UAE Tourist Visa Explained: Types, Validity, and Processing Times

 

While getting a UAE tourist visa is easier than ever, the different types, varying validity periods, and flexible processing options like express service and airport-to-airport changes, knowing which one to choose can be confusing.

Whether you are looking to make a quick visit to Dubai, or planning a month-long vacation across the Emirates, or intend to have a longer multi-entry trip, this guide is intended to answer all your questions regarding the different visa types, validity, processing time, and how the Dubai visa application process really works.

Want to know more? Here is a breakdown of all the details.


Types of UAE Tourist Visas

The UAE tourist visa is primarily designed for travelers entering the UAE for leisure, sightseeing, or to visit family and friends. It is available in different durations and formats:

🔹 14 Days UAE Tourist Visa

The 14-day tourist visa is ideal for those travellers who are planning a short-trip to the UAE, making it the ideal option for quick visits or business meetings. This type of visa is often preferred by travellers who are on tight schedules.

Validity: 60 days to enter after issuance

Stay duration: 14 days from the date of entry

Extension: Can be extended for another 14 or 30 days


🔹 30 Days UAE Tourist Visa

Perfect for standard holidaymakers. Available as single or multiple-entry.

Stay duration: 30 days from entry

Processing time: 2–5 working days (express available)

Extension: Renewable within UAE


🔹 60 Days UAE Tourist Visa

Great for longer stays or those visiting family and needing flexibility. Can be issued as single or multiple-entry.

Stay duration: 60 days

Extension: Extendable from within UAE


🔹 5 Years UAE Multiple Entry Visa

The 5-year Multiple Entry Visa is perfect for frequent travelers or business visitors. This visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days at a time, and extend each stay for another 90 days.

Entry type: Multiple

Stay duration: Up to 180 days per year (in 90-day blocks)

Eligibility: Requires proof of funds, medical insurance, and accommodation


Express UAE Tourist Visas

Need a last-minute visa? Many providers and platforms now offer Express UAE tourist visa processing-especially popular for those who need to fly in under short notice.

🔸 Dubai Express Tourist Visa

This is the fast-track version of your standard Dubai visa. Processing time can be as fast as 4–8 hours with extra fees. Available in 14-day, 30-day, and 60-day formats.

A2A: Airport to Airport Visa Change UAE

Already in the UAE on a tourist visa and want to extend your stay without exiting to your home country? An A2A visa change is your go-to solution. All that is required to do is flying to a nearby country (like Oman or Bahrain) and re-entering the UAE on a fresh tourist visa, which is often completed on the same day.

Ideal for: Tourists who want to extend their stay legally without a long trip back home

Processing time: Same-day or 24 hours


This option is commonly used by frequent travelers, freelancers, or people waiting for a job or residency visa to be processed.

Dubai Visa Application: How It Works

You can complete your Dubai visa application entirely online via official portals, airlines, or authorized travel agencies. The process is straightforward:

Step-by-Step: Dubai Visa Process

1. Choose your visa type (14, 30, 60 days or 5-year multiple entry)

2. Prepare documents:


Passport copy (valid for 6+ months)

Passport-size photo (white background)

Confirmed return flight (recommended)

Hotel booking or UAE resident host info


3. Apply online via Emirates, Etihad, or visa service providers

4. Pay the visa fee with card

5. Wait for processing: 1–5 days (or same day for express)


UAE Visa for Indians

Indian passport holders are among the top visitors to the UAE. The visa process is smooth, and express services are widely available.

Most common choice: 30 or 60-day tourist visa

Processing time: 24–72 hours (Express options available)

Note: Indian citizens with a valid US/UK/EU visa may be eligible for visa on arrival (depending on criteria)


UAE Visa Requirements

To apply for a UAE visa online, you’ll generally need:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

Passport-size photo

Confirmed return or onward ticket

Proof of accommodation (hotel or host)

Travel insurance (for longer stays or multi-entry visas)


Optional: financial proof, especially for 5-year visas

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