A travel document is the most important thing to consider while visiting a foreign country. Different countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have different visa policies.
While some citizens of foreign nations can enter UAE visa-free, others are required to obtain a valid visa beforehand. UAE offers both traditional visas and e-visas, depending on the purpose and length of the stay!
Types of UAE e-Visas
In 2019, UAE launched the electronic visa system. This program was introduced to make the visa application process fast and simple.
As of today, more than 160 countries are eligible for a United Arab Emirates visa. Here are the two types of UAE visas that you can get through online visa portals:
Tourist e-Visa
For leisure and tourism purposes, UAE offers tourist visas. This one is perfect for you if you want to visit family members or friends located in UAE or want to explore the country.
UAE offers two types of tourist visas, including a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa. Both travel documents come with a validity period of 60 days and allow you to stay in the country for 30 days.
Besides the basic UAE e-visa requirements, applicants must submit additional documents to get a tourist e-visa, such as:
Passport-type photograph
Health insurance
Medical certificate
Proof of status
Business e-Visa
For business purposes, including commercial and professional activities, applicants can apply for a business e-visa. This e-visa is perfect for those who want to enter UAE to attend expos, fairs, meetings, and conferences.
Just like a tourist visa, a business e-visa is also available in 2 variations, including:
30-day single-entry visa
30-day multiple-entry visa
Required Documents for UAE e-Visa
To get an e-visa, applicants must fulfill some visa and entry requirements. You need to have some supporting documents along with a visa application form.
Basically, 3 of the most important documents that you must have to apply for an e-visa include:
Valid Passport - An applicant's passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity period along with 2 blank pages for stamps.
E-mail Address - Your email address will be electronically linked to your passport. Plus, once the UAE embassy approves your e-visa, you'll get your travel document via email. So, make sure you are using a valid and working email!
Credit or Debit card - The best thing about a UAE e-visa is that the entire visa application process is online. So, you can use online means of payment to pay the embassy and service fee.
Besides these, you might need some additional documents depending on your citizenship country. You can visit VisaHQ (the leading visa services provider) to check out the visa requirements for your country and then apply for it online!
How to Apply for a UAE Visa Online?
Most travelers prefer an e-visa over a traditional one because applying for it is both convenient and fast. No more visiting the UAE embassy and wasting an entire day. No more scheduling a visa interview. In addition, you don’t even have to wait for weeks to get your e-visa.
To get a UAE e-visa, you only need to follow the following 3 steps:
Visa Application Form
First of all, you have to fill out the visa application form. To do so, you'll need to provide personal, contact, travel, and passport details, including:
Name and surname
National id card
Date of birth
Birth certificate
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry date
Phone number
Email address
Travel dates
You might also need to answer some personal and security questions to get an e-visa. Keep in mind that your visa application form is the most important thing if you want to get a travel document. If there are errors and mistakes in your online form, your e-visa will more likely be delayed or denied.
Complete the e-Visa Payment
Once you complete the visa application form, you'll need to pay the embassy and the visa fee. To do so, you can use online payment methods, including debit cards and credit cards.
UAE e-Visa Processing Time
Lastly, submit your application form and supporting documents. Afterward, you'll need to wait for a few days to get your travel document.
On average, applicants can get their e-visa within 3-7 business days, depending on your country and the purpose of the visit.
A UAE e-visa can be used to enter the following countries:
Umm Al Quwain
Sharjah
Ras AL Khaimah
Fujairah
Dubai
Ajman
Abu Dhabi
Keep in mind that a holder of a multiple-entry visa can only enter UAE through Dubai International airport! Also, an e-visa does not guarantee your entry to the country. The final decision will be made by the immigration authorities.