It is now all online to apply for a UAE visit visa. No offices. No typing centers. Only a phone or a laptop. It lasts approximately 15 minutes. Fill a form. Upload a photo. Pay a fee. Receive the visa through email.
This guide demonstrates how. Step by step. No confusing words. Anyone can follow. Once you have applied, you can use the application number to follow up check UAE visa status as it waits to be approved.
What Is a Visit Visa
A visit visa enables an individual to come to the UAE to have a tour or pay a visit to family members. Not for work. Not to reside indefinitely.
Duration options for 2026:
- 30 days single entry
- 60 days single entry
- 90 days single entry
- 30 days multiple entry
- 60 days multiple entry
Choose what suits the trip.
What Is Needed Before Starting
Prepare these first.
- Passport. Should have half a year to expiry.
- Passport photo. White background. Clear face.
- Credit/debit card. For the fee.
- Email address. The location of the visa.
- Flight booking. Assistance, but not necessarily needed.
- Hotel booking. Also helps.
Certain nationalities do not require a visa. First, check the exemption list.
Method 1: ICP Website
ICP operates in all except the Dubai Emirates.
The steps:
- Open smartservices.icp.gov.ae
- Click Public Services
- Choose Entry Permits
- Pick Tourist Visa
- Create an account or log in.
- Choose the period of the visa. 30, 60, or 90 days.
- Complete the applicant information. Name. Passport number. Nationality. Birth date.
- Upload the photo.
- Attach a copy of the passport.
- Enter travel dates.
- Check everything twice.
- Pay the fee.
- Submit.
What happens next:
Several applications are shown. Save it. Track the visa using this.
Processing is done in 2-5 days.
The visa is provided in the form of a PDF.
Method 2: GDRFA Dubai Website
Dubai has its system. Entering Dubai only.
The steps:
- Open gdrfad.gov.ae
- Click Visa Services
- Choose a Tourist Visa.
- Register or log in
- Complete passport information.
- Submit a photo and a copy of the passport.
- Pick a visa type. Single or multiple entry.
- Pick duration. 30, 60, or 90 days.
- Give an address in Dubai. Hotel works.
- Pay the fee.
- Submit.
- Turnaround time: 3-5 days. A little slower than ICP. Apply early.
Method 3: Airlines and Travel Agents
Emirates. Etihad. Flydubai. They all have visit visa offers.
Why use an airline:
Fast. Sometimes 24 to 48 hours.
Visa is connected to the flight.
Less paperwork.
Why not use an airline?
Costs more. Extra fees added.
How to do it:
- Visit the airline website.
- Find Visa Services
- Enter flight booking reference.
- Fill passenger details
- Upload documents
- Pay
- Wait for the email
Visa Fees for 2026
These are standard rates. Service fees add a little extra.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (AED approx) |
| Single entry | 30 days | 300 to 400 |
| Single entry | 60 days | 500 to 600 |
| Single entry | 90 days | 700 to 800 |
| Multiple entry | 30 days | 800 to 900 |
| Multiple entry | 60 days | 1100 to 1200 |
What the Application Status Means
Once submitted, the status is changed.
Submitted: Application received. Waiting.
Under Processing: Immigration verification of documents.
Approved: Visa ready. Check email.
Rejected: Something wrong. Reason given.
Waiting to be paid: Fee pending.
Check the UAE Visa Status anytime by using the application number.
Common rejection reasons:
Less than 6 months old.
The photo is too dark or too blurred.
Wrong information typed
Previous visa overstay
Mistakes to Avoid
Small errors. Big delays.
Wrong passport number
One digit off. Visa useless. Double check.
Old passport
There should be 6 months remaining. No exceptions.
Bad photo
White background only. No shadows. Face clear.
Applying too late
Processing takes days. Use one week before traveling.
How to Track the Visa After Applying
Easy to do.
Using the same portal:
- Return to ICP or GDRFA.
- Search Visa Status Inquiry.
- Enter application number
- Enter passport number
- Click search
- The Status appears on the screen.
Using the UAE Pass app:
- Open UAE Pass
- Log in
- Tap Visa Services
- Select Application Status
- Every application appears.
What to Do After Getting the Visa
The visa is in the form of a PDF.
Check these things:
There is a one-to-one match of the passport number.
Expiry date and issue date are accurate.
Name spelled right
Save it
On the phone
On email
Print one copy
Paper is still desired by some airlines. Better to have it.
Final Summary
The UAE visit visa online application is easy.
- There are three applications:
- ICP of the majority of emirates.
- Only GDRFA in Dubai.
Fast but more expensive service airlines.
Collect the photo and the passport. Fill the form. Pay the fee. Wait 2 to 5 days. Once submitted, visit the UAE Visa Status with the application number until it is approved. No office. No agent. Just 15 minutes online.
Read Also:
FAQs
Is it possible to apply for a visit visa fully online?
Yes. Both ICP and GDRFA provide a complete online service.
How much time to process?
2-5 days in government portals.
Would a visit visa be renewed?
Thirty-day visas may be renewed for another 30 days. 90 and 60-day visas cannot.
What happens in the event of rejection of the application?
Correct the mistake and rewrite. The email of rejection justifies.
Is the visa trackable once it has been approved?
Yes. Use the portal with the application number.
