Ways to get a visa
How do I get a Dubai visa? All options compared
The ways to get a Dubai visa, how they differ, and when you don't need an agency at all.
Check first: do you need a visa in advance at all?
Many travellers only get their UAE visa on arrival at the airport, for example with a passport from Germany, Austria or any other EU country, or from Switzerland. In that case you need neither a visa in advance nor an agency. Our visa checker shows you whether this applies to your passport.
Visa checkerThe list of countries can change. The UAE government advises checking with the UAE embassy before you travel.
If you need a visa in advance: the options compared
Which option suits you depends mainly on which airline you fly with, where you stay and how much time is left before departure.
- For whom
- Emirates: passengers whose Emirates ticket to and from Dubai has already been issued, with both flights in one booking and operated by Emirates. flydubai: flydubai passengers can ask at selected flydubai travel shops. The flydubai page only lists locations in the UAE for this and no online application, and its forms are for UAE residents applying for family or relatives.
- What you need
- Emirates: a colour photo, a colour copy of your passport and a copy of your Emirates ticket. flydubai: the flydubai application form, a colour photo and a colour copy of a passport that is valid for at least 6 months on the date of travel.
- Cost
- Emirates: for example 90 US dollars for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, including VAT, plus VFS Global processing fees (Emirates does not state the amount). flydubai does not state a fee on its page.
- Time
- Emirates: about 3 to 4 working days, apply at least 4 working days before arrival. flydubai: at least 5 working days from the submission of complete documents.
- Advantages
- No agency needed: you apply directly through your own flight booking.
- Disadvantages
- Only with a matching ticket from the airline. With Emirates, VFS Global fees come on top and you must apply at least 4 working days before arrival. flydubai does not describe an online application.
- Good to know
- With Emirates, you apply via “Manage booking”. With flydubai, you need a paid return booking with flydubai to collect the visa.
- For whom
- Travellers who book their flight or hotel with a hotel or a licensed travel agency in the UAE.
- What you need
- According to GDRFA Dubai: a personal photo, a copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months), health insurance valid in the UAE and a return or onward ticket. For some nationalities (Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan) also the identity card of the home country.
- Cost
- The authority's fee plus whatever the hotel or travel agency charges.
- Time
- 48 hours according to GDRFA Dubai.
- Advantages
- Visa and hotel or trip from one provider, within 48 hours according to GDRFA Dubai.
- Disadvantages
- Only if you book there. What the hotel or travel agency charges on top varies, and you have to check yourself whether an office is accredited.
- Good to know
- The GDRFA Dubai tourist visa is only issued through accredited tourism offices in Dubai. The UAE government advises checking that a travel agency is genuine before you pay or send documents.
- For whom
- Travellers who need a visa in advance regardless of airline and hotel, even at short notice.
- What you need
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry, a recent passport photo and, if you live in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, your residence permit. Some nationalities need further documents, for example the home-country ID card for Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Please also plan a return or onward flight.
- Cost
- With us from €172.99 per person. This includes the visa with the government fee and our €12.99 agency fee as a separate amount.
- Time
- Standard: 3–5 working days in the UAE (Mon–Thu) · Express: 48 hours on UAE working days · Emergency: 3–12 hours on UAE working days
- Advantages
- Independent of airline and hotel, even at short notice: Express in 48 hours or Emergency in 3 to 12 hours on UAE working days.
- Disadvantages
- Our agency fee comes on top of the visa price. Here too, the authority decides on the visa, and there is no refund if it is rejected.
- Good to know
- We check your documents, submit the application through our partner in Dubai and can be reached by phone and WhatsApp. The authority decides on the visa.
What about the UAE embassy?
UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. The UAE government says so on its portal u.ae.
When you don't need an agency
- Your passport allows entry with a visa on arrival.
- You fly to Dubai and back with Emirates, your ticket has already been issued, more than 4 working days remain before arrival, and you are comfortable applying via “Manage booking”.
- You are booking with a hotel or licensed travel agency in the UAE anyway, and they offer the visa too.
When we can help
- You need a visa in advance and your airline does not offer one.
- It's urgent: Express in 48 hours or Emergency in 3 to 12 hours on UAE working days.
- You want someone to check your passport, photo and other documents before submission, and a fixed contact by phone and WhatsApp.
Whichever way you choose: the UAE immigration authority decides on every visa. No agency can influence that decision.
Sources
Information as of 23 October 2026. Rules and fees can change; the linked bodies are authoritative.
Do you need a visa for the UAE?
Check with the visa checker, or apply for your visa online right away.