Travel Visa Services in UAE

The UAE has updated its Travel Visa policies for 2025. Indian passport holders with valid visas or residency permits from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others can now get a visa-on-arrival. This change aims to simplify travel and strengthen global connections.

The UAE now offers 60, 90‑day, and five‑year multiple‑entry travel visas. Applicants must submit hotel bookings with QR codes, return flights, valid UAE health insurance, and show sufficient funds (approx. AED 5,000 for short-term, AED 14,400 for multi‑year).

Safe Ledger provides expert Travel Visa services in the UAE. We help travelers navigate the updated rules and ensure all applications are accurate. Safe Ledger makes the Visa process smoother and more efficient.

A Travel Visa is an official document or stamp issued by a country’s government that allows a person to enter, stay in, or leave that country for a specific period. It is usually placed in your passport or issued electronically, depending on the country’s system.

Some countries offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free access for certain passport holders.

In the UAE, travel visas are mandatory for most nationalities and can be issued for 30, 60, or 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries.

Short-Term and Long-Term Visa Options

The UAE provides a comprehensive range of Travel Visa options, catering to various durations of stay. This broad spectrum of choices accommodates different visitor needs, from brief transit to long-term residency.

Short-Term Visas:

These visas are suitable for shorter visits, typically for tourism, transit, or temporary business activities.

• Transit Visas: These visas are typically valid for 48 or 96 hours and allow for a single entry.
• Tourist Visas: Common options include durations of 14, 30, or 60 days. These may be issued for one-time or multiple entries, offering convenience for leisure travelers.
• Visit Visas: These are available for 30, 60, or 90 days, primarily for visiting family or friends.
• Short-term Business Visas: They typically range from 14 to 90 days, depending on the specific business activity.

Long-Term Visas:

For those planning an extended stay or residency in the UAE, several long-term Visa categories are available.

• Residence Visas: These are commonly issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, with the validity depending on the Visa type and the sponsor.
• Golden Visa: A premium long-term option, the Golden Visa can be valid for 5 or 10 years. It offers significant residency benefits for investors, specialists, and highly skilled professionals.
• Long-term Visa: These long-term categories include visas for working, studying, doing business, or retirement, reflecting the UAE's commitment to attracting diverse talent and investment.

The UAE's comprehensive Visa framework demonstrates its adaptability in accommodating a wide range of visitor and resident needs. This includes options for extending stays for various Visa types, further enhancing flexibility for individuals seeking to prolong their time in the country.

Electronic vs. Stamped Visas: What's the Difference?

The UAE has significantly modernized its Travel Visa application processes, moving towards digital solutions for increased efficiency and convenience.

Stamped Visas

Traditionally, visas were physical stamps or stickers affixed directly to a traveler's passport. Obtaining these often required applicants or their representatives to physically submit passports to immigration offices or embassies. This manual process can be lengthy and complicated.

Electronic Visas (e-Visas)

These are processed and issued entirely online. Upon approval, applicants receive a digital document via email, which can be printed or saved on a mobile device. This digital transformation is a key aspect of the UAE's efforts to streamline its immigration services.

Key Differences:

Here are the main distinctions between e-visas and traditional regular visas:

• Travel Visa Processing Time: E-visas are generally much quicker to obtain, typically processed within 3 to 4 working days. In contrast, traditional regular Travel Visa applications could take 4 to 6 weeks.
• Travel Visa Application Method: E-visas involve an online application process, eliminating the need for physical paperwork submission. Regular visas, where still applicable, require offline, in-person submission of documents.
• Physical Stamp: A significant change in UAE policy is that, as a rule, Dubai visas for residency are no longer physically stamped in passports. The Emirates ID has emerged as the main proof of residency, eliminating the necessity for a physical Visa stamp. This digital evolution aims to make entry and exit procedures faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
• Convenience: The shift to e-visas and digital residency proof reduces the administrative burden on travelers. It simplifies the Visa issuing process for immigration authorities and enhances overall convenience for applicants.

General Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for a Travel Visa to the UAE is determined by several factors, including an individual's nationality, their specific purpose of visit, and the intended duration of their stay. Adhering to these criteria is crucial for a successful application.

A valid passport is essential for all UAE Visa applicants and must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Failing to meet this rule can lead to Visa rejection or denied entry, so checking passport expiry in advance is crucial.

Travelers also need a confirmed round-trip or onward ticket to show intent to leave the country. For visit visas, a local sponsor, such as a UAE resident, a hotel, or a licensed UAE Visa Travel agency, is often required to support the application.

Which Nationalities are Eligible for a Visa on Arrival?

Many nationalities are eligible to obtain a travel Visa upon arrival in the UAE, simplifying the entry process for a broad range of visitors.

• 30-Day Travel Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and more, extendable once for 10 days.
• 90-Day Multiple-Entry Travel Visa: Granted free to Schengen Area, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea passport holders; valid for 6 months.
• 14-Day Travel Visa for Indians: Indian passport holders with a valid US visa/green card, UK/EU residency, can get a 14-day visa on arrival (extendable).
• Five-Year Travel Visa: Multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days at a time, extendable to 180 days in a year, ideal for frequent travelers.
• GCC Citizens: Do not require a visa, can enter the UAE with a passport or national ID.
• Essential Travel Visa Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), return ticket, hotel booking with QR code, and proof of sufficient funds (typically AED 3,000–5,000).

Due to the dynamic nature of international agreements and immigration policies, the lists of eligible countries for a Travel Visa UAE on arrival can change. Therefore, it is always recommended to check with the UAE embassy in the traveler's home country or consult the official UAE government portals for the most current information before planning a trip.

How Many Days Before Visa Expires Can I Travel to the UAE?

A UAE resident can enter the country as long as their residence Visa remains valid. However, it is crucial to allow sufficient time to both enter and exit the country within the visa's validity period. Overstaying, even by a single day, can lead to fines and potential complications for future Visa applications.

For residence Visa holders, renewal is essential to avoid penalties and travel restrictions. While it is generally possible to renew a residence Visa up to six months before its expiry, special permission and approval from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) may be required, especially if renewing early due to travel plans. It is also important to note that a passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE, regardless of Visa validity.

Applying for a UAE Travel Visa involves a structured process designed to ensure all requirements are met. Following these steps carefully helps streamline the application.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

The first crucial step is to identify the Visa type that aligns with your travel purpose. As discussed, different purposes (tourism, business, transit, visiting family) require different visas.

Step 2: Documents Required for UAE Travel Visa

Once the Visa type is determined, collect all necessary documents. This typically includes a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and travel itinerary details. Specific Visa types may require additional supporting documents.

Step 3: Choose Your Application Method

Several convenient options are available for submitting a Visa application :

• Online Application: This is often the most convenient method, especially for tourist and transit visas, available through official UAE government portals or authorized online services.
• Through a UAE Visa Travel Agency: Many travelers opt to use a reputable travel agency. These agencies offer Visa services and can handle the application process on the applicant's behalf, simplifying complex procedures.
• At a UAE Embassy or Consulate: This method is typically used for specific Visa regulations or business visas.
• Third-Party Providers: Expert third-party providers like SafeLedger handle end-to-end application support, documentation, submission, and tracking, making your visa journey smooth, error-free, and efficient.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Accurately completing the Visa application form is very important. The form requires personal information, passport details, travel information such as purpose of visit, entry/exit dates, and contact information. Even minor errors can lead to application rejection, so double-checking all details against passport information is essential.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

After completing the form and gathering documents, apply along with the required Visa fee. Travel visa fees for the UAE generally range from AED 250 to AED 800, depending on the Visa type (14-day, 30-day, 60-day, or multiple-entry) and processing time. Payments can usually be made online, through a travel agency, or at an embassy/consulate. It is advisable to keep a copy of the payment receipt and submission confirmation.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Once submitted, applicants can track their Visa status online using a reference number. Checking the status regularly, especially as the travel date approaches, is recommended, as processing times can vary.

Additional Travel Products & Services

Beyond the Visa itself, several related travel products and services can enhance a trip to the UAE.

• Visa Travel Card

A Visa travel card often functions as a multi-currency prepaid card or a credit card with specialized travel benefits. These cards allow users to load multiple currencies, lock in favorable exchange rates, and manage travel expenses conveniently.

They can be obtained from various financial institutions and exchange houses in the UAE, such as Arab Bank or Al Fardan Exchange, or through international services like Wise. Benefits often include competitive exchange rates, access to airport lounges, and security features like fraud protection.

• Visa Travel Insurance

Travel insurance provides crucial protection against unforeseen circumstances during a trip. Policies can cover emergency medical expenses (including for COVID-19), trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or damage, and travel delays.

While the UAE ended its mandatory travel medical insurance requirement in 2022, it is still strongly recommended for all visitors due to the high cost of medical care in the country. Insurance can be purchased online from providers like AIG UAE.

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A successful Visa application hinges on submitting the correct and complete set of documents. Travel Visa Requirements vary by Visa type, but some core documents are universally essential.

• Valid Passport: The passport must be original and signed by the bearer. It should not expire within six months of the expected arrival date in the UAE.
• Passport-sized Photos: Recent color photographs with a plain white background are required. Photos must be high-resolution, clear, and show the face clearly with a neutral expression, without shadows or edits.
• Confirmed Round-Trip or Onward Ticket: Proof of confirmed travel arrangements into and out of the UAE is typically required.
• Travel Itinerary/Accommodation Proof: This includes details of flight bookings, hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation if staying with family or friends in the UAE.

Additional Documents (vary by Visa type):

Depending on the specific Visa category and nationality, additional documents may be necessary:

• A letter of invitation for business visas or visit visas.
• Proof of relationship for visit visas (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
• Sponsor's bank statements or salary certificate for visit or family visas.
• Educational certificates, attested by the UAE Embassy, for employment visas.
• Proof of sufficient funds or financial stability to cover the stay.

Travel Document Number on Visa

The UAE Visa File Number, also called the Unique Visa Serial Number, is an alphanumeric code assigned to each visa. Found on the Visa stamp or electronic document, it’s essential for checking Visa status, renewals, cancellations, and confirming legal stay in the UAE.

The cost varies depending on the Visa type, its duration, and whether standard or express processing is chosen.

Visa Service Fees

Official Visa fees are set by the UAE authorities. For example:

• A 48-hour transit Visa can cost around AED 55.
• A 96-hour transit Visa is approximately AED 216.
• A 30-day single-entry tourist Visa typically costs around AED 350, while a 60-day single-entry tourist Visa is about AED 650.
• Indian citizens eligible for a Visa on arrival pay a fee of AED 100.
• Extensions for tourist visas generally incur additional fees, such as AED 800 for a 30-day extension.

It is important to note that Visa fees are generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted. Additional processing fees may also apply, especially when applying through airlines or travel agencies.

Urgent/Express Visa Charges

Urgent or express UAE visas offer faster processing for an extra fee. For example, a 30-day express tourist Visa for Indian travelers may cost around AED 479–630. Processing time is typically 1–2 days, ideal for urgent travel needs.

The UAE's Visa system offers several advantages to applicants, designed to facilitate travel and residency.

Quick Approvals

The modernization of visa processes, especially with the rise of e-visas, has drastically reduced, from the earlier 7–10 business days to just 2–5 days now, with express options available in as little as 24–48 hours. This efficiency allows travelers to plan with greater certainty.

Simplified Documentation

Digital application platforms reduce the need for extensive paperwork and minimize physical visits to service centers. This streamlined approach makes the application process more convenient and less burdensome for individuals.

Multiple Options

The UAE offers a wide array of Visa types, including tourist, business, transit, visit, and various long-term residence visas. This comprehensive selection caters to diverse travel purposes and durations, ensuring that most needs are met.

Professional Assistance

The availability of experienced travel agents and Visa service providers simplifies complex procedures. These professionals offer expert guidance, document verification, and application submission support, which can lead to higher approval rates and a smoother experience, especially for complicated cases.