Introduction
Getting a visit visa for the UAE is confusing with the rules, types, and possible pitfalls. This blog removes the noise so that you are fully informed on what is a visit visa in UAE, what is a visit visa in Dubai, how to apply, and what to avoid.
What is Visit Visa in UAE and Dubai
A visit visa allows you to enter the UAE with the purpose of visiting family or for medical treatment, tourism, etc. It does not look like a work visa or a residency permit.
In 2025, the UAE has updated its rules to make things clearer, offer more options, and tighten up documentation.
A visit visa is a document granted to travellers by the UAE authorities for a temporary entry. It may be single-entry or multiple-entry. The stay duration depends on the type you apply for.
If you’re travelling to Dubai, your visit visa still falls under the UAE’s federal immigration laws. Nonetheless, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai usually takes care of the applications and charges.
Types of Visit Visas
Choose the correct type visa to suit your purpose before you apply. Mismatches will either lead to delays or rejection.
Here are the main types:
- Tourist / Single-Entry Visit Visa: To go on a holiday, sightseeing or short family visits. The stay period is usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the category.
- Multiple-Entry Visit Visa: This is a safer type of Visa when you intend to make numerous visits to the UAE within a year.
- Special Visit Visas: For visiting relatives, medical treatments, study or training, business exploration or job-seeker visits. These are usually more constrained in duration or require extra documentation.
- Transit Visa: In case you are travelling through the UAE on your way to another country. Short stays, often 48-96 hours.
New Rules & Changes in 2025
Here are the rules that have changed recently, so your application doesn’t get caught out.
- You now have a choice of 30 days, 60 days or 90 days visit visa depending on your nationality or purpose.
- Stronger documentation required, such as proof of finances, confirmed accommodation, return or onward flight tickets, and sometimes sponsor or invitation letters.
- In some situations (such as Indian passport holders with valid US/UK residence/visa), you can be allowed a short stay visa on arrival.
- Monitoring validity and tracking are more systematised. You need your reference numbers and application numbers. Some emirates use different portals (ICP, GDRFA, etc.).
How To Apply via a Good Visit Visa Service
Choosing the right visit visa service can make or break your application. In the world of numerous rules and updates, it is important to be guided properly. That is where SkyPRO assists the travelers with the quality assistance so that they do not make the typical errors and receive the visa without the needless postponements.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Find out whether your nationality qualifies for visa-on-arrival, a pre-approved visa, or a full application. SkyPRO can help you with this, by checking these details on your behalf, and ensuring that your passport is valid to the minimum requirement.
Step 2: Gather required documents
You’ll typically need:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Proof of accommodation in UAE
- Return flight ticket
- Evidence of finances, and, in certain instances, a sponsor/invitation letter
SkyPRO assists in organising and proofreading such documents to minimise the possibilities of getting rejection.
Step 3: Apply through authorised channels
Always use official portals like ICP or GDRFA. SkyPRO connects you only with verified channels so you don’t risk falling for unverified “quick fix” services.
Step 4: Pay fees and track application
The fees charged on visas differ. SkyPRO takes you through the payment process and assists you in progress tracking by using official portals.
Step 5: Know the extension rules and exit requirements
There are those visas that can be extended and others that demand your departure within a specified period. Excessive staying may lead to fines, and even re-entry prohibition. SkyPRO keeps you informed regarding the validity of your visa, whether to get it extended or not, and when to leave to ensure that you are compliant.
The Application Trap: Things People Get Wrong
Here are common pitfalls. Avoid them.
- Choosing the wrong visa type. If you say “tourism” when you intend to visit family, or vice versa, your application can be delayed or rejected.
- Using unauthorised services or websites. There are fake or non-government ads that claim to offer instant visas or fast tracking. You may lose money and risk identity theft.
- Bad or incomplete documentation. Missing sponsor info, wrong size photo, passport validity less than required period, and missing hotel bookings. Even a small gap can break the application.
- Failure to provide financial evidence or confirmation of accommodation. These rules are stricter now.
- Overstaying. Knowing when your visa expires and whether an extension is allowed is essential. Staying longer might attract fines or prohibition.
- Ignoring differences among emirates. For visit visa in Dubai, you might deal with GDRFA; other emirates tend to use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Don’t assume rules are uniform.
Cost, Validity & Renewal
It’s not free, and validity depends on what type you pick.
- A 30-day single-entry tourist visa (Dubai) through GDRFA costs around AED 200.
- For 60-day or longer visit visas or multiple entries, fees are higher. The exact figure depends on the slot and circumstances.
- Validity: Some visas allow stay for 30, 60 or 90 days. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows up to 90 days per visit in many cases.
- Extensions may be an option; confirm whether your visa type is extendable, the number of days, and the cost.
- Not all types of visa can always be renewed; you may be required to leave and re-enter depending on the regulations and the remaining term of your stay.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Application
Here is how to be smart to ease your life:
- Apply early before travelling to accommodate any delay in the verification of documents.
- Always have the digital copies of all your documents such as passport, photos, hotel booking, flight tickets, and sponsor letters.
- Always access secure and official portals or trusted service providers such as SkyPRO with good reviews. Confirm credentials.
- Verify the passport validity. In case your passport is expiring in the near future, renew it first.
Conclusion
What is a visit visa in UAE, and what is a visit visa in Dubai has become clear. There are more options, stricter requirements, and more chances of stumbling if things aren’t done right. However, when you are aware of the types, comply with the rules, utilise a legitimate visit visa service, and recheck everything, travel is possible.
Prior to hitting apply, plan your intent, select the right visa type, compile your documents in the right manner, utilise official avenues. Do so, and your trip or stay in the UAE will be hassle-free.
