Travel Visa UAE: Choosing the Right One for Your Trip

By myvisahelper / February 21, 2025

The UAE is one of the most fabulous tourist destinations ever, drawing millions of visitors for a variety of purposes such as holidaying, business, or family get-togethers each year. So, if you are organizing a trip to the UAE, it is importance to learn about the different types of travel visas for the UAE, which make experiences hassle-free. Also, Different types of visas are offered by the UAE depending on the purpose of the visit and the length of stay. Therefore, this guide will help you figure out which visa option fits your purpose.

1. Visitor Visa

A tourist visa is the most common option for travelers who are vacationing. It is granted for a short time to visitors intending to enter the UAE.

Who Needs It?

So, the majority of travelers who do not qualify for visa-on-arrival or visa-free access need a tourist visa.

Authenticity & Timeframe:

30-day visitor visa for short holidays.
60-day visitor visa for longer journeys.
For those with many trips planned, there are multiple-entry options.

How to Apply?

The visitor visa can be acquired from the airline, travel agents, or hotel bookings in the UAE. Also, some of the airlines, like Emirates and Etihad, assist travelers with the visa application.

2. Visa-on-Arrival

Furthermore, Some nationalities have the opportunity to obtain a visa on arrival, meaning that prior application is not required.

Who Needs It?

More than 70 countries are eligible for a visa on arrival, including the USA, UK, Canada, and many EU countries.

Legitimate time frame:

30-day visa upon arrival; extensions grant another 30 days.
90-day visa upon arrival given to some nationalities.

How to Apply?

There’s no prior application needed-just produce your passport at the immigration desk on arrival in the UAE.

3. Transit Visa

Transit visa is the best for travelers that will take a brief stop in the UAE before proceeding to the final destination.

Who Needs It?

Layover travelers scheduled to land at UAE airports and up for hours or a couple of days.

Legitimacy & Time For Processing:

A 48 hours long transit visa was granted free and cannot be extended.
A 96 hours long transit visa that is low-cost and cannot be extended.

How to Apply?

The airlines provide a very simple step to obtain the visa prior to departure, and it should be organized at least 48 hours ahead.

4. Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit)

Such types of visas allow tourists to enter the UAE while visiting relatives and friends.

Who Needs It?

Those being sponsored by people already living in the UAE, including family and very much related persons.

What Authenticity & Timeframe?

30 days, 60 days, and 90 days.
Can be extended for a maximum of 180 days in specific cases.

How is the Application Process?

Through the government departments of the UAE, such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), an application should be submitted by a sponsor from the UAE (for instance, a family member or relative).

5. Business Visa

A business visa specializes itself for business purposes for businessmen, investors, and entrepreneurs traveling to the UAE.

Who Needs It?

Entrepreneurs, investors, and experts in gatherings, conferences, or exhibitions.
Besides, a person seeking to submit an application through the Golden Visa program aiming for entrepreneurs in the UAE.

What Authenticity & Timeframe?

Varies with sponsorship and business requirements.

How is the Application Process?

Business visas could be obtained through firms/free zones/investment authorities in the UAE.

6. Visa of Multiple Entries

The multiple-entry visa gives benefits to frequent travelers by allowing them to enter and exit the country more than once in a given period.

Who Needs It?

Corporate travelers
Visitors looking to return on a frequent basis
Remote workers or digital nomads.

Timeframe Validity:

5-year multi-entry tourist visa (with a maximum stay of 90 days at any one time)
One or two-year business visas with multiple entries.

Noticeable Application Process

The application is submitted on the UAE immigration website by the visitors while a conspectus is required for business visa holders.

What Travel Visa for UAE Would Suit You?

Therefore, Choosing the right travel visa UAE depends on the purpose and length of the stay. If it is for tourism purposes, the tourist visa or visa on arrival is the best. So, A visit visa will be appropriate for family gatherings. For business travel, a business visa or a multiple-entry visa can be chosen for ease.

Therefore, always make sure to check the latest visa regulations and requirements before submitting your application, as they tend to modify. Also, with the glorious visa, you may embark upon an escapade through the buzzing cities, golden sands, and the cultural diversity that is the UAE!