TRAVEL TO DUBAI - Getting a glimpse of the Arabic World

The Burj in Dubai.  The Tallest Building in the world

There is a lot to see, but it will take time and preparation.  The first step is finding the permission.  The second step will be the budget as Dubai prices are higher than most.


TRAVEL PERMISSION:


US Citizens:

Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Stays of Less than 1 Month

If you meet all three of the following conditions, you do not need a visa:

1. Citizen of the United States, and
2. Staying in the UAE for less than one month, and
3. Have a round-trip airline ticket, and
4. Passport is valid for more than 6 months

This includes US citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries.
Please note: If you are not a US citizen, even if you are traveling with a US citizen or are the spouse/child of a US citizen, you may need to apply for a visa. Check our Non US Citizens information page to learn more.

Stays of More than 1 Month

If you are a US Citizen and wish to stay in the UAE for more than one month, you need to have a visa issued from the UAE Embasy before you depart.

Citizens of the Republic of the Philippines:

Applying Through Your Sponsor or Host (Fastest Option)

We recommend that you ask your sponsor (host) to process a visa from the UAE. This takes only four (4) working days. Ask the sponsor (host) to fax a copy of the visa to you before departure. The original visa will be waiting for you at the UAE airport. In this example, there is no need to apply at the Embassy.
Other Notes

• If non-US citizens apply through the Embassy, the processing time is much longer and involves interviews and approvals from UAE authorities.
• The Embassy issues only visit visas and does not issue tourist or transit visas.
  • Hotels in the UAE issue tourist visas.
  • UAE airlines issue transit visas.
  • Travelers must obtain copies of these visas prior to travel from the hotel or airline.
• The decision on the length of the visa is subject to the Consul's judgment.

To Apply at the Embassy

If you are a non-US Citizen and still wish to apply, you must provide the following:

1	Two (2) completed application forms, including the Particulars of your Sponsor / Host in the UAE and the Residence Address where you will stay in the UAE. All applications must be typed. Your Sponsor / Host must be based in the UAE. If you will visit an individual, provide ALL information. If you will visit an organization, use the following Sponsor / Host information: Full name - list the Organization Name Profession - list the industry Address - list the Organization's address in the UAE Telephone - list the Organization's phone number in the UAE Passport Number & Nationality are not needed for organizations Complete the Accompanied By section for applicants who will travel with children listed in the parent's passport. Each child must submit two (2) copies of the application form also.
2	An original passport, valid for at least six (6) months from expected time of arrival in the UAE, signed by the bearer.
3	A copy of your passport.
4	Two (2) original passport-sized photos.
5	A Cover letter that includes the following: Introduction - Name, who you are Reason for being in the US Reason for staying that long in the UAE Specific request for the visa
6	Invitation letter from your sponsor/host in the UAE. If you are visiting an individual, the invitation letter must include: Clear invitation to visit Full name of your host (the person who invited you) Relationship between you and the host Residence address and phone number for your host Acceptance of responsibility for you while you are in the UAE Estimated visit duration and reason for staying that long If you are visiting an organization, this letter must be on official company letterhead (e-mails are not accepted) and include: Clear invitation to visit Organization name Acceptance of responsibility for you while you are in the UAE Name and phone number of your point of contact within the organization
7	If you will visit an organization, copy of the organization's business license in the UAE.
8	If you will visit an individual, copy of: Your host's passport and Your host's residency permit in the UAE
9	An employment letter If you are: Employed - A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating your position Self-employed - A copy of your business license Retired, a home maker, a student - A letter from your bank testifying that your account is in good standing
10	The appropriate fee for the visa you are seeking (money order only): Short stay visa: $150 (Money order only). Valid for two (2) months. Maximum stay is 30 days non-renewable. Long stay visa: $300 (Money order only). Valid for two (2) months. Maximum stay is 90 days non-renewable. Multiple visa: $600 (Money order only). Valid for six (6) months from the date of issue. Maximum stay is fourteen (14) days for each entry.
11	A copy of your immigration status in the USA (e.g., green card, J visa, F1 visa, etc.)
12	A prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (US Express mail, UPS, or FedEx).

Created 04-Dec-2008. Last updated 15-Jun-2010.