The Emirates visa process
The five stages of an Emirates visa application — what we ask you for at each one, how long it realistically takes, and what we do if something is missing. Worth reading first if you would rather know before you start than find out halfway through.
Start ApplicationOne short form
Passport, photo, travel dates
3–4 working days
Or hours, if you choose express
Checked before filing
An adviser reads every file
Your passport decides which visas you qualify for; the country you are applying from decides which documents UAE immigration wants to see. Choose both and the site narrows the list to the visas actually open to you — including, where it applies, a note telling you that you do not need one at all.
Tourist and visit visas run from 14 to 60 days, single or multiple entry. If Dubai is a stopover rather than your destination, a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa costs considerably less and is quicker to issue. Business categories are separate again. Each card shows the stay it grants, how long it stays valid before you travel, and the full price. Not sure which one fits? Send us your flight dates and we will tell you.
Names, dates and passport numbers have to match your passport exactly — a middle name typed into the wrong box is the most common reason an application comes back to us. You will need a clear colour scan of the passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph; some visa types also ask for flight or hotel details. Photograph the page in daylight rather than scanning it badly, and check that no corner is cut off.
The total at checkout is the government charge plus our filing fee, shown together in your own currency before you enter a card number. Payment runs over an encrypted gateway — we never see or store your full card details. If the method you want is not available in your country, message us and we will arrange an alternative rather than leave you stuck at the last step.
From submission onward you can see which stage your file has reached — document check, immigration review, or issued. If something needs correcting we email you and say what is wrong, rather than letting the application sit. Once approved, the visa arrives by email and stays available on the Emirates visa status page: enter your application ID and passport number to download it again at any time. Print a copy and keep one on your phone.
