Dubai continues to attract millions of visitors every year with its futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, desert adventures, and rich culture. But before packing your bags, it's important to understand the visit visa rules—especially as Dubai and the UAE have made several updates in 2025 to streamline and digitize the process.

Here’s a quick and clear guide to the most important visit visa policies in Dubai.

Types of Visit Visas in Dubai

Depending on your travel purpose and length of stay, here are the most common options:

1. 30-Day Tourist Visa

   • Single or multiple entry

   • Renewable for an additional 30 days

   • Ideal for short vacations

2. 60-Day Tourist Visa (New option as of 2023)

   • More flexibility for extended trips

   • Renewable once for 30 days

3. 5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

   • Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (can be extended to 180 days per year)

   • Suitable for frequent business or leisure travelers

4. Transit Visa (48 or 96 hours)

   • For layovers and short stops

   • Must be sponsored by the airline

Visa-Free Entry & Visa on Arrival

Dubai offers visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for citizens of over 70 countries, including the US, UK, EU, GCC countries, and parts of Asia. The duration and rules depend on your nationality.

Always check with the UAE immigration website or airline before traveling.

Visa Extensions & Grace Period

• Most tourist visas can be extended once for 30 days, without leaving the UAE.

• Overstaying a visa results in a fine of AED 50 per day after a 10-day grace period.

• Extensions can be done online via the GDRFA portal or through registered typing centers.

How to Apply for a Dubai Visit Visa

You can apply through:

• UAE-based airlines (Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, Air Arabia)

• Hotels or travel agencies in the UAE

• Family or friends in Dubai (if they’re residents)

• GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) or ICP Smart Services portal

You’ll usually need:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

• Passport-sized photo

• Travel itinerary or hotel booking

• Sponsorship (depending on visa type)

Final Thoughts

Dubai has made it easier than ever to visit with flexible visa options, online applications, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Whether you're coming for tourism, shopping, or to see family, there's a visa option to match your travel plans.

Make sure you understand your visa type and validity before arrival to avoid fines or rejections at immigration.

FAQs

Q1: Can I extend my Dubai tourist visa without exiting the country?
Yes, most tourist visas allow one extension for 30 days without the need to exit.

Q2: What happens if I overstay my Dubai visa?
You’ll be fined AED 50 per day after a 10-day grace period. It's recommended to apply for an extension or exit on time.