Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
10 November 2024 | 13 min read
If you need to urgently travel to Dubai, you need to be aware of the essentials that you will need to facilitate your travels. You will need to put together your travel documents including your passport, visa, identification documents and your photos. You may opt to apply for the express visit visa to Dubai if you are on short notice and you need to have a visa to enter Dubai.
In this guide we have discussed how you can successfully plan a last minute trip to Dubai including details on the documents you need to have.
When planning an urgent trip to Dubai, you will need the following documents:
Any traveler must have a valid passport to be allowed entry to Dubai. Whether you are eligible for n on arrival visa or not, you should have a passport when travelling to Dubai.
The passport should be valid for more than six months from the date you intend to travel to Dubai. It should also have at least two blank pages where your visa will be stamped.
Not everybody travelling to Dubai need a visa to be allowed entry. Citizens of GCC countries can enter Dubai without a visa. There are also some nationals who qualify for an on arrival visa to Dubai.
The on arrival visa holders only need to travel to Dubai with their other travel documents and their passport will be stamped with a visa at the airport when they land.
Visitors who need a prepaid visa however, must apply for it in advance before entering to Dubai. The regular visa to Dubai takes 2 to 5 days to be processes.
Therefore, if time is not on your side, you can opt for an express visa, which will be ready in 2 to 4 hours. This visa is however more expensive than the regular visa.
After you have secured your visa, you can then proceed to book a flight ticket to Dubai. If you are coming from any Middle Eastern country like Oman or Saudi Arabia, you can even enter the UAE by road and travel to Dubai.
Those coming from far countries need to book a flight to Dubai. Do a quick research on the airlines in your country that operate the Dubai route.
We recommend a direct flight to Dubai as it will save you time that may be lost during layovers when you use connecting flights.
Book for a flight online, and when it is confirmed they will send you your ticket. Print that ticket and keep the hard copy somewhere close to your other travel documents.
Buy a medical and travel insurance to use in Dubai in case of any emergencies while on your trip. Any medical emergency like accidents or even sudden illnesses can be treated in a hospital in Dubai when you have an insurance.
It may be very expensive to use cash for treatment in Dubai hospitals, that’s why we recommend you get a travel insurance.
After purchasing the insurance, print out the insurance details and keep where it is easily accessible.
If you have reserved for a hotel in Dubai, it is wise to print out the booking. This will help you to easily proof that you have an accommodation when you arrive in Dubai.
You can book for a hotel online, and when it is confirmed, download the recipt and print it.
Here is a practical checklist to help you remember everything you need when travelling to Dubai:
After you have prepared all the necessary travel documents, put them together in one bag to ensure they are not misplaced. Keep them close where you can easily access them when prompted to do so.
You will be asked for most of them when you arrive at the Dubai airport. Make photocopies or digital copies of the documents in case they get stolen or lost.
You can buy a travel wallet to keep the documents. You may also store the digital copies in a secure digital cloud service where you can easily access them.
The climate in the UAE varies with seasons, so you should pack accordingly. The weather is generally hot most of the times, so carry lightweight and breathable clothing.
While Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, it still preserves its cultural heritage. It is also an Islamic region so people are expected to dress modestly there.
Pack clothes that cover your shoulders and knees especially if you plan to visit religious and cultural sites. Women should also carry a shawl or scan to cove r their heads while visiting such places.
Pack a shawl, sweater or light jackets if you plan to engage in night adventures like overnight camping. Another thing to pack is comfortable footwear because you will walk a lot if you choose to explore the city.
Even if you don’t have enough time to plan your trip, never forget to plan for your health and safety first. If you are under medication, carry them and a copy of your prescription.
Pack a basic first aid kit that has pain relievers, antiseptic wipes and Band-Aids.
Dubai is known for its scorching sun so ensure you carry a high SPF sunscreen sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.
Remain connected as you explore the UAE by ensuring you carry your essential gadgets. Carry you smartphone, as you can use for communication, maps to navigate your way around the city and also to take photos.
If you love photography, then Dubai is your to go destination. It offers many photo opportunities where you can capture memories and Instagram worthy pictures.
Pack you chargers and power banks to ensure you remain connected no matter where you are. We also advise that you carry a portable Wi-Fi device so that you will not always be relying on public Wi-Fi.
The local currency in Dubai is the Dirham (AED). It is advisable for you to have cash on hand to use when making small purchases and in case of emergencies.
Carry your debit and credit card as they are accepted in some places in Dubai. MasterCard and visa are widely accepted in the city.
Ensure that your trip is within your budget by planning accordingly. Consider expenses like meals, transportation, and activities that you plan to engage in.
Dubai has options for those travelling on budget and also those looking for a luxurious experience with no money constraints.
When travelling to Dubai on short notice, the last thing you need is petty inconveniences. Inconveniences that cause delayed trips, or extra costs, or even giving you stress should be avoided.
Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth trip to Dubai even with short preparation time:
• Create a travel itinerary to have a clear vision of the places you want to visit and the activities to engage in when you arrive in Dubai.
• Reach out to a travel agent based in Dubai to help you with planning your trip. Arabiers for example, handles visa application, plans your accommodation and offers Dubai travel packages that will guide you to explore the emirate.
• Prepare a checklist of all the documents you need to travel. Double confirm the checklist and tick appropriate as you pack the documents to make sure that you do not forget any of them.
Make another checklist for the essentials you need to pack. You can even research online to know the things you might need while in Dubai. This will help you pack the necessities, ensuring a comfortable trip to Dubai.
• Get an express visa if the trip is very urgent. Though a bit costly, an express visa will save you a lot of time and help you travel to Dubai on your desired time.
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