UAE Tourist Visa 2025 – Online Application Guide & Processing Time

Planning to visit the UAE in 2025 for tourism, family visits, or a short holiday? The UAE Tourist Visa (eVisa) allows stays of 30 or 60 days, with options for single or multiple entries.

Who Needs a UAE Tourist Visa?

• Visa-Exempt: Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) enter with a passport or ID card, no visa needed. Citizens of 84 countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU) get a free visa-on-arrival for 30 days (extendable to 60 days) or 90 days (extendable once for 90 days).
• eVisa Required: Nationals of other countries (e.g., Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh) must apply for a Tourist eVisa online before travel. Only 22 nationalities qualify for the eVisa; others need a sponsor (e.g., airline, hotel, or UAE resident).
• Special Cases: Indian citizens with a valid US/Schengen visa or US/UK residence permit can get a 14-day visa-on-arrival (extendable to 28 days).

Eligibility for UAE Tourist eVisa

The eVisa is for:

• Tourism: Sightseeing, holidays, or visiting family/friends.
• Short-Term Visits: Stays of 30 or 60 days (single or multiple entry).
• Restrictions: Not for work or long-term stays. Applicants must apply from their home country or residence, not from within the UAE or Singapore.

Required Documents

Upload these documents to the application portal (e.g., icp.gov.ae, emirates.com, or authorized agencies like iVisa) in PDF or JPG format:

• Passport: Valid for 6 months from entry, with 2 blank pages. Include a color scan of the biodata page. Handwritten passports are not accepted.
• Photo: Recent passport-size photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months).
• Financial Proof: Bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing AED 5,000 (~USD 1,360) minimum balance for a 30-day trip. Alternatives: credit card statements or payslips.
• Travel Itinerary: Confirmed return or onward flight tickets (within 60 days for eVisa).
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking or invitation letter from a UAE resident (with their Emirates ID and address).
• Cover Letter: Explaining travel purpose, dates, and itinerary (e.g., visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi).
• Additional Documents (if applicable):
  • For family visits: Proof of relationship (e.g., birth/marriage certificate).
  • For sponsored visas: Sponsor’s details (name, Emirates ID, contact info).
• Translations: Non-English documents need certified English translations.

Note: All documents must be submitted at the time of application, not upon arrival, per 2024 rules. Print the approved eVisa on A4 paper for entry.

Visa Fees (2025)

• 30-Day eVisa (Single Entry): AED 250 (~USD 68).
• 60-Day eVisa (Single Entry): AED 400 (~USD 109).
• 30-Day eVisa (Multiple Entry): AED 450 (~USD 122).
• 60-Day eVisa (Multiple Entry): AED 600 (~USD 163).
• Express Processing: AED 100 (~USD 27) extra for 24–36 hour processing.
• Service Fees: USD 10–50 (~AED 37–184) for agencies like iVisa, VFS Global, or Emirates.
• Payment: Online via Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, or eWallets (1–2% transaction fee).
• Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if rejected. Visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities is free.

Financial Requirements

• Minimum Funds: AED 5,000 (~USD 1,360) for a 30-day stay, AED 8,000 (~USD 2,180) for 60 days, shown via bank statements (last 3–6 months, issued within 1 month).
• Sponsor’s Role: If a UAE resident sponsors, they must provide financial proof or a security bond (AED 5,000–10,000, refundable if you comply).
• Note: Consistent funds are key; sudden large deposits raise suspicion.

Online Application Process

The UAE Tourist eVisa is applied for online via platforms like icp.gov.ae, emirates.com, or agencies (e.g., iVisa, VisaHQ, evisa-uae.org). Follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your nationality qualifies for eVisa at icp.gov.ae or agency websites.
2. Choose Platform: Use icp.gov.ae, GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae for Dubai), Emirates, or trusted agencies like iVisa (99.8% approval rate).
3. Create Account: Sign up with your email and passport details.
4. Complete Form: Fill out the online form with personal, passport, and travel details. Select emirate (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi) and entry port.
5. Upload Documents: Attach passport, photo, bank statements, itinerary, and accommodation proof.
6. Pay Fees: Pay AED 250–600 (plus service fees) online. Keep the receipt.
7. Submit Application: Review and submit. You’ll get a reference number to track status.
8. Biometrics (if required): Visit a VFS Global VAC for fingerprints and photo (rare for eVisa).
9. Receive eVisa: Approved eVisas are emailed within 2–7 days. Print on A4 paper and carry a digital copy.
10. At Entry: Present eVisa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof at UAE entry points (e.g., Dubai International Airport).

Processing Time

• Standard Processing: 2–7 working days (excluding weekends and UAE holidays). Most visas are processed in 3–4 days.
• Express Processing: 24–36 hours for an extra AED 100 (~USD 27). Super rush (2 hours) available via agencies like iVisa for USD 50 extra.
• Delays: May occur during peak seasons (e.g., November–March) or if documents are incomplete. Apply 2 weeks in advance to avoid issues.
• Tracking: Check status on icp.gov.ae, emirates.com, or agency portals (e.g., atlys.com) using your reference number.

Tips to Avoid Rejection

• Apply Early: Submit 2–3 weeks before travel to account for delays.
• Accurate Documents: Ensure passport, photo, and financial proof meet specifications. Double-check for errors.
• Show Ties to Home Country: Provide job letters, property deeds, or family ties to prove you’ll return.
• Sufficient Funds: Show AED 5,000–8,000 in consistent savings. Avoid sudden deposits.
• Use Official Channels: Apply via icp.gov.ae, emirates.com, or trusted agencies (iVisa, VisaHQ) to avoid scams.
• Complete Application: Submit all documents upfront, as required since November 2024. Missing documents lead to rejection.
• Avoid Overstay: Visas are valid for 60 days from issuance (30 days for 48/96-hour transit visas). Overstaying incurs AED 100/day fines after a 10-day grace period.
• Extensions: Extend twice (30 days each) before expiry via icp.gov.ae or VACs for AED 200 per extension.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Incomplete or incorrect documents (e.g., invalid passport, mismatched details).
• Insufficient funds (less than AED 5,000 for 30 days).
• Lack of ties to home country or unclear travel purpose.
• Prior UAE visa violations or overstays.
• Policy changes or application backlog during peak seasons.

Why These Rules?

The UAE’s visa policies, managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), balance tourism growth with strict immigration control. The eVisa system, expanded in 2024, simplifies applications but enforces rigorous checks to prevent overstays. Stricter financial proof (AED 5,000 minimum) and upfront document submission, effective November 2024, ensure compliance and reduce fraudulent applications.

By applying early, submitting complete documents, and using official platforms like icp.gov.ae or emirates.com, you can ensure a smooth UAE Tourist Visa application in 2025. For the latest updates, check www.icp.gov.ae or www.emirates.com.