What documents should I bring with me while visiting the United Arab Emirates? What are the UAE visa requirements? Which type of United Arab Emirates entry permit do I need?
Do you have these questions in mind? Or are you confused about the correct documents to bring to the embassy? Then, you are lucky because we have the answers to the questions above.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a major destination for tourism over recent years. It offers a variety of activities, such as diving, hiking, camel rides, and much more. However, you will need the appropriate visa before you travel to the country.
Thus, in this article, you will find all the requirements for all types of visas to the United Arab Emirates.
In this article
- UEA visa policy
- United Arab Emirates Visa-free countries
- UAE visa photo requirements
- UAE visa photo size
- Background, positioning, and quality
- Facial expression
- Attire
- UAE visa photo requirements for young children
- Other UAE visa requirements
- #1. Photocopies of your passport and the passport of your sponsor
- #2. Photocopy of the passport’s relevant pages
- #3. A No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- #4. Round-trip airline ticket
- #5. Proof of accommodation
- #6. Cover letter
- #7. Proof of your relationship
- #8. Marriage certificate
- #9. Proof of previous travels
- #10. Any additional documents
- How to apply for a United Arab Emirates visa
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
UEA visa policy
The United Arab Emirates is a modern country with a touch of history and unique culture. Thus, it offers a variety of feelings and experiences to its annual visitors.
However, depending on your nationality, you can visit the country with or without a visa. Simply put, the visa policy in UAE varies according to country of origin.
United Arab Emirates Visa-free countries
Subsequently, the citizens of the following nations can visit the United Arab Emirates without a visa. In other words, they do not need to have UAE visa documents. However, the duration of the stay can vary according to nationality.
Visa-free countries for 180 days
Citizens of the following countries can stay in the UAE visa-free for up to 180 days.
- Mexico
Visa-free countries for 90 days
Travelers from the countries below can visit the UAE without a visa for up to 90 without an entry permit. In other words, they do not need UAE visa documents. They include:
- Argentina
- Montenegro
- Barbados
- Nauru
- Brazil
- Norway
- Chile
- Paraguay
- Russia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- EU member states (excluding the UK and Ireland)
- Honduras
- Seychelles
- Iceland
- Solomon Islands
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
- Uruguay Visa free for up to 90 days
Visa-free countries for 30 days
Nationals of the following countries do not need to meet the UAE visa requirements to live in the country for up to 30 days. They include:
- China
- Japan
- Ukraine
- Macau
UAE visa on arrival
On the contrary, nationals f the following countries will obtain a United Arab Emirates visa on arrival. However, the duration of the entry permit will depend on your country of origin. They include:
- Costa Rica (90 days)
- El Salvador (90 days)
- Andorra(30 days)
- Mauritius (30 days)
- Australia (30 days)
- Monaco (30 days)
- Bahamas (90 days)
- Mongolia (30 days)
- New Zealand (30 days)
- Brunei (30 days)
- Canada (30 days)
- San Marino (30 days)
- Hong Kong (30 days)
- Singapore (30 days)
- Ireland (30 days)
- South Korea (90 days)
- Kazakhstan (30 days)
- United Kingdom (30 days)
- United States (30 days)
- Malaysia (30 days)
- Maldives (90 days)
- Vatican (30 days)
On the other hand, citizens of the following countries can visit the United Arab Emirates with their passports or ID. They include:
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
UAE visa photo requirements
All applicants for a UAE visa must submit a variety of documents. Subsequently, you must provide two photos to obtain your entry permit. Therefore, you meet the following specifications for your UAE entry permit picture. They include:
UAE visa photo size
The size for your UEA photo is 43 mm x 55 mm. However, some believe you can submit a photo of 2 inches x 2 inches, which is 50 mm x 50 mm. Therefore, you will contact the Emirati embassy in your country of residence to know the correct specifications.
In addition, it must be 300 pixels in width and 369 pixels in height.
Background, positioning, and quality
In addition to the size, your photo must have the following specifications. They include:
- White background
- It must be colored
- Your face must be in the center
- It must contain your head, hair, ears, and shoulders
- 70% – 80% of your face must appear in the picture
- Good quality without shadows, over- or under-exposure, or glare
- Your skin tone must appear in the picture
- Good quality photo paper
- No creases or staple marks
- Do not edit the picture
- Do not sign or mark the picture
Facial expression
Your facial expressions in the picture must meet the following conditions. They include:
- Neutral facial expression (mouth closed)
- Your face must be straight
- No tilted head
- You must open
- Your eyes must be visible
Attire
Your attire must meet the following specifications. They include:
- Your cloth must stand out from the white background
- No eyeglasses
- No headgear unless for religious purposes
UAE visa photo requirements for young children
Children applying for a United Arab Emirates visa must meet the following photo requirements. They include:
- Children should look straight at the camera
- Neutral facial expression
- They must be alone in the picture
- No toys
Other UAE visa requirements
In addition to the photo requirements, you must provide the following documents when applying for a UAE visa. They include:
- Photocopies of your passport and the passport of your sponsor
- Photocopy of the passport’s relevant pages
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Round-trip airline ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof travel medical insurance for UAE
- Cover letter
- Proof of legal residence in your country
- Proof of your relationship
- Proof of the residential status of your host in the United Arab Emirates
- Proof of financial status
- Proof of previous travels
- Copies of any visas to the USA, UK, Schengen Area, Canada, Russia, Australia or New Zealand
- Proof of current address
- Marriage certificate
- Any additional documents
#1. Photocopies of your passport and the passport of your sponsor
The travel documents must have at least six months of validity. Additionally, they must be in good condition.
#2. Photocopy of the passport’s relevant pages
In addition, you must provide the information page of your passport. Moreover, you must include that of your sponsor in the United Arab Emirates.
#3. A No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Female travelers must provide a Certificate showing approval from their father or husband.
#4. Round-trip airline ticket
Another document for a UAE visa is a round-trip ticket. Apart from a round-trip ticket, you can use a flight reservation to prove your intention to return to your country.
#5. Proof of accommodation
Another UAE visa requirement you must provide is a document showing you have a place to stay in the country. It can be a hotel reservation or any other valid place of residence.
#6. Cover letter
Your cover letter must contain full details about your visit to the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, you must provide information such as your name, place of birth, nationality, the duration of your travel, and the purpose of your stay in the country.
#7. Proof of your relationship
Applicants with a host or sponsor in the United Arab Emirates must provide proof of relationship with their hosts in the UAE.
#8. Marriage certificate
Married couples must provide proof of their marriage. Thus, they have to submit their marriage certificates to the embassy.
#9. Proof of previous travels
Travelers who have visited the UAE before, especially the previous year, will provide proof of their travel to the country.
#10. Any additional documents
The Emirati embassy in your country of origin or residence may require additional documents to the ones above. Therefore, you must contact the embassy or consulate to know if there are other requirements for a UAE visa.
How to apply for a United Arab Emirates visa
Perhaps, you meet the UAE visa requirements. However, you can not obtain your entry permit through an embassy or consulate. Therefore, you must apply through a sponsor in the United Arab Emirates or through a travel agency.
Subsequently, you can apply for a UAE visa through the following. They include:
- A host or sponsor in the UAE.
- A licensed travel agency
- Your hotel in the UAE.
- One of the following airlines. However, you will fly with them. They include Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Fly Dubai, and Air Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a UAE visa Valid?
Usually, a visa to the United Arab Emirates is valid for 30 days. However, you can extend it to a further 30 days. During this time, you can apply for a residence permit. Or you leave the country once the renewal expires.
Where can I apply for a UAE visa?
To apply for a United Arab Emirates visa, you must send your UAE visa documents to your host or sponsor in the UAE. You can also use a travel agency, a hotel an approved airline. They will run the application for you.
How much is a UAE visa?
The cost of obtaining a visa to the UAE depends on the number of days you will spend in the country. So, you will contact the Emirati embassy in your country to know the price. However, you will pay around AED 335 to AED 805.
When is the best time to apply for a UAE visa?
The best time to apply for a United Arab Emirates visa is about three weeks before you intend to travel to the country.
Conclusion
In summary, ex-pats who meet the UAE visa requirements can obtain an entry permit to the country. However, they need the correct information. Otherwise, they will waste time and money in the process. Therefore, you need the details above when applying for any visa to the country. Come.