Documents for Traveling to Dubai: What You Need to Know

To be allowed entry into Dubai, you need to have a valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter the UAE. You will not be allowed to Dubai with a 12-page emergency passport or a passport with the ‘X’ gender marker. 

These rules apply to those traveling into Dubai or even through Dubai. the passport should include all your personal details like name, age and nationality among other details.

VisaIf you are travelling to Dubai, you will need to have a travel visa to show that you are legally into the country. For those who do not require a prepaid visa, their passports are stamped with a visa to show that they have entered the country with the right channel.

Visa stamping is done at every port of entry, so even if you did not enter the UAE by flying, your passport will be stamped at the border point you use. 

Travelers entering Dubai with a prepaid visa must show their visa at the immigration when checking into the country. if you do not produce the visa, you will not be allowed to leave the airport, and you will be deported back to your home country. 

It is even better if you print your e-visa so that have a hardcopy and keep it together with your passport. 

While pictures are mandatory requirements when applying for a Dubai visa, it is still essential to carry copies of the photos with you when travelling. You may not be asked to produce them anywhere but it is safer to have them just in case.

Passport pictures may come through for you in case you are asked to verify your identity. When applying for visa, you are asked to submit two copies of passport sized photos taken against a white background.

The photos should also meet some specification that have been set aside by the UAE authority. 

While a national ID is not a major requirement when applying for visa to Dubai, it is important that you carry your ID always. There are places that may require you to use your ID to verify your age.

You can however use your passport whenever asked for a national identity card because it contains the critical details to identify oneself.

Places that you may require to produce identity include when entering a bar or nightclub in Dubai, when making reservations to some hotels and attractions, and if you have an encounter with the authority.

There are also certain nationalities like Afghanistan citizens who must submit a copy of their national ID when applying for a Dubai visa for security purposes.

If you plan to self-drive while in Dubai, you must carry your driver’s license when travelling to Dubai. Dubai has very strict road and transport regulations, so for you to avoid getting into trouble with the authority you should carry the license.

To be allowed to drive on Dubai roads you need an international license which permits you to drive vehicles outside your home country.

A driver’s license will show the types of vehicles you are qualified to drive. Traffic officers are everywhere in Dubai and they may stop you any time to check your documentation.

If you are found driving without a valid driver’s license, you will be considered a traffic offender. You risk getting arrested and incurring hefty fines for such traffic mistakes. 

If you forget your license, it is better to hire a cab or use public transport while in Dubai. alternatively, you can hire a car and a driver to drive you around for the days you will be staying in Dubai.

Remember to have your round trip flight ticket when travelling to Dubai. Even if you booked for a flight online, it is advisable to print hardcopies of your tickets. 
If you have booked your return ticket, keep a copy of it close by and safely. If you will be travelling through Dubai to another destination, you should also have your onward flight ticket.

A travel insurance is critical when traveling to a foreign country. It covers emergencies that may arise while you are in the new country such as medical emergencies. 

There are some tour companies that offer a travel insurance when you choose to travel to Dubai through them. When you use the Arabiers services for instance, they can organize everything for you, from visa application, acquiring a travel insurance, transportation while in Dubai and also tour packages.

It is better to take up on such an offer as it makes your trip hassle free and more memorable. You will not get tired with the planning process as the tour company will handle everything on your behalf. 

Remember to carry your debit and credit card when travelling to Dubai. These will enable you to make payments effortlessly while in the foreign country.

Cards are widely used in Dubai and you can make major payments using them. Whether paying for a hotel reservation, a tour package or even transport within the city, you may use your card to pay money for your different expenses.

Indian nationals who are entering Dubai with a 14 days on arrival visa must carry the documents that show their qualification for this visa. They need to carry their residence visa issued by either their UK or EU countries, or show their green card or visit visa issued by the USA. 

Those who do not submit these documents will not be considered for the on arrival visa. they will be required to apply for the prepaid visit visa for them to be allowed entry into Dubai.