Dubai has updated its visa system to make travel smoother for both tourists and business visitors. Whether you’re from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, understanding the Dubai visit visa new rules today will help you apply confidently.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- Latest UAE visa requirements and regulations for 2025
- Step-by-step application process for different nationalities
- Required documents, fees, and processing times
- Salary and bank balance requirements
- Business visit visa procedures
- Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about getting your Dubai visit visa approved quickly and hassle-free.
Dubai Visit Visa New Rules Today: What’s Changed?
The UAE government has implemented several key changes to streamline the visa application process and enhance the visitor experience. Here are the most important updates you should know:
4 Key Updates to UAE Visa Policies
1. Simplified Application Process
- Online application system is now mandatory for most nationalities
- Faster processing times — typically 3–5 working days
- Digital visa issuance (no physical documents needed)
- Enhanced tracking system for application status
2. Extended Visa Options
- 30-day single entry tourist visa
- 60-day multiple entry tourist visa
- 90-day tourist visa for eligible nationalities
- 5-year multiple entry tourist visa for select countries
3. Financial Requirements
- Clearer financial eligibility criteria introduced
- Minimum bank balance varies by visa type
- Proof of accommodation booking required
- Confirmed return flight tickets mandatory
- Travel insurance now recommended (mandatory for some nationalities)
4. Digital Services Enhancement
- All applications processed through official UAE portals
- Mobile app integration for visa tracking
- Electronic visa delivery via email
- QR code-based verification at immigration
Types of Dubai / UAE Visit Visa – Single Entry vs Multiple Entry
| Visa Type | Typical Stay | Validity Before Entry | Usual Fee* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day single entry | Up to 30 days’ stay | Valid for 60 days from issue in many cases | e.g., AED 200 + VAT for a GDRFA Dubai single tourist 30-day. |
| 60-day single entry | Up to 60 days’ stay | Valid for 60 days from issue | Higher than 30-day |
| Multiple entry | Stay up to 90 days or more | Valid for several months | More expensive, e.g., a five-year multiple visa was introduced |
Fees vary by emirate and by nationality; always check the latest official site.
Dubai Visit Visa Requirements: Complete Documentation Checklist
Getting your documentation right is the most critical step in the visa application process. Here’s exactly what you need:
Essential Documents for All Applicants
1. Personal Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from travel date)
- Passport-size photographs (white background, recent)
- Completed visa application form
- Copy of previous UAE visas (if applicable)
2. Financial Documents
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Salary certificate or proof of income
- Income tax returns (for self-employed individuals)
- Credit card statements showing a sufficient credit limit
3. Travel Documents
- Confirmed return flight booking
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Travel insurance certificate
- Day-by-day travel itinerary (for tourist visas)
4. Supporting Documents
- Employment letter from current employer
- Business license (for business visit visa applicants)
- Invitation letter (if visiting family or for business)
- Property ownership documents (if applicable)
Additional Visa Requirements by Nationality
1. For Pakistani Citizens:
- NICOP or CNIC copy
- Police clearance certificate (in some cases)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
- Sponsor’s passport & UAE visa page
2. For Indian Citizens:
- Aadhaar card copy
- PAN card copy
- Employment contract or business registration
3. For Nepali Citizens:
- Proof of employment in Nepal
- Property ownership documents in Nepal
- Family registration certificate
4. For Bangladeshi Citizens:
- Trade license (for business visitors)
- Company registration documents
- Previous travel history to other countries
5. For Sri Lankan Citizens:
- Birth certificate copy
- Marriage certificate (if traveling with spouse)
- Educational certificates
How to Apply for Your Dubai Visit Visa Today? 5 Key Steps

Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned travel date.
- Check visa eligibility: determine if you need a pre-arranged visa or qualify for visa-on-arrival (note: Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka generally require pre-arranged visas).
- If you’re the sponsor (UAE resident): verify that your salary meets the required threshold:
- AED 4,000 – for immediate family
- AED 8,000 – for relatives
- AED 15,000 – for friends
Step 2 – Gather Required Documents
- Colour passport-size photograph of the applicant (white background)
- Scanned copy of passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Confirmed return flight ticket or onward travel proof
- Hotel reservation or host invitation/tenancy proof in the UAE
- If staying with a host, provide proof of relationship or hosting details
- Sponsor’s passport and UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Valid health or travel insurance (mandatory for some visa types)
- For certain nationalities, such as Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, additional ID verification or a national identity card may be required
Step 3 – Choose Your Visa Category & Duration
- Decide your visa duration: choose between 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day visas, available as single-entry or multiple-entry (depending on nationality).
- Plan for extensions: while some visas can be extended for a fee, it’s best to plan your stay duration carefully before applying.
- Check the latest visa fees: for example, a 30-day tourist visa via GDRFA Dubai costs around AED 200 + VAT (fees vary by emirate and processing channel)
Step 4 – Apply & Pay Fees
- Application submission: The sponsor or applicant (depending on visa category) applies through the official UAE portal or an authorised travel agent.
- Payment: Pay the visa fee along with any “smart service” or processing charges.
- Approval & delivery: Once approved, the e-visa is emailed to you. Print a copy or save it on your mobile device for airport verification
Step 5 – Travel & upon arrival
- Enter the UAE before the visa’s “valid-from” expiry date , typically within 60 days of issuance for most visa types.
- At immigration, your visa is either stamped or linked electronically to your passport record.
- Comply with the approved stay duration, overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and possible re-entry bans
How Much “Show-Money” & Salary Do You Need?
1. Salary Requirements (For Sponsors)
- Immediate family members: Sponsor’s monthly salary ≥ AED 4,000
- Relatives (e.g., siblings, grandparents): Sponsor salary ≥ AED 8,000.
- Friends: Sponsor salary ≥ AED 15,000.
2. Applicant’s Financial Proof / Show-Money (Visitor)
- While there is no published fixed “show-money” for every nationality, updates indicate proof of financial means is required. For example, for a two-month visa, you may need AED 5,000; for a three-month visa, AED 3,000 in some cases.
- Also, ensure you have confirmed accommodation and a return ticket, not counting on staying without booking.
Why These Rules Matter & Common Pitfalls
- UAE immigration authorities check your financial stability. This ensures that visitors do not overstay or work illegally during their stay.
- If you or your sponsor fails to meet the income or bank balance requirement, your visa can be delayed or rejected. Always submit recent, verifiable bank statements and salary certificates.
- Avoid inconsistencies or forged documents, as these can lead to immediate rejection or future travel restrictions.
Comparison – Old Rules vs New Rules of Dubai/UAE Visit Visa
| Feature | Old Rules | New Rules (2025 Update) |
| Stay duration | Mostly, 30-day visit visas are standard | 30-90 days; five-year multiple-entry options introduced |
| Sponsor salary threshold | Lower or unspecified in many cases | Clearly defined: AED 4,000 / 8,000 / 15,000 depending on the relation |
| Documentation | Basic: passport, photo, hotel, ticket | More stringent: proof of accommodation, financial means, documented sponsor salary |
| Overstay grace period | Typically, 10 days in many emirates | Grace period removed or shortened; penalties stricter |
| Digital application | Varies | Strong push for online/digital via portals/apps; faster processing |
Common Dubai Visit Visa Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications get rejected due to preventable errors. Here’s what to watch out for:
Documentation Errors
1. Passport Issues:
- Less than 6 months of validity remaining
- Damaged or torn passport pages
- Previous visa stamps are unclear or damaged
- Name mismatch between documents
2. Photograph Problems:
- Wrong background color (must be white)
- Wearing glasses or accessories
- Photo older than 6 months
- Incorrect dimensions or quality
3. Financial Documentation Mistakes:
- Bank statements are not showing a consistent balance
- Last-minute large deposits
- Unexplained transactions
- Statements not covering the required period
Application Form Errors
Common Mistakes:
- Spelling errors in the name or address
- Wrong passport number
- Incorrect travel dates
- Missing mandatory fields
How to Avoid:
- Double-check all entries before submission
- Match the information exactly with the passport
- Have someone else review before submitting
- Keep all supporting documents ready during the application
Timing Mistakes
1. Applying Too Late:
- Start the application at least 2-3 weeks before travel
- Account for possible document requests
- Consider weekends and UAE holidays
- Allow buffer time for unexpected delays
2. Applying Too Early:
- Visa validity starts from the issue date
- May expire before travel
- Financial documents might become outdated
Sponsor-Related Issues
3. Weak Sponsor Profile:
- Sponsor’s salary below the minimum requirement
- Sponsor has previous visa violations
- Sponsor’s documents are incomplete
- Multiple sponsorships pending
4. Solution:
- Verify the sponsor’s eligibility beforehand
- Ensure the sponsor understands responsibilities
- Keep the sponsor’s documents updated
- Consider alternative sponsors if issues arise
Dubai Visit Visa Extension and Modification
Sometimes plans change. Here’s how to handle visa extensions and modifications:
Can You Extend Your Visit Visa?
Yes, extensions are possible under these conditions:
- You’re already in the UAE on a valid visa
- No overstay on current visa
- Valid reason for extension
- Willing to pay extension fees
Extension Process
Step 1: Apply Early
- Start the extension process 10 days before visa expiry
- Do not wait until the last day
- Overstaying results in daily fines
Step 2: Visit the AMER Center or Typing Center
- Locate the nearest authorized typing center
- Bring your original passport and current visa
- Provide a reason for the extension
Step 3: Submit Documents
- Passport copy
- Current visa copy
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Extension fee: AED 600-900
Step 4: Receive an Extended Visa
- Processing takes 2-3 days
- An extension is typically granted for 30 days
- Maximum one extension allowed
Dubai Tourist Visa Conversion
Change to Residence Visa:
- If you secure employment in the UAE
- The company must cancel the visit visa
- Exit and re-enter, or change status inside the UAE
- The company processes the residence visa
Change to Investor Visa:
- If you start a business in the UAE
- Requires company registration
- Visit visa converted through immigration
- Business license mandatory
What Happens if You Overstay?
Penalties:
- First day: Grace period (sometimes given)
- After grace period: AED 100 per day fine
- After 6 months: Case referred to authorities
- Possible travel ban for repeat violations
How to Resolve:
- Visit the immigration office immediately
- Pay accumulated fines
- Explain circumstances
- Exit the UAE at the earliest
FAQs: Dubai Visit Visa New Rules Today 2025
What are the new rules of the visit visa in Dubai today for Pakistani citizens?
Pakistani applicants must apply for a Dubai visit visa before arrival through an authorised UAE sponsor or licensed travel agency. Required documents include a valid passport (6-month validity), a recent photo, a return ticket, a hotel booking or host invitation, a sponsor’s Emirates ID and salary certificate, and proof of financial means.
Sponsors must earn between AED 4,000–10,000 per month, depending on relation and visa type.
How much show money is required for a Dubai visit visa for Pakistani citizens?
There’s no single official “show-money” rule, but generally you should maintain:
- AED 3,000–5,000 for a 30-day stay
- AED 5,000–7,000 for a 60-day stay
- AED 8,000–10,000 for a 90-day stay
Bank statements should cover at least the past 3–6 months with consistent balances. Sudden deposits before application may raise red flags.
Is the UAE visit visa open for Pakistani citizens today (online application)?
Yes, UAE visit visas are open for Pakistani citizens in 2025, but applications must be made through authorised travel agents, airlines, or UAE-based sponsors.
Direct self-application via the UAE portal is not available for most Pakistanis, so always verify eligibility and approved channels before booking your trip
What is the “AED 3,000 rule” in Dubai visit visa applications?
The “AED 3,000 rule” is an informal guideline referring to the minimum financial balance expected for short-term Dubai visit visa applicants.
While not an official rule, UAE authorities assess if visitors can support their stay , maintaining a steady bank balance of AED 3,000 or more helps prove financial stability and genuine travel intent.
What documents are required for a Dubai visit visa from Pakistan (online or via an agent)?
- Colour copy of passport (valid ≥ 6 months)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Completed visa form via sponsor or travel agent
- Confirmed return flight or onward ticket
- Hotel booking or host’s accommodation proof
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID, passport, and salary certificate
- Recent bank statements (if required) showing financial stability
What is the current cost of a Dubai visit visa in 2025?
Approximate government and service fees:
- 30-day single-entry: AED 350–450
- 60-day multiple-entry: AED 650–850
- 90-day multiple-entry: AED 1,000–1,200
Additional fees may apply for express processing (AED 200–300), typing center services, or insurance. Prices vary by emirate and agency.
Wrapping Up
Navigating the Dubai visit visa new rules today doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information and proper preparation, you can successfully obtain your UAE visa and enjoy your trip without stress.
Quick Recap of Key Points
- Understand your eligibility: Check if you need pre-approval or can get a visa-on-arrival
- Prepare documentation: Gather all required documents with correct specifications
- Meet financial requirements: Maintain a minimum bank balance for 3-6 months
- Choose the right application method: Sponsor, agency, airline, or online, based on your situation
- Apply early: Start the process 2-3 weeks before travel
- Avoid common mistakes: Double-check forms, ensure document quality
- Track your application: Monitor status and respond quickly to queries
Start Your Dubai Visa Application Today
Don’t let visa concerns delay your Dubai dreams. Explore a reliable travel agent on Find Any Agent and apply for visa today.
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