
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Visa Application Process
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Visa Application Process
The United Arab Emirates is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula and its neighbors are Oman and Saudi Arabia. The UAE consists of 7 emirates. According to the website worldData.info, the United Arab Emirates received 8 million tourists in 2020, ranking it 26th among the most visited places in the world. The most visited places in the United Arab Emirates by tourists are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
Many people from Turkey travel to the United Arab Emirates every year. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey must apply for the appropriate United Arab Emirates visa before their travel, depending on their passport type and travel duration.
What is the Visa Policy of the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates visa policy requires a visa to travel to the United Arab Emirates, except for those who are eligible for a visa upon arrival in the UAE and citizens of one of the countries that allow visa-free entry. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council nations do not require a visa to enter the UAE.
According to the visa policy of the United Arab Emirates, all visitors to the UAE must have a passport valid for at least 6 months. Citizens of countries that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council only need to show their ID.
Does the United Arab Emirates Require a Visa?
The United Arab Emirates only requires a visa from citizens of the Republic of Turkey who hold an ordinary (maroon) passport. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who hold a service (grey) passport, special (green) passport and diplomatic (black) passport do not need a United Arab Emirates visa for travels not exceeding 90 days.
Does the United Arab Emirates Require a Visa for Green Passports?
The United Arab Emirates does not require visas from green passport holders, provided that their travels do not exceed 90 days.
What are the UAE Visa Types?
UAE visa types are listed below.
- Tourist/visit visa: UAE tourist visas are issued for 30 days or 90 days for single or multiple entries, depending on the travel plan, and can be extended for 30 days twice without leaving the country.
- Medical Entry Permit: Patients from foreign countries can enter the UAE with a medical entry permit sponsored by the hospital where they wish to receive treatment. The medical entry permit can be extended once upon proof that the patient's treatment needs to continue and proof that the patient needs an accompanying person.
- E-visa for Gulf Cooperation Council residents: Individuals with a residence permit in a Gulf Cooperation Council country can enter the UAE by applying for a visa online. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended.
- Transit visa: The United Arab Emirates provides two different transit visas: 48 hours and 96 hours. Transit visas cannot be extended and are only issued with the sponsorship of UAE-based airlines.
- Student visa: Student visa is granted to students who are over 18 years of age and reside in the UAE, and successful students can obtain a long-term visa of 5 years.
- Retirement visa for UAE residents: Retirees over the age of 55 can obtain a long-term retirement visa for a period of 5 years, which can be extended if the eligibility criteria are met.
- Business visa: A business visa is part of the golden visa system that allows foreigners and their dependents to obtain long-term visas.
- Remote work visa: A remote work visa is a type of visa that allows a person to live in the UAE while continuing to work at their existing job outside the UAE.
There are different types of visas depending on the duration of your trip to the United Arab Emirates and the number of entries and exits to the country.
What are the United Arab Emirates Visa Application Requirements?
UAE visa application requirements are listed below.
- Applying for a UAE visa online through the e-visa system
- Applying for a visa at least 1 week before the travel date
- Scanning the documents required for the visa in high resolution using a color scanner and uploading them to the online visa application system.
- Since there is no fingerprint application in the e-visa system, you will have to go through an eye scan system when entering the UAE after obtaining a visa.
- Have a passport that is not older than 10 years and is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates.
Where to Get a UAE Visa?
UAE visa can only be obtained online through applications and websites, in person or through a travel agency, sponsor, authorized airline company or accredited visa agencies. United Arab Emirates visa procedures are carried out without applying to a visa application center or foreign representative office.
United Arab Emirates visa applications can be made online through the eChannels portal of the Population and Citizenship Directorate, the GDRFA website or the GDRFA Dubai, ICA eChannels and Dubai Now mobile applications. Long-term United Arab Emirates visa applications are made to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs by the sponsor, employer or educational institution in the UAE on behalf of the applicant.
Are There Any Intermediaries for United Arab Emirates Visa?
There is no intermediary institution for the United Arab Emirates visa, but VFS Global accepts applications from visa application centers as an intermediary institution for the United Arab Emirates visa application through Emirates.
Does VFS Global Process Visas for the United Arab Emirates?
VFS Global only processes visas for the United Arab Emirates if the visa application is made through Emirates. VFS Global does not process visas for people who purchased tickets from other travel agencies.
Does the UAE Turkish Consulate Receive Visa Applications?
The UAE Consulate in Türkiye does not accept visa applications. UAE visa applications can be made through accredited agencies, airline companies or online.
The UAE Consulate is located in 2 locations in Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul; however, both UAE Consulates do not accept visa applications and only provide services such as legalization of official documents, commercial invoices and certificates, twajudi transactions and issuance of passports and return documents.
How to Get a United Arab Emirates Visa?
United Arab Emirates visa can be obtained by a sponsor in UAE or by the authorities of the hotel where the accommodation will be made, by applying online through travel agencies, accredited agencies and certain airline companies. People who want to travel from Turkey to United Arab Emirates can apply for a visa while purchasing their plane tickets; Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Etihad and Turkish Airlines are the airline companies that can apply for United Arab Emirates visa. Another Turkish airline company, Pegasus, accepts United Arab Emirates visa applications for UAE travel in Turkey.
How to Apply for a UAE e-Visa?
The UAE e-visa application allows citizens of certain countries designated by the UAE to obtain the visa they need to enter the UAE online. Turkey is one of the countries within the scope of the e-visa application designated by the UAE.
In order to obtain a UAE e-visa, the necessary visa documents must first be prepared; then the applicant must enter the website where the e-visa application is made, select the purpose of travel and fill out the visa application form. Once the visa application form is filled out correctly and completely, the documents required for the visa are uploaded to the system and the application is completed by paying the visa fee. When the applicant's United Arab Emirates e-visa is approved, he/she must print it out and keep it with him/her.
What are the United Arab Emirates Visa Application Documents?
United Arab Emirates visa application documents are listed below.
- Passport: A passport that is not older than 10 years, has at least 2 blank pages, is valid for 6 months after the return from travel, and a photocopy of the passport must be submitted.
- UAE visa application form: The UAE visa application form must be filled in with complete and accurate information.
- Photo: A photograph measuring 43 mm x 55 mm with a white background and a clear view of the face is required.
- No objection certificate: Women traveling alone to the United Arab Emirates are required to obtain a no objection certificate from their husband or father.
- Transportation documents: Outbound and return flight ticket reservations must be submitted.
- Proof of accommodation: Documents for hotel reservations must be submitted during your trip to the United Arab Emirates.
- Travel health insurance: Travel health insurance covering the duration of the trip must be obtained.
- Visa petition: The applicant must write a petition stating the purpose and duration of his/her travel to the UAE.
- Proof of residence: Documents such as a residence permit must be submitted to prove that the applicant has legally resided in the country where he/she is applying.
- Documents about the inviting party: Proof of the relationship between the person who will host the applicant in the UAE and the applicant, proof of the inviting party's settlement in the UAE and proof of their financial situation are required.
- Proof of previous travel: If the applicant has been to the UAE in previous years, photocopies of the entry and exit stamps in the passport and any visas issued to the USA, Canada, Schengen Area countries, the UK, New Zealand, Russia or Australia within the last 5 years must be submitted.
The standard documents required for the UAE visa are listed above. In some cases, the applicant may also be asked for financial proof, marriage certificate and proof of current address. If the United Arab Emirates visa documents are submitted completely and correctly, the visa process will be quick.
How to Fill the UAE Visa Application Form?
The United Arab Emirates online visa application form can be accessed from travel agency websites or application portals. The UAE visa application form must be filled in completely and with accurate information and scanned with a high resolution color scanner.
Incorrect or incomplete information on the visa application form may cause the visa process to be extended. The UAE online visa application form includes the applicant's name, surname, nationality, father's name, mother's name, place of birth, date of birth, passport number, place of issuance of the passport, date of issuance and expiration date, purpose of entry to the UAE, information on the persons who will accompany him/her on his/her travel, address, e-mail, relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, address of the sponsor or host, name, surname, passport number and signature of the applicant.
The visual of the UAE visa application form is given below.
What is the United Arab Emirates Visa Photo Size?
The United Arab Emirates visa photo size is 43 mm x 55 mm. Two photographs are generally required, with a white background, no older than 6 months, with a clear face and no accessories such as glasses. Since the background of the photo is white, it is recommended that applicants wear dark clothing.
Sample visa photo image of the United Arab Emirates is given below.
What kind of health insurance should I get for a United Arab Emirates visa?
Health insurance is mandatory for a United Arab Emirates visa and is made to cover any expenses that may arise suddenly, such as an emergency or accident, for people traveling to the United Arab Emirates. It is extremely important to have travel health insurance, especially in a country with expensive health services such as the UAE.
Travel health insurance should cover medical emergencies such as emergency services, hospitalization, trip interruption, loss of personal belongings and emergency evacuation; in addition to these, coverage can be extended by paying an additional fee. Health insurance for the UAE visa should cover the entire duration of the trip. The cost of UAE travel health insurance may vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trip, the conditions covered, age and the number of people insured.
How Much Is The UAE Visa Fee?
UAE visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay in the country. A 48-hour transit visa costs $11, a 96-hour transit visa costs $39, a 30-day tourist visa costs $94, a 90-day tourist visa costs $192, a short-term multiple entry visa costs $185, and a long-term multiple entry visa costs $464.
UAE visa fees are paid by credit card at the time of application. United Arab Emirates visa fees are higher than standard fees when applied expressly.
Where to Pay United Arab Emirates Visa Fee?
United Arab Emirates visa fee is paid by credit card when applying for a visa online.
How Many Days Does It Take to Get a United Arab Emirates Visa?
United Arab Emirates visa is issued within 4 business days if the required documents for the visa application are fully prepared and the requested information is provided. If the visa is approved, it is sent to the e-mail address specified by the applicant in the visa application form within 4 business days. UAE 30-day express visa and 90-day express visa applications are finalized within 24 hours.
How to Track UAE Visa Application?
The tracking of UAE visa applications may vary for each emirate. If the application is made to the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the visa application can be tracked through the Federal Population and Citizenship Directorate website; if the application is made for a Dubai visa, the visa can be tracked through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
To track the UAE visa application, the application number and reference number are needed. When the visa application is made to any service provider, the application number and reference number are requested; so that other Emirates or Dubai visa inquiries can be made through the specified channels.
How Long Is the United Arab Emirates Visa Validity Period?
The validity period of the United Arab Emirates visa varies according to the purpose of travel. After obtaining a UAE visa, the visa holder has 60 days to enter the UAE. With a UAE visa, you can stay in the UAE as a tourist for 30 days, with a transit visa for a maximum of 4 days, and with a work visa for 2 months.
Can the United Arab Emirates visa period be extended?
The United Arab Emirates visa period can be extended. It is possible to extend UAE visas for a maximum of 2 additional days and 30 days, and a fee of 600 UAE dirhams must be paid for each visa extension. In order to extend the visa period, the extension must be made before the current visa expires; otherwise, penalties may be applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions to our center about the United Arab Emirates visa and visa procedures are compiled below with their answers.
Is an Appointment Required for UAE Visa Application?
There is no appointment required for UAE visa applications; since visa applications are made online, there is no need to make a visa appointment.
Are Fingerprints Required for UAE Visa?
Due to the implementation of the e-visa system for the United Arab Emirates visa, fingerprints are not required; instead of fingerprints, an eye scan is required upon entry to the UAE.
Does UAE Require a Transit Visa?
UAE does not require a transit visa from Turkish citizens on connecting flights, provided that they do not cross the transit area and stay at the airport for less than 24 hours; however, in cases other than these conditions, Turkish citizens are required to obtain a UAE transit visa.
In cases where a transit visa is required, the applicant must be sponsored by UAE-based airlines. If a ticket is purchased through UAE-based airlines, the airlines apply for a United Arab Emirates transit visa on behalf of the applicant.
Can I Go to Dubai with a UAE Visa?
Yes, you can go to Dubai with a UAE visa. People who have a UAE visa do not need to get a visa again when going to other Emirates such as Dubai. To get a Dubai visa, you need to apply online through applications and websites, either in person or through a travel agency, sponsor, authorized airline company or accredited visa agencies.
The most commonly used method for a Dubai visa is the e-visa application. With an e-visa, the applicant uploads the necessary visa documents to the system online, pays the visa fee, and fills out the visa application form to apply. Dubai visa procedures can be carried out in person or through travel agencies, depending on the person's situation.
What are the Reasons for UAE Visa Rejection?
Reasons for United Arab Emirates visa refusal are given below.
- If the applicant is a woman under 22 years of age and will be travelling without a parent or relative, the visa will be rejected.
- If you apply for an unskilled profession such as laborer or farmer, your visa will be rejected.
- It is possible for visas to be rejected if applications are made with handwritten passports from countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Visas are automatically denied to those who have previously committed a crime or misconduct in the UAE.
- Those who have previously applied for a tourist visa but have not entered the UAE since their visa was approved may be denied a visa.
- People who have been issued a work visa by a company may be refused a visa if they have not entered the UAE.
- If those who previously had a UAE residence permit leave the country without cancelling their permit, their re-application will be rejected.
- Visas of people with the same name and date of birth may be rejected or their approval may be delayed.
- Incorrect information in the passport number, name or occupation code may result in the visa being rejected.
- In cases where passport photocopies are unclear or blurry, the visa may be rejected or visa approval may be delayed.
If the UAE visa application is rejected, the visa applicant must apply for a new visa by paying the visa fee from the beginning.