Dubai Entry Requirements: Introduction
Many new visa types are available for travelers to Dubai, and the UAE has focused on providing easy entry facilities for everybody, which helps boost the economy and improve relationships worldwide. Dubai entry requirements have become very straightforward, with multiple ways of applying for a visa.
This post will look at temporary visas for visitors to Dubai. Who can apply? Where can you apply? What is the current situation with Covid at the time of publishing this post?
Table Of Contents
- Who Can Enter Dubai Right Now?
- What Documents Do You Need?
- Covid-19 Testing
- Tips For A Smooth Trip
- Illegal Goods
- Types Of Visit Visas
- Summary
- Useful Links
- Key Takeaways
Who Can Enter Dubai Right Now?
As of April 2023, the following countries have a travel ban to the UAE for their citizens.
| Uganda | Sierra Leone | Ghana | Sudan |
| Cameroon | Nigeria | Burundi | Liberia |
| Republic of Guinea | Togo | Gambia | Democratic Republic Of Congo |
| Senegal | Benin | Congo | Ivory Coast |
| Rwanda | Guinea Bissau | Burkina Faso | Comoros / Dominican Republic |
These bans are due to a virus that is spreading around Africa. The list of banned countries can change anytime, so you should check by using any search engine.
What Documents Do You Need?
You must have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months upon arrival in the UAE.
COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Rules
Visitors no longer require to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests when traveling to Dubai. (April 2023). Those passengers traveling from or through Dubai need only comply with the travel requirements for their final destination.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival Dubai Entry Requirements
Dubai International Airport is very busy, so there are things you can do in advance to make your trip run smoothly.
Liquids, Aerosols, And Gels (LAGs)
If you carry items in hand luggage that fall under one of these three categories, you must ensure you carry them in a transparent, resealable bag, no more than 20cm by 20cm in size. Individual containers should not exceed 100ml; the total amount carried should not exceed one litre, and placed in a separate tray at security.
Medicine
Any medicine you bring into the country must be kept in its original container and have any prescriptions with you as well.
Electronic Items
Electronic items such as laptops and mobile phones must be removed from their cases and placed into a tray at the security gate. Any other loose items must also be placed there such as keys, watches, wallets etc.
Shoes And Belts
You must remove your shoes and place them in a tray if your shoes have a heel. I would advise wearing slips so you don’t have to undo and redo tying shoe laces. Belts should also be removed and placed in a tray as well.
Prohibited Items
The list of items that you cannot carry in your luggage at the airport includes:
| Sharp Items | Weapons |
| Scissors | Knives |
| Flammable Items | Ammunition |
| Firearms | Lighter |
| Nails, drills, hammers and clippers | Nails, drills, hammers, and clippers |
Illegal Goods
The UAE is a Muslim country with stringent policies about illegal goods. This includes:
- Controlled / Recreational drugs and narcotic substances
- Pirated content
- Counterfeit currency
- Items used in black magic or sorcery
- Publications and artwork that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values
- Gambling tools and machines
Being caught with any of the above will lead to possible fines, prison time and deportation from the UAE.
Types Of Visit Visas Dubai Entry Requirements
Visa On Arrival
This type of visa is available upon entry into the UAE and doesn’t require you to do anything in advance. The list of countries (April 2023) are:
| Andorra | Australia | Brunei | Canada |
| China | Hong Kong, China | Japan | Kazakhstan |
| Macau, China | Malaysia | Mauritius | Monaco |
| New Zealand | Republic Of Ireland | San Marino | Singapore |
| Ukraine | United Kingdom And Northern Ireland | United States Of America | Vatican City |
| Bahrain | Oman | Qatar | Saudi Arabia |
| Kuwait |
This is a single-entry visa and lasts for 30 days.
Jobseeker Visit Visa
This allows someone to enter the country and search for new job opportunities in one trip. Three options have durations of 60, 90, or 120 days.
The requirements are:
- You must be within the categories of professional levels of jobs as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- A graduate from one of the best 500 universities in the world as defined by the Ministry of Education.
- Must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Must fulfill the prescribed financial guarantee.
The required documents include a colored photo, a copy of your passport, and an attested copy of the qualification certificate.
(For up-to-date information about this type of visa, please go HERE)
Investment Visit Visa
This type of visa is designed for those who wish to enter the UAE looking for investments. The visa has three options, defined by its durations of 30, 60, or 90 days. Entrepreneurs and investors can use this visa to explore opportunities in the UAE.
To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the following criteria.
- To be financially solvent, talent or a holder of a high qualification
- To be a professional in the prospective business in his home country and
- To fulfill the prescribed financial guarantee
The required documents are a colored photograph of the applicant, a copy of the passport, and an attested qualification certificate.
(For up-to-date information about this type of visa, please go HERE)
Medical Entry Visa
A patient can enter the UAE under the sponsorship of a medical establishment where treatment is being carried out. The patient can also bring one companion with them for support.
To be eligible for this type of visa, the following conditions must be met:
- They must be sponsored by a certified and licensed medical facility to conduct the treatment.
- It is the responsibility of the medical facility to process the visa application.
There are two types of permits. One is a single entry for 90 days and can be extended once. The second permit is multiple entries for a period of 90 days and is extendable multiple times.
The required documents are a copy of the patient’s passport, a letter from a registered hospital explaining the reasons for the visit, the patient’s health insurance, and proof of financial security.
eVisa for GCC Residents
Residents of the other GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) can apply online for a visa valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. This is also applicable to their companions as well.
To be eligible for this visa, the following criteria must be met:
- The eVisa is sent to the registered email address given during the application
- GCC expatriate residents and companions will not be approved if their sponsor is not traveling along with them
- Must have a valid residence visa from the country they are traveling from
- The GCC residency must be valid for at least 3 months from arrival.
- The passport of the GCC resident must be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date.
More information about this visa can be found HERE
Tourist Visa
This visa is for those who cannot obtain a visa on arrival into the UAE. This type of visa can be applied through airlines, hotels, and travel agents within the UAE. Tourist companies in your country can be contacted if they partner with a UAE-based tourist company licensed and operating in the UAE. Females below the age of 18 are not able to apply for this visa unless accompanied by their parents. Airlines can be approached to help you process the visa e.g., Emirates Airline, because they have been approved.
To be eligible for this visa, the following criteria must be met:
- Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from arrival.
Transit Visa
A transit visa is for those who are in transit between their origin and destination and wish to spend a brief time in Dubai. The visas are sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be approved before entering the UAE.
Transit visas are required by those not eligible for a visa on arrival.
Transit visas are issued for 48 and 96 hours; once approved, they cannot be changed.
The required documents are:
- a passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three months
- a photograph of the applicant
- an onward ticket booking to your final destination
Summary
The UAE government has changed the visa system tremendously in recent years. They have made a concerted effort to attract the whole world to come and visit Dubai and the rest of the UAE. As a visitor, it is now much easier to come and stay in Dubai and enjoy the rest of the UAE.
Useful Links
- The rules for visas change on a regular basis. Find more information HERE
- You can also try HERE for the latest information on visa change
- More information about visa applications are HERE, as with the other airlines.
- For more information about Dubai, you can visit HERE
- Check out this information about the Dubai Economy.
- If you are visiting Dubai to check out how to start your own business, then take a look at the Dubai Startup scene.
- Check here for Residence Visa Dubai.
- Read these laws and regulations for when visiting Dubai.
- Checkout the DMCC at Jumeirah Lake Towers.
Key Takeaways
- There are many different visa types to choose from when deciding how to visit Dubai
- Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity
- Do not bring any illegal items into the country. The punishment is very severe
- You can apply for visas in your home country by talking to travel agents with partnerships in the UAE or via the UAE based airlines such as Emirates
- You should be well organized before passing through Dubai Airport, so you can minimize delays
- The Dubai entry requirements are very straightforward. Please prepare well, and your visit will be much more enjoyable.
