Everything You Need To Know About United Arab Emirates E-visa

All foreign nationals except the citizens of 50 countries need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. In 2015, as a step to make the visa application process easier, UAE introduced the e-visa, a system that allows a foreign national to apply for an electronic travel authorization via online means.

Compared to a regular visa, obtaining an e-visa is pretty easy, and all the steps of the application process can be completed over the internet. It should be also noted that there is no need to visit the United Arab Emirates embassy to obtain an e-visa.

United Arab Emirates e-visa: All you need to know

United Arab Emirates offer e-visas to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for tourism-related activities like sightseeing. These visas are basically electronic travel authorization issued by the authorities that grand permission to a foreign national to visit UAE legally. The e-visa will be electronically attached to the traveler’s passport. Upon arrival in the UAE entry port, immigration authorities will check the e-visa of the foreign national, and they will make the visa stamping on your passport.

Documents that should be submitted to obtain United Arab Emirates tourist e-visas

Foreign citizens can seek the help of entrusted agencies like Visa Genie to get a United Arab Emirates tourist e-visa. In order to get the e-visa, the applicant should submit the below-mentioned documents.

• A clear copy of the passport should be submitted. Please make sure that the scanned copy of the passport is being sent in JPEG format.
• The applicant should submit the digital copy of a passport-sized photograph. While submitting the photograph, the applicant should make sure that it is being taken in a white background. The foreign national should also make sure that he or she is maintaining a neutral facial expression while taking the photograph.
• The e-visa application form should be filled. If you need any assistance while filling the application form, you can seek the help of experts at Visa Genie.

Note: If children are traveling with parents, a passport copy and photograph along with a birth certificate in English or Arabic should be submitted. If a translated birth certificate is going to be submitted, please make sure that it is attested on the front page.

Which are the documents that should be submitted after reaching the UAE entry port?

After reaching the entry port, the foreign national should submit the passport along with the printout of the e-visa. Please make sure that the passport which the foreign national is used for traveling should have a minimum six months validity and two blank pages.

Sometimes, authorities may ask you additional documents. If you have an invitation letter from the UAE entity, carry the letter with you along with proof of travel and accommodation. It is also recommended to carry proof of sufficient funds.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

My passport is going to expire within two months. Am I eligible to apply for a United Arab Emirates e-visa?

In order to obtain a United Arab Emirates e-visa, the passport of the foreign national should have a validity of six months, and it should have two blank pages. If your passport’s validity is less than two months, you will need to renew it before applying for a visa.

What is the validity of a United Arab Emirates tourist e-visa?

The validity of a United Arab Emirates tourist e-visa is 60 days after the issuance. Making things more clear, a foreign national should enter UAE within this period. These e-visas offer single entry privilege, and the traveler can stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days.

Is it necessary to obtain an e-visa for minor children who are planning to visit UAE?

All foreign nationals including minors and infants need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. If these children are traveling with parents, they should provide the passport and photograph of the minor to obtain an e-visa. However, Visa Genie, at this point of time is unable to process visas of children whose names are endorsed on their parents’ passports.

How will I receive my United Arab Emirates e-visa?

After analyzing your request, the UAE authorities will send the e-visa to your email.

How many days it will take me to get a UAE tourist e-visa?

In usual cases, applicants will get the sanctioned e-visa within seven days after sending the application. Foreign travelers who want to visit UAE in an urgent basis can apply for quick e-visas, and it will help you to get a sanctioned e-visa within five days.

When should I apply for a United Arab Emirates tourist e-visa?

As applicants will get the sanctioned e-visa in seven days, it is highly recommended to apply for an e-visa before a week of your planned travel date.

What will happen if I stay in UAE even after the expiration of my tourist e-visa?

UAE is a country where laws are followed very strictly. If authorities nab you for overstaying in the country, you will be compelled to face strict legal actions. Sometimes, authorities may even ban you from entering the country again.

How can I renew my tourist e-visa while staying in the United Arab Emirates?

It is not possible to renew a tourist e-visa while staying in the United Arab Emirates. If you need to renew my tourist e-visa, you should initially exit the United Arab Emirates, and should apply for a fresh e-visa from your homeland.

Can I work in the United Arab Emirates using a tourist e-visa?

As the name indicates, United Arab Emirates tourist e-visas are issued to foreign nationals who plan to visit the country for exclusively tourism related purposes. Foreign nationals are not supposed to work in UAE using these visas. If authorities nab you for working in the United Arab Emirates without proper documents, you will face strict legal consequences.

If you want to work in the UAE, you should apply for a work visa via the United Arab Emirates embassy. In order to get a UAE work visa, you should also produce the work contract, along with other necessary documents that includes, passport, visa application form, invitation letter from the UAE entity, and police clearance certificate.

I am a citizen of the United Kingdom. Am I permitted to visit UAE without a visa?

Even though European Union nationals do not need a visa to enter, citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland need a visa to enter UAE. Citizens of the United Kingdom can either get a visa on arrival or can apply for a e-visa.

Which is a better option; visa on arrival or an e-visa?

Visa on arrival is undoubtedly the easiest option to get an entry authorization while traveling to the United Arab Emirates. The foreign national can directly land on a UAE entry port, and can obtain a visa from the immigration authorities. However, there are possibilities that authorities will phase out this visa on arrival privilege at any time without any prior notice. So, if you are a traveler who wishes to visit the United Arab Emirates in a hassle-free manner, it is highly recommended to obtain an e-visa. It should be noted that obtaining an e-visa is as easy as getting a visa on arrival, and you can complete the process within ten minutes. You can also avail the help of reputed travel agencies like Visa Genie to get a United Arab Emirates tourist e-visa.

Should I need to submit my physical passport to Visa Genie to get my tourist e-visa?

No. Submitting a physical passport is not needed to obtain a United Arab Emirates e-visa. You can send the scanned copy of the passport to Visa Genie. However, before sending the passport, make sure that it has six months validity and two blank pages.

Can I guarantee my entry into UAE if I get an e-visa?

Even though e-visas are electronic travel authorizations that allows a foreign national to enter UAE legally, there are certain cases where travelers were denied entry even after procuring an e-visa. This usually happens when immigration authorities find your entry against the UAE’s national interest.

What should be my next step if UAE authorities reject my e-visa application?

Sometimes, UAE authorities may deny your e-visa application due to various reasons. If it happens, you should apply for a regular visa via the United Arab Emirates embassy.

Is my United Arab Emirates visa processing fee refundable if my application gets rejected?

As authorities are charging this amount as the visa processing fee, they will not refund it even if your application to get an e-visa gets denied.

I need to enter UAE multiple times in a 60-day period. What should I do?

Unfortunately, a tourist e-visa will not allow a foreign national to enter United Arab Emirates multiple times. If you want to visit UAE multiple times, it is recommended to apply for a regular visa via the United Arab Emirates located in your country.