UAE Visit Visa Guide 2025: How to Apply, Costs & Processing Times
By Big Bird Travel Team
Planning to bring family or friends to the UAE? This guide covers every visit visa type - 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, multi-entry and transit - with current costs, document checklists and honest processing times.
The UAE issues visit visas through airlines, hotels, travel agencies and the ICP portal. Whether you are sponsoring a parent, inviting a friend or organising a group tour, understanding which visa type to apply for - and which documents to prepare - saves time and avoids rejection.
Requirements change
UAE visa rules and fees are updated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Always verify current fees before submitting. Big Bird Travel stays up to date so we can advise you accurately.
UAE Visit Visa Types - At a Glance
| Visa Type | Stay Period | Validity | Approx. Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days | 60 days | 350-500 |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 60 days | 90 days | 600-800 |
| 90-Day Single Entry | 90 days | 120 days | 900-1,100 |
| Multi-Entry 180-Day | 90 days each entry | 180 days | 1,200-1,500 |
| Multi-Entry 5-Year | 90 days per visit | 5 years | 1,800-2,200 |
| 48-Hour Transit | 48 hours | 96 hours from issue | 100-150 |
| 96-Hour Transit | 96 hours | 7 days from issue | 150-200 |
Note on costs
Fees above are approximate and include service charges. Official ICP fees, insurance requirements and processing surcharges may vary. Contact us for a current quote.
Documents Required for a UAE Visit Visa
Sponsored by a UAE Resident
- Sponsor's Emirates ID copy (front and back)
- Sponsor's UAE residence visa copy
- Sponsor's passport copy
- Visitor's valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining)
- Visitor's recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Return flight ticket or onward journey proof
- Travel insurance covering UAE (mandatory)
Hotel / Agency Sponsored Visa
- Visitor's passport (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed hotel reservation in UAE
- Passport-size photograph
- Travel insurance
- Completed visa application form
Processing Times
Standard processing through a licensed agency like Big Bird Travel typically takes 3-5 working days for single-entry visas. Multi-entry and long-stay visas may take 5-7 working days. Urgent processing (24-48 hours) is available at a higher fee - useful if your travel date is near.
Can I Extend My UAE Visit Visa?
Yes. Most UAE visit visas can be extended once from inside the UAE before expiry, for a further 30 days. Extension fees are typically AED 600-700 per person. Alternatively, a visa run (exiting and re-entering) can activate a new visa period, though this is subject to immigration discretion.
Common Reasons for UAE Visa Rejection
- Sponsor's salary below AED 4,000/month threshold
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- Previous overstay or ban record on the applicant's passport
- Passport validity under 6 months at time of travel
- Missing travel insurance
What to do if rejected
A rejection is not a permanent ban. You can re-apply after addressing the reason. Big Bird Travel reviews every rejection and advises on next steps.
How to Apply Through Big Bird Travel
- 1.Send us your documents via WhatsApp or email
- 2.We review and confirm eligibility
- 3.We submit the application through our ICP-authorised channel
- 4.You receive a visa status update within 24 hours
- 5.Approved visa is sent to you digitally
Need help with a visa?
Our UAE-based visa team handles the paperwork and processing for you.
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