A trip to Dubai may require a UAE tourist visa (or visit visa) arranged before departure.
The type needed depends on the visitor’s nationality, length of stay, number of planned trips, and eligibility for a visa on arrival. So it’s important to know what are the restrictions and requirements before applying for each type.
The UAE offers single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas with different stay periods.
1. 30-Day Tourist Visa for Short Holidays
The 30-day tourist visa is suitable for short holidays, family trips, shopping visits, or brief stays in Dubai.
It may be issued for a single entry or multiple entries, depending on the application.
The permitted stay begins when the traveller enters the UAE, not when the visa is approved.
A person with a single-entry visa normally cannot use the same visa again after leaving the country.
2. 60-Day Visa for Longer Visits
The 60-day tourist visa gives visitors more time to travel around Dubai and the other emirates.
It may suit travellers visiting family, attending several events, or taking a longer holiday.
Single-entry and multiple-entry options may be available.
Tourists should check the final date printed on their visa and should not assume that every visa can be extended automatically.
3. 90-Day Visa for Extended Trips
The 90-day tourist visa is intended for longer stays.
It may be helpful for people spending several weeks with family or travelling across different parts of the UAE.
According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, tourist stays may be approved for 30, 60, or 90 days.
Extensions are subject to immigration approval. The total permitted period for regular visit or tourism visas generally cannot exceed 120 days under standard extension rules.
4. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas
A multiple-entry tourist visa allows the traveller to leave and return during the approved period.
Regular multiple-entry visas may provide stays of 30, 60, or 90 days, based on the visa issued.
This option can be useful for travellers who plan to visit nearby countries and return to Dubai during the same trip.
Travellers should check whether the permitted stay is counted per visit or across the visa’s full validity.
5. Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
The UAE also offers a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
It allows several visits over five years without requiring a UAE sponsor or host.
Each visit may last up to 90 days. The total stay cannot exceed 180 days in one year.
Applicants generally need a passport valid for at least six months, UAE health insurance, a return ticket, a six-month bank statement, and proof of a US$4,000 bank balance or its equivalent.
6. Visa on Arrival Depends on Nationality
Citizens of certain countries may receive a visa on arrival for 30 or 90 days. Other special categories may receive a 14-day entry permit.
Philippine passport holders generally need to arrange a visa before travelling unless they qualify under a separate residence or visa exemption.
Rules should be checked before booking because eligibility depends on the passport and other documents held by the traveller.
Entry Validity Is Different From Stay Duration
The visa’s entry validity tells a traveller how long they have to enter the UAE after it is issued.
The stay duration begins after arrival.
Tourist visas do not allow employment. Anyone planning to work must obtain the correct work permit and residence status.
Applications may be handled by UAE-based airlines, hotels, licensed travel agencies, the ICP, or GDRFA Dubai, depending on the visa.
