Can You Enter Dubai with a Visa on Arrival?

Dubai is a city of luxury, a futuristic city, clean beaches, desert safaris, and a city of the most popular shopping in the world, which makes it one of the most well-known cities in the world, with millions of visitors each year. Your visit to Dubai, be it business, pleasure, or a short stopover, would require you to know about the visa policy of the city to have a smooth journey. Some of the most popular questions posed by travelers are the possibility of visiting Dubai with the correct visa but without the hassle of going ahead to apply in advance- and herein lies the Visa on Arrival.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai has visa on arrival facilities to citizens of a number of countries. This is convenient such that the eligible travelers get a visa upon landing at the airport and do not require any prior authorization. However, the visitor's nationality determines the sort of visa they will receive upon arrival, as well as its validity and availability. This guide will take you through all that you should know in order to identify whether you are allowed into Dubai under a visa on arrival and how to visit Dubai under the right type of visa depending on the country that you are a citizen of.

What is a Visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival (VoA) is a form of visa that is given upon arrival at the port of entry as opposed to applying in advance at an embassy or consulate. In Dubai, there is the eligibility of travelers to the immigration who have disembarked and received the visa at the airport by presenting their passport and, in certain cases, a return ticket or a hotel booking.

This visa is also useful to last minute or transit travelers who would like to make the best out of a brief stop in Dubai. However, it is necessary to mention that not all individuals are eligible to a visa on arrival. You would need to know what is required of you in case you want to travel to Dubai on the right visa.

Dubai Visa on Arrival Countries

A Dubai visa on arrival is already open to citizens of more than 70 countries. The most common categories are shown below:

1. GCC Nationals:                   

The citizens of countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar do not need a visa to enter Dubai. They are allowed to move around and reside in UAE.

2. 90 Day Visa on Arrival (6 months validity):

Passports holders of countries such as the EU member states, Argentina, Chile, Norway and Switzerland are given 90-day visa upon arrival. The visa allows for multiple entries over a 180-day period.

3. Visa on Arrival 30-Day:

Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge, and once extendable by another 30 days.

4. Valid US/UK/Schengen Visa of Indian Citizens:

Indian nationals with a valid US visa, green card, UK, or EU residency visa (with a minimum validity of six months) may also obtain a 14-day visa upon arrival in Dubai, which may be extended by an extra 14 days. In case your country does not feature in the list of the countries entitled to visa on arrival, you must obtain a visa beforehand. This is why, depending on your country and the reason for your visit, it is crucial to get the proper visa in order to enter Dubai.

Visa on Arrival Documents:

In case you are qualified to be given a visa on arrival, then ensure you carry these documents with you so that you can be allowed an easy entry:

• Valid passport with 6 months or more

• A duly confirmed ticket of return or onward flight ticket

• Proof of accommodation (booking hotel or invitation by the host)

• Travel (recommended)

• Indian citizens: a valid US/UK/Schengen residence or visa

• Note: Immigration officers can refuse to allow entry in case of failure to meet requirements or security reasons.

Renewals and Visa Extensions:

• In case you want to stay longer in Dubai once you have entered into the country through visa on arrival, then you can also apply to have your visa extended.

  The way it works is this:

• 30-day visas: May be renewed once to another 30 days.

• Two weeks visas (Indians): These are renewable by an additional 14 days.

• 90-day visas: Usually they are non-renewable but are under immigration discretion.

You should not overstay, so you should monitor your entry date and extend the visa before it expires. By staying in the country beyond the validity of your visa, you may face massive fines, deportation, as well as the possibility of being banned to enter the country in the future.

Is it possible to work with a visa on arrival?

No. A visa on arrival is only tourism, business meetings or transit. In case of working or residing in Dubai, you have to obtain a residence visa, which has to be sponsored by an employer, or some other appropriate type of visa. Tourist or visa-on-arrival working is illegal and a heavy penalty, including imprisonment or deportation, may be imposed.

Advice to Make the Arrival Easy

• Ensure you are eligible to depart either by using the official UAE immigration site or check with your airline.

• Carry a print version of your travel ticket and hotel reservation.

• Do not overstay your visa in order to avoid penalties.

• Bring a valid credit card or cash enough to spend.

• respect and tell the truth when questioned during immigration.

Conclusion:   

Dubai is an extremely convenient place to visit particularly when you are a citizen of a country that is allowed to obtain a visa on arrival. The list of attractions includes the beautiful sights of the city, the lively nightlife, and the rich culture and all these can now be visited with ease as obtaining a visa is now conveniently done at the airport. Nevertheless, this facility does not apply to everyone, and those who travel should make sure that they fit all the requirements or request corresponding visa in advance.

Knowing what your visa options are and getting prepared will mean that you come to Dubai with the correct visa and therefore not have to wait as the airport to get one. Depending on whether you can get a visa on arrival or not, you can easily get into Dubai when you plan accordingly. Keep on track of the latest visa regulations and have a memorable visit to one of the most famous places in the world.