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How to Get a Tourist Visa in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you going to see the UAE’s beautiful skylines, clean beaches, and famous places like the Burj Khalifa or Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? First, you need a valid tourist visa.
This step-by-step guide for 2025 will show you everything you need to know about applying, whether you’re doing it for the first time or helping a friend or family member. It won’t repeat what you already have on your service page.
What is a visa for tourists to the UAE?
A tourist visa for the UAE lets people from other countries visit the UAE for fun for a short time. It’s not the same as a visit visa, which can also be used for family visits, or a transit visa, which is for short stops at the airport.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit?
If you are not from a country that doesn’t need a visa, you will need a UAE tourist visa. People from the following areas usually need to get a tourist visa ahead of time:
- Southeast Asia (Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines)
- Africa
- Latin America
- Most nations in Eastern Europe and the CIS
- Passport holders from EU nations can get a visa on arrival.
- UK, US, and Canada
- New Zealand and Australia
- South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and more
If you're not sure if you're eligible, contact your nearest UAE embassy or a certified travel agent. Explaining the Different Types of UAE Tourist Visas (2025)
The right UAE tourist visa for you depends on how long you expect to stay, what you need to do while you’re there, and if you plan to go back to the nation while you’re there. Here’s a quick breakdown:
A 30-day tourist visa that lets you in once
Perfect for short trips or quick visits with family. You can stay in the UAE for up to 30 days after you get there. This is the tourist visa that people ask for the most.
60-Day Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
This is a good option if you’re going on a longer vacation or staying with family. It provides you more time to see the Emirates without having to deal with extensions.
Tourist visa for multiple entries
Are you planning to travel in and out of the UAE while you’re there? You can use this visa to enter the country more than once in 30 or 60 days. Great for people who want to visit Oman or Saudi Arabia while they’re in the area.
Tourist visa for multiple entries for 5 years
This is a long-term choice for people that travel a lot. You can stay for up to 90 days at a time, and you can stay for up to 180 days a year. A wonderful option for people who travel for work, consultants, or people who visit family often.
Important: No matter what kind of visa you have, you must not stay longer than you need to. You will be fined a daily fine for staying too long, which can add up rapidly.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa in the UAE (2025) Step by Step
This is how to apply, whether you do it through a travel agency, an airline, or a sponsor in the UAE:
Pick the Right Type of Visa
First, figure out why you’re going and how long you expect to remain. Need to be flexible? Pick a visa that lets you enter more than once. Just coming for a brief visit? A visa that lasts for 30 days is best.
Get your papers ready
You will require these standard papers:
- A passport that is good for at least six months
- A current passport-sized photo with a white background
- Tickets for the return flight have been confirmed.
- Proof of hotel booking or address in the UAE
- Proof of funding (not required, but a good idea)
- Some nationalities need travel insurance.
- Another ID, such the sponsor’s Emirates ID if they have one
- High-resolution scanned digital copies are needed.
Pick a Way to Apply
You can apply through:
- An authorized travel agency, like Desert Way Travel, which is known for quickly and reliably processing visas for Filipino and Asian expats.
- An airline based in the UAE.
Fly Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and Flydubai all offer visa services to people who have already bought tickets. A friend or family member who lives in the UAE can also sponsor your visa.
Send in the Application
When your papers are ready:
- Fill out the visa form (sponsor, agency, or airline)
- Upload or send in scanned copies of documents
- Pay the visa fee, which varies per type of visa.
- Get a number to trace your application
Wait for Approval
- It usually takes 24 to 72 hours to process a visa for 30 or 60 days.
- 5 to 7 business days for long-term or multiple-entry visas
Some nationalities may have to go through further checks or provide more paperwork.
Get Your E-Visa
We will send you a PDF of your tourist visa. When you enter the UAE, you must print it off and bring it with your passport.
Go to the UAE
When you get there:
- Show your visa printout to immigration
- Check to see if your passport has an entry date stamp.
- Keep all your papers for the whole time you’re there.
Things You Shouldn’t Do When Applying with an Expired or Damaged Passport
- Sending in photographs that are blurry or not clear
- Making non-refundable travel reservations before getting a visa
- Staying longer than your visa allows without an extension
- Picking an agent or website that isn’t licensed
How to Make the Visa Process Go Smoothly
- At least 7 to 10 days before you leave, apply.
- To avoid scams or delays, work with a recognized travel service.
- If you’re going with family, apply for a group visa to make things easier.
- Before you send in your application, make sure all the spellings and document details are correct.
How soon should you apply?
We suggest applying at least two weeks before your trip, especially during busy times like Eid, New Year, and the summer holidays. During certain periods, it may take longer to process.
Extra: Tourist Visa Places to Visit in the UAE
If you have the green light and are ready to go, here are some places you have to see:
- Burj Khalifa, Marina, Desert Safari, and Global Village are all in Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi: the Louvre Museum, the Corniche, and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- Sharjah: The Blue Souq, the Sharjah Aquarium, and the Heritage Area
- Fujairah: Beach resorts, Wadis, and climbing in the mountains
- Ras Al Khaimah: Jebel Jais Zipline, desert camping
Need help with your application?
This handbook has all the information you need, however visa restrictions can change at any time. If you’re applying from a high-risk or prohibited country, it’s best to get aid from a certified UAE travel agency like Desert Way Travel.
Final Thoughts
Getting a tourist visa for the UAE in 2025 doesn’t have to be hard. Simply follow the instructions, gather your paperwork, and pick a reliable visa supplier. With the appropriate help, you’ll be enjoying the UAE’s sun and skyline in no time.