $156 |
| Extended tourist visa | 60 days | Single | $234 |
| Multiple-entry options | Varies | Multiple | Quoted on eligibility |
Choosing between 14, 30 and 60 days
- 14 days suits stopovers, short holidays and brief family visits where the dates are already fixed.
- 30 days is the most commonly issued option and covers most leisure and business trips comfortably.
- 60 days is the practical choice for extended family visits, longer business projects or trips where the return date is not yet settled — usually simpler than relying on an extension after arrival.
- Multiple-entry options matter if you plan to leave and re-enter the UAE, for example on a regional business circuit; availability depends on nationality.
How to apply for a Dubai tourist visa
- Check the record for your passport nationality on the country directory.
- Complete the online application with your passport and travel details.
- Upload a clear passport bio-page scan and a passport-style photograph.
- Confirm the price for your visa type before payment — nothing is added afterwards.
- Your file is checked for avoidable errors, then submitted through the appropriate UAE channel.
- Approved visa documentation is sent by email; keep a printed copy and a copy on your phone.
What the visa does not do
A tourist visa permits leisure and general visit travel. It is not a work permit, and it does not authorise paid employment in the UAE. It also does not guarantee entry: immigration officers make the final decision at the border, and can ask about your accommodation, funds and onward travel.
UAE visa decisions and entry permission rest with UAE immigration authorities. No agent can guarantee an approval or a fixed turnaround.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Abu Dhabi on a Dubai tourist visa?
Yes. The tourist visa is a UAE national visa and covers travel across all seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is roughly 90 minutes by road from Dubai, with intercity buses, taxis and car hire all widely available, and there are no internal immigration checks for visa holders.
How much does a Dubai tourist visa cost?
Current published prices are $120 for the 14-day visa, $156 for the 30-day and $234 for the 60-day, with multiple-entry options quoted once eligibility is checked. The exact amount is confirmed before you pay. Fees can move when UAE government or processing charges change.
How long does a Dubai visa take?
Processing depends on visa type, nationality, the quality of the documents submitted and immigration processing at the time. We do not publish a guaranteed turnaround, because no provider can honestly guarantee one. Apply as early as your plans allow and avoid non-refundable bookings that depend on approval by a specific date. UAE visa decisions and entry permission rest with UAE immigration authorities. No agent can guarantee an approval or a fixed turnaround.
Do I need a visa if I am only transiting Dubai?
If you stay airside and connect within the permitted time, you may not need to enter the UAE at all. If you want to leave the airport, or your connection is long, a transit or tourist visa may be appropriate depending on your nationality. Check your specific routing before assuming a transit is visa-free.
Is a Dubai visa the same as a visit visa?
In everyday use, yes — "tourist visa", "visit visa" and "Dubai visa" are all commonly used for the same short-stay entry permit. What matters in practice is the duration, the number of entries permitted and the conditions attached to it.
Two ways to get your UAE visa
Do the whole thing online, or have a specialist walk you through it on WhatsApp. Same price either way.
UAE visa requirements can change. Final approval and entry remain subject to UAE immigration authorities. Information reviewed 2026-08-08.
Related guides
- UAE Visa RequirementsWhat you need for a UAE tourist visa: passport validity, photo standards, supporting documents, common rejection causes and how requirements differ by nationality.
- UAE 30-Day Tourist VisaApply for the UAE 30-day tourist visa ($156). What it covers, who it suits, the documents required, how it compares with 14 and 60-day options, and how to apply.
- UAE Multiple-Entry Tourist VisaHow the UAE multiple-entry tourist visa works, who is eligible, when it is worth it compared with single-entry visas, and how to check your eligibility before applying.