Requirements for obtaining a visit visa for Dubai vary depending on your nationality. GCC citizens do not require a visa to enter Dubai, and citizens of 33 other countries can get a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport. Nationalities not in this list can get a 30 day tourist visa sponsored by a local entity, such as a hotel or tour operator, and this should be obtained before entry into Dubai.

In general, visit visas are valid for 30 days but can be extended for a further 30 days by paying a fee of Dhs.600 at the Department of Immigration and Naturalisation (plus a Dhs.20 delivery fee). However, for certain nationalities, the 30 day visit visa is non-renewable and these visitors should exit Dubai before their visa expires.

Multiple-entry visas are available for visitors who have links with local businesses that require them to visit regularly. Multiple-entry visas are valid for visits of a maximum of 14 days each time, for six months from date of issue. It costs Dhs.2,100 (plus Dhs.20 delivery fee) and should be applied for after entering the UAE on a visit visa.

Visitors travelling through Dubai in transit, a special transit visa is available free of charge through certain airlines. It is valid for 96 hours.

It is important to remember that visa laws can change frequently, and therefore it is always advised that you check with the UAE Embassy in your home country before you travel.