Written By Arabiers Digital & Reviewed by Robeena Brown
November 17, 2023 | 13 min read
Dubai is one of the world's popular destinations thanks to its breathtaking skyscrapers, golden deserts, and opulent lifestyle. Having this in mind, you may need to hurry to obtain a UAE visit visa. A UAE express visa may come in handy if you're itching to visit this fascinating city and the UAE at large or if you have urgent travel plans.
This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a fast visa for Dubai, offering an easy and convenient path to take in the country's jaw-dropping sceneries, rich culture, and lively atmosphere.
If you meet the following circumstances when going to Dubai, then you may need an express UAE visa:
Last-minute Travel Plans: If you plan to travel to the UAE on short notice, whether for leisure or business, an express visa can accommodate your spontaneous travel arrangements.
Business Meetings and Conferences: Business people who often need quick entry to attend conferences, meetings, or negotiations in Dubai may greatly benefit from an express visa due to the quick response time.
Medical Tourism: Travelers in need of urgent medical treatments, surgeries, or consultations with Dubai-based healthcare providers may opt for the express medical visa.
Educational Pursuits: Students or researchers enrolling for short-term courses, workshops, or research programs in Dubai may consider an express student or research visa to start their course immediately.
Educational Pursuits: Students or researchers enrolling for short-term courses, workshops, or research programs in Dubai may consider an express student or research visa to start their course immediately.
Urgent Situations: You may need an express visa to facilitate quick entry to Dubai in case of unexpected events, such as business emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
Dubai acknowledges the input of tourism and business to its economy and has therefore provided three speedy visa options to meet the travelers’ needs. Below are the types of speedy visas available:
Below are the visa types available for Dubai:
Below is a table showing a clear comparison between the normal and express visas for Dubai, highlighting the primary differences in processing time, flexibility, and associated processing fees.
| Factor | Normal Visa for Dubai | Express Visa for Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 3-4 business days, approximately | 4 to 8 hours |
| Eligibility | Open to various traveller types | Open to various traveller types |
| Purpose | Suitable for all travel purposes | Suitable for all travel purposes |
| Processing Fees | Fees vary, often more economical | Higher processing fees |
| Document Requirements | Valid passport, color photo, payment | Similar to a normal visa |
| Flexibility | Allows for planning well in advance | Suitable for immediate travel |
| Overstay Penalties | Penalties apply for overstaying | Penalties apply for overstaying |
The type of visa you select depends on your specific travel needs and the urgency of your travel plans.
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an express Dubai visa:
Quick Processing: The primary advantage of the express visa is the fast processing time, allowing travelers to get their visa in 24 to 72 hours. This is quite an advantage to those with emergency travel arrangements.
Urgent Travel: Travelers with urgent or unforeseen reasons to visit Dubai greatly benefit from the express visa. Urgent travel plans include family emergencies, medical treatments, and business meetings.
Convenience: Express Visas are convenient and flexible, allowing travelers to make quick travel decisions and book flights without much advance planning.
Business Opportunities: Business people can easily seize time-sensitive business opportunities and attempt prompt meetings thanks to the express visa.
Efficient Entry: Express visa significantly minimizes the waiting times at immigration counters, offering a smoother and more efficient entry into Dubai.
Higher Processing Fees: Compared to standard visas, Express Visas normally have higher processing fees as you pay for premium services.
Limited Planning Time: Express visas offer limited planning time for travelers and may not be suitable for those who prefer to plan and book trips well in advance.
Overstaying Penalties: Just like the standard visa, overstaying an expired express visa attracts penalties and fines.
Documentation Rush: Express Visas offer expedited services, which require travelers to provide supporting documents promptly. This may be a challenge for some people.
Limited Availability: Express visa options are not available for all visa types, thus limiting travelers with specific requirements.
Express visas typically have higher processing fees compared to the normal visa. The exact costs depend on the type of visa and the duration of stay. The prices are:
30 days Single entry 30 days Single entry 789 AED
60 days Single entry 60 days Single entry 989 AED
30 days Single entry 30 days Multi entry 1190 AED
30 days Single entry 60 days Multi entry 1390 AED
You can apply for an Express visa through authorized travel agencies such as Arabiers.
Contact Arabiers and send your passport and photo together with other required documents. The visa will be ready in 4 to 8 hours except on weekends, official holidays, and Eid holidays, when it may take longer.
A Dubai express visa takes 4 to 8 hours to be processed.
It is recommended not to book a flight ticket until your visa has been approved by UAE immigration. Even though you are promised to get your visa in 4 to 8 hours, a travel agency is not liable if the visa takes longer. An express visa may take longer, depending on your nationality and the time of your application.