UAE Visa processing time

If you are applying for a UAE visa, you should know that you will not get the visa on the same day. You may not even get it the next day because the application undergoes different processing stages. This is why you should be familiar with the UAE visa processing time so you can plan your itinerary accordingly.  

What Is The UAE Visa Processing Time?

When you apply for a UAE visa, it will take about 3-4 working days to receive the visa. Your application approval is subject to various factors, some of which are not disclosed to applicants during the application process. The application processing starts counting from the day you submit the form. All UAE visas are valid for the next 60 days after they are issued, so you must use them within this period, or they will expire.

The only difference is the 48 or 96-hour transit or multiple entry visa that are valid for 30 days.

How Do Applicants Receive Their Visas

Most visit visa applications are done online compared to the applications for other countries that are done via their foreign missions. For example, the UAE operates an online visa application system, so visitors don’t have to look for a visa center or visit their embassy. Once their application is approved, the authorities will forward their visa to the email address they provided in their application form.

Applicants are advised to use only valid Emails that they have access to.

Documents For UAE Visa Application

The documents required depend on the type of visa. There are tourist, work, business, and resident visas, each with its UAE visa application requirements. But here are the general application requirements for the average visa.

Valid Passport: You will be asked to submit a passport valid for at least 6 months. The passport must carry your name and face. The bio page should be scanned and uploaded on the application portal. Also, note that it should have at least 2 blank pages for immigration officers to affix their stamps.

Photograph: A colored digital photograph showing your face clearly. Wearing glasses or any gear that may distort your face is not allowed. The photo should have a dimension of 35 mm x 45 mm.

Personal Details: Your personal details, such as your full name as they appear on your passport, age, date of birth, gender, arrival date, and exit date.

Itinerary: This should cover the places you plan to visit

Proof of accommodation: The house address where you will live, or you can make hotel reservations online before your arrival.

Return Ticket: A return flight ticket back to your home country at the conclusion of your trip

Proof of funds: A bank statement of account for 3 months showing all entries with a minimum balance to cover your expenses during your stay.

Note: These are only general documentary requirements, and there are more, so do your due diligence before you apply.

Why Your UAE Visa May be Delayed?

In some cases, applicants wait for more than 3 days before getting their UAE tourist visa; some never get it. Here are some reasons why.

Incorrect information: If you provide incorrect information, such as filling in the wrong entry into the wrong field or if your details don’t match what is on your documents, your application may be rejected.

Invalid/Incorrect Documents: If your documents are invalid or incorrect, your application will be denied. It is important to only upload the right and valid documents as they are integral to your application success.

Policy Changes: This rarely happens, but if there are changes to the visa policy, all applications submitted during the period will be sent back for corrections.

Backlog of unresolved applications: During certain times of the year, there are hundreds of thousands of visa application requests. If you submit your form during this period, you will have to wait a few more days to get your visa.

How To Apply For a UAE Visa

The online visa application process is fast and easy on VisaHQ by following these steps.

  • Log onto VisaHQ 

  • Select the UAE as your destination

  • Select your country of origin

  • Choose the visa you want

  • Fill out the application form with the correct information

  • Scan and upload all documents required

  • Pay the visa fees with a credit or debit card

  • Submit for approval

If you arrange your documents in one place before you start the application process, you should complete the process in 30 minutes or less.

Types of UAE Visas

  • UAE Tourist Visa

  • UAE Visit Visa

  • UAE Business Visa

  • UAE Work Visa

  • UAE Medical Treatment Visa

  • UAE Study Visa 

When applying for a visa, consider the UAE visa processing time and plan accordingly. To avoid delays, we recommend you apply for the visa at least 2 weeks before the day you plan to travel.

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    This article was published by VisaHQ, a world leader in visa processing. Since 2003, VisaHQ has 20 offices in 6 countries and has helped countless tourist, business travellers, diplomats, workers, and students obtain their visa. With a 4.42 star rating on Reviews.io, VisaHQ is committed to innovation, service, security, and simplicity in the visa application process.
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