Visit Visa
Definition
Short-term entry permit for tourism or business visits. Working on a visit visa is not permitted in the UAE and can result in penalties for both employee and employer.
Also known as
- Tourist Visa
- Entry Permit
Attributes
| Type | Short-term entry permit |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | UAE |
| Applicable law | UAE immigration law |
| Regulator | GDRFA |
| Purpose | Tourism or business visits |
| Governing authority | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation |
| Country | UAE |
What it is
A Visit Visa is a short-term UAE entry permit for tourism, business meetings, or family visits — typically 30, 60, or 90 days, single or multiple entry. Some nationalities receive visa-on-arrival or a free entry stamp for similar durations. Visit visas can be sponsored by a UAE-based hotel (tourist visa), a UAE relative (family visit), a UAE employer (business visit), or applied for directly via airlines or platforms like Smart Dubai.
Working on a visit visa is illegal — even unpaid trial work — and triggers fines plus deportation for the holder, plus AED 50,000+ fines for the engaging employer.
Key characteristics
- Duration
- 30 / 60 / 90 days, single or multi-entry
- Sponsor
- Hotel, relative, employer, airline, or self
- Work rights
- None — strictly visit-only
- Extensions
- 30-day extensions possible without leaving the country
How it works
- Determine Visa Type: Identify if the visit is for tourism or business. Business visits may require a Business Visit Visa. 2. Gather Documents: Collect required documents such as a valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, and proof of travel itinerary. 3. Submit Application: Submit the application and supporting documents to the relevant UAE embassy or consulate in your country. 4. Visa Processing: Wait for the visa to be processed. Processing times vary depending on the country and the type of visa. 5. Entry to UAE: Upon arrival in the UAE, present your visa to immigration officials for entry. The Visit Visa is typically valid for a maximum of 90 days.
Types of Visit Visa
| Type | Description | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Business Visit Visa | Specifically for business-related activities such as conferences, meetings, and negotiations. | Required for individuals attending business events or conducting business in the UAE. |
| Tourist Visa | Designed for leisure travel and tourism purposes. | Issued for individuals visiting the UAE for recreational activities and sightseeing. |
Examples
A tourist visiting Dubai for a vacation might apply for a Visit Visa. A businessperson attending a conference in Abu Dhabi would also apply for a Business Visit Visa. Companies hosting international clients often require their visitors to hold a valid Visit Visa to ensure compliance with UAE immigration laws. The Visit Visa is a common requirement for individuals traveling to the UAE for short-term engagements.
Why it matters
The visit-visa-to-employment-visa pipeline is well-trodden — but the work-rights rule is hard. New hires must not start paid work until the proper Work Permit is issued, even if they're already in the country on a visit visa.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
A Visit Visa allows for employment in the UAE.
Reality
The Visit Visa is for short-term visits only and does not permit employment.
FAQs
- Can I extend a UAE visit visa without leaving?
- Yes — most visit visas can be extended by 30 days twice (so up to 90 extra days) via GDRFA / ICP service centres without exiting the country. Extension fees are typically AED 600–1,200 depending on visa type. Beyond that, an exit-and-re-entry is required.
