Who can use the Emirates / VFS Global online visa application system?
The system is for the use of Emirates passengers who require a UAE visa. Check your visa requirements.
This system is only for passengers travelling with Emirates; passengers on other airlines cannot use this system.
Why should I use the online application system?
By applying online you do not have to find a local sponsor in the UAE, and will receive a response in just a few days.
You can also submit all the required documents and information and pay for visa fees from home, without having to send documents by post or fax.
If your visa application is approved, we will also automatically update your Emirates booking with your visa details, making your journey easier.
You can apply for a visa a maximum of 58 days before your travel or a minimum of four international working days before your arrival in the UAE.
Emirates and VFS Global recommend you apply for your visa well in advance of travel.
What do you mean by working hours / days?
All days except Saturday’s / Sunday’s and national holidays are considered as working hours / days.
Do I need to apply for a visa at the same time as I book my tickets?
No: you can apply for a visa any time up to 24 working hours before you travel. You can access the online visa application system at any time through the Manage A Booking section of Emirates.com.
Is it compulsory to use this service to apply for a UAE visa when travelling with Emirates?
No: you can use this or any other visa service, or ask a relative in the UAE to apply for a visa on your behalf.
Will I definitely get a visa if I apply online? If I get a visa, am I guaranteed entry to the UAE?
The decision to grant entry visas to the UAE is entirely at the discretion of the country’s immigration authorities – Emirates and VFS Global cannot guarantee that your visa application will be accepted.
The granting of a visa does not guarantee entry to the UAE: the final decision is made by immigration officers at the point of entry.
Once I am issued a visa can I travel by another airline?
No. Visas issued through this service are sponsored by Emirates – if the visa holder arrives on a different airline, the immigration authorities will refuse the holder entry into Dubai.
What is the procedure to apply for a UAE visa online?
To apply for a UAE visa online you must have a valid Emirates booking. You can start the application process on www.emirates.com through the “manage a booking” tool.
You can then select the portion of the journey for which a visa is required, and the names of the passenger(s) applying for a visa, before supplying the details and documents required to process the application, along with payment.
After your application is complete, we will contact you within four international working days with the results of your visa application.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Provided all required documents are submitted correctly, visas are normally issued by email within four working days of your application.
How much does it cost to apply for a visa?
A 30-day visa costs $69, and a 96-hour visa costs $44 and a 60 day visa costs $96. Applicants from some countries may also need to pay a refundable security deposit of $272.50 click here for a list of countries this applies to. VFS Global also charges a processing fee for each individual visa application.
All charges are payable in US Dollars.
What is the security deposit, and will I have to pay it?
The security deposit is an amount payable by residents of certain countries, and will be refunded after you have left the UAE. The system will automatically include the security deposit, based on your country of residence.
When will my security deposit be refunded?
Once you have left the UAE, and the immigration authorities record your departure, we will refund your security deposit within four international working days.
Please make sure you get an exit stamp in your passport as you leave the UAE, in order to provide proof of departure in case of any discrepancies.
In case VFS or EK has to pay any penalty on your behalf due to any circumstances e.g. overstay, deportation charges, flight tickets etc. an equivalent amount of such penalty will be deducted from the security amount and only balance amount refunded.
For unsuccessful visa applications, the security deposit will be refunded within four international working days of the application being returned.
I returned from the UAE more than four days ago – why has my security deposit not been refunded?
Your deposit will normally be refunded within four international working days; after this time, you can check with your bank or card provider to confirm the refund. Please note that, if you paid by credit card, the refund may be shown on your next month’s statement.
If you haven’t received your refund within four international working days, please contact us through our online query page.
What documents do I need to apply? Do all family members need to submit documents?
Every passenger requiring a visa will need to submit the following documents, in electronic and coloured format:
The main applicant for each application will also need to submit:
In addition, the following supporting documents, if available, will help in obtaining a visa, and can be submitted during the application process, under the ‘Additional Documents’ category
In some cases, other supporting documents, such as marriage certificates, etc, may also be required: we will contact you directly if this is the case.
Why can’t I select passengers when I try to continue with my visa application?
If you have already submitted applications for passengers, you will not be able to select them again – these passengers will be greyed out.
Otherwise, the link sent by us on the email is only valid up to four international working days before your date of travel. You cannot continue with applications not submitted before this point, unless submitted under the express visa category.
My passport is expiring soon – can I still get a visa?
The UAE requires all visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. If your passport is valid for less than six months, you will need to renew it before you can apply for a visa and travel to the UAE.
Do children or infants need a visa?
Yes. All passengers, including children and infants must have a visa to enter the UAE. This also includes infants travelling on their parents’ laps. We are unable to process visas for children endorsed on their parent’s passports.
The approved Electronic visa is directly sent through Smart Chanel (no-reply@dnrd.ae) on applicant’s registered email address.
Do I have to submit my passport for stamping before I travel?
No: you will receive an electronic visa, which does not require anything to be stamped in your passport ahead of travel. All visas are sent by email.
You should print out a copy of your visa before you travel, and bring it with you.
What types of visa can I apply for? Can I get a long-term visa online?
You can apply for either a 96-hour visa, a 30-day visa, or a 60-day visa, depending on the length of your stay in the UAE. The system will automatically select the appropriate visa based on your Emirates booking.
We don’t offer long-term or residency visas through this system. Please contact the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) for more details on these visas.
If I want to stopover in Dubai on both my outward and return trips, do I need a visa for each stopover?
Yes: you need a new visa each time you enter the UAE.
You can apply for another visa once your current visa is used or expired. If applicant already holds a valid UAE visa and simultaneously if he applies for another visa, the submitted application will be rejected. Alternatively, if your itinerary permits you may also opt for a multiple entry visa.
How can I track the status of my visa application?
When you complete your visa application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link – this will allow you to track your visa application process at any time. You can also track your application by going to Manage A Booking on Emirates.com, and clicking on ‘Online visa application’.
We will send you an email once your visa application has been approved or rejected, or if additional information is required.
Why was my visa application rejected?
Unfortunately, the UAE authorities do not give reasons for rejecting visa applications, so we cannot provide specific reasons why your application was unsuccessful.
Will my visa fees be refunded if my application is rejected?
No: The UAE immigration authorities do not refund visa fees for unsuccessful applications. If you paid a security deposit, this will be refunded within four international working days of the application being returned.
If my visa application is rejected, can I apply again?
No, you cannot reapply through the Emirates online visa application service.
On the Application Request page, “Application initiated” appears next to my name? What does this mean?
You have already initiated an online application. You should have received an email containing your web reference number which will allow you to complete your application.
If you did not receive this email please check your email spam/junk folder before contacting us
If you have any questions, please contact us through our online query page. Or chat with us by clicking here Chat Now, Please note that all communications & correspondences would be in English Language only.
How can I provide my feedback for the services rendered?
Emirates and VFS Global welcome your feedback. Please use our FeedBack form to send us your comments.
If I wish to cancel my visa how do I go about it?
You will need your visa application number & Emirates booking reference number to proceed with the cancellation request. Please note once the cancellation request is submitted, it cannot be reversed. To proceed, please click here and select the visa application that needs to be cancelled. Charges are applicable per visa cancellation request.
How can I extend the visa applied through VFS Global?
You may extend your visa once in UAE before the same expires, as per details mentioned below. Extension fee is AED 850 each time.
The 30 days visa can be extended thrice for 30 days each.
The 60 days visa can be extended twice for 30 days each.
Please contact below mentioned address along with original passport and extension fee once you have entered the country on same visa.
Can I apply for a UAE visa if my passport has a single name?
Passports with single name will not be accepted, applicant needs to have minimum two names in passport to apply for a UAE visa.
How can I submit my pending documents?
You can upload your pending documents using unique link which you have received in pending email or You can send the pending documents by email on the DVPC customer support email ID dvpccustomersupport@dubaivisa.net
While sending pending documents via email, please mention the web reference number or Passport number in the subject line and ensure there is some text in the email body. If any of the details are not provided our system will mark such emails as spam, quarantine the email and it will not be delivered to us.
Can i apply visa for different travel dates at the same time?
No. Visa for Second or subsequent travel to be applied only after exit from UAE on earlier visa. If you apply for a visa while having a valid visa, your application will get rejected.
I will be travelling on cruise itinerary after arriving in Dubai, How can I apply for visa?
It is mandatory to apply for multiple entry visa if you are travelling on cruise.
Can a minor (below 18 years) apply for a visa if unaccompanied by a Parent ?
No, applicants below 18 years cannot apply for a visa if they are not accompanied by either or both the parents, should apply for same visa type and travel dates also needs to be same. Birth Certificate is mandatory document for child below 18 year's. Parents holding residence in the UAE should apply for their child's visa under own sponsorship directly through the Immigration Office only. In case the above is not followed and application is submitted, visa would be rejected and visa charges will not be refunded.
Are Indian Nationals eligible for Visa On Arrival in the UAE ?
Indian Nationals will qualify for a pre-approved Visa on Arrival using the online platform for below residence permit’s
All residence permit cards / US Sticker must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.