Dubai Visa Checklist 2025: A Complete Guide for First-Time Travellers
If this is your first Dubai trip, it is normal to feel anxious before applying for Dubai visa. For most Indians, Dubai feels like a perfect mix of luxury, adventure and comfort. But before you can admire the towering Burj Khalifa or golden sand dunes, there is one important hurdle that you need to cross—getting a Dubai visa for Indians.
But you are not alone. Our team at MusafirBaba has put together a complete Dubai visa checklist for Indian travellers -- covering everything from required document list and right photo size to Dubai visa fee and minimum back balance.
In our simplified Dubai visa guide, we break down the entire process. I wish I had this during my first UAE trip. Before we can dive into the document requirements of Dubai visa for Indians, you need to choose the right Dubai visa category from the types available for Indians.
Choose the right Dubai Visa category
Your Dubai visa category depends on the reason you want to visit the country. Be it tourism, business or employment, there is a right Dubai visa type for every traveller.
Indian tourists usually apply for a Dubai tourist visa, which is perfect for short trips, family visits and vacations. Indians can avail Dubai tourist visa for 14, 30 or 90 days.
Professionals looking to work in the UAE, apply for the Dubai work visa. Meanwhile, the transit visa is perfect for people who are passing through Dubai and want to explore the city for up to 96 hours. Multi-entry long-term visas are your best bet if you would need to frequently visit Dubai for business or leisure.
What is Dubai visa price for Indians?
The cost of a Dubai visa can change a lot based on the type of visa and how long you plan to stay. A 14-day single-entry visa costs around $100 (around Rs 8,878*) while the same visa costs around $130 (Rs 11,540) for 30 days.
If you are planning on a longer vacation, you can apply for the 60 days single entry visa for $200 (Rs 17,756). If you are travelling with kids, a 30-day single entry visa for a child costs $250 (Rs 22,194), while 60-day (child) single entry visa fee is $325 (Rs 28,853).
If you are planning to get a multiple entry visa, it will cost $259 (Rs 22,993) for 30 days and $359 (Rs 31,874) for 60 days. A transit visa to Dubai costs $110 (Rs 9,765) for 96 hours and $100 (around Rs 8,878) for 48 hours.
*The INR value may fluctuate based on exchange rates. Besides, you also have to pay additional charges to the agency. So, you should always cross check total fee and charges before applying.
Complete Dubai Visa Checklist for Indians in 2025
Preparing documents is probably the most important and also the most dreaded step for all first-time travellers. A Dubai tourist visa application typically requires you to submit the following documents:
· A passport with at least 6 months validity
· Passport-size photo in the correct Dubai visa photo size, i.e., 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm (with white background)
· Return flight ticket
· Proof of accommodation
You can submit hotel booking receipts or invitation letter from the family or friends with whom you’ll be staying during your Dubai trip.
· Bank statement for the past three months
If you are applying for Dubai work visa, you will also need to submit the offer letter from a UAE employer, medical test results and educational documents.
Where can I apply for Dubai tourist visa?
You can directly apply for a Dubai tourist visa through the official UAE eVisa portal. You can also apply through the website of select airlines like Emirates, FlyDubai or Etihad or licensed travel agents in India.
Lastly, make sure that you don’t make the common mistakes behind Dubai visa rejections for Indian tourists. Even though the approval rate is high for Indian applications, we can always end up making small, avoidable mistakes.
Mistakes you want to skip to avoid Dubai visa rejections:
· Blurry pictures or incorrect photo size
· Mismatched details between passport and application form
· Passport with inadequate validity
· Unclear travel purpose
· Incomplete documentation
How Long Is Dubai Visa Processing Time?
Most platforms let you upload documents and pay the fee online. Once you have submitted your application, you can track your Dubai visa status online using the reference number. Typically, Dubai visa processing takes three to five working days. You can also opt for the express option for faster processing.
Once approved, you should print a few copies of your eVisa and keep both digital and physical visa copies handy during your Dubai vacation.
Additional Pro Tips for First-Time Dubai Travellers
· Although cards are widely accepted in Dubai, you should also carry some Dirham (AED) currency
· Try to pick modest attire whenever you are going out in public places. Try to respect local customs while deciding on your outfits and you should be good to go.
· If you have the flexibility to choose any time of the year, you should visit UAE between November and March. It is the best time to visit Dubai as the weather is quite pleasant during this time of the year.
· We highly recommend getting travel insurance, even if it is a short trip.
Why Dubai Visa Hassle Is Worth It?
Getting a Dubai visa for Indians usually sounds like a tedious process. But the moment you see Dubai’s glittering skyline from your airplane window, you’ll realise it was definitely worth the process.
Dubai literally tops the list of luxury tourist destinations. Known for the Burj Khalifa and desert safaris, the city welcomes all its travellers with open arms. Whether you are a shopping enthusiast, adventure seeker, foodie or a culture buff, Dubai has something for everyone.
So, gather your documents and take that leap. Apply for Dubai visa for Indians or simply book a Dubai travel plan with your favourite agents at Musafir Baba.
