A long-standing misconception is that the process of getting a visa is always complicated and time-consuming. However, that is not always the case. The visa you need for traveling to other countries can now be obtained through simple processes in the case of most countries. This also applies to getting a Dubai Visa. However, that does not mean getting a Dubai Visa is a cakewalk. When you are applying for a visa, even the littlest of details that do not comply with the relevant authority’s guidelines can mean rejection. Hence, you need to know everything about a visa application.
What is a visa?
A visa is essentially an approval of entry issued to you by officials of a foreign country. This allows you to enter the country, stay there for a limited amount of time, and then exit the country. Visas are usually obtained through the local consulate or embassy of the country you wish to visit. A visa’s tenure and application depend on the reason you wish to enter the country. Hence, visas are usually divided into categories. While it may differ across different countries, the general categories offered are tourist visa, business visa, or transitory visa.
Importance of visa
The purpose of a visa is pretty straightforward. It serves as a declaration of your visit to the particular country and specifies your intention and duration of visit among many other things. It is granted after your application has been reviewed and provides sufficient proof that your stay in the country does not become a burden or threat to the country.
Your guide to Dubai Visa
Dubai is a wondrous blend of deep traditions and ambitious vision. Moreover, the city itself is like a shining beacon of progress in a beautiful desert landscape. To experience all of that, you need to first apply for a Dubai Visa. Here is everything you need to know about getting one:
Eligibility for Dubai Visa
Here is a list of criteria that a candidate needs to fulfil to be eligible for a Dubai Visa:
- You should have a valid passport.
- Your passport must be valid for at least the next 6 months after your trip and must have 2 blank pages.
- You should have confirmed return flight tickets to your home country at the time of the Dubai Visa application.
- You should have enough funds to cover your expenses during the trip.
- You should not have a criminal record.
Documents required for Dubai Visa application
- A scanned copy of both the first and last pages of your passport.
- A scanned copy of your passport size colour photograph.
- Confirmed tickets for your return flight.
Things to remember for Dubai Visa
When you apply for a Dubai Visa, you need to pay special attention to some things. Doing so will rid you of all your worries and allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. These things include:
- Being proactive
While you plan your trip, always make sure you are involved in every step of the Visa application process. For example, never wait on your travel agent to fill you in on details about your Dubai Visa. If you have applied for a visa through a travel agent, make sure you contact them frequently for updates. Otherwise, the better option is to apply for a visa yourself online. This way you will have one place where you can apply and check your application status.
Another thing that you need to be proactive about is your documentation. Make sure that your passport has an adequate amount of blank pages. It may not sound like too much work but it is excuse enough for a consulate to give you a tough time. In case you need more pages, you can access them through the National Passport processing office or their website.
- Keeping track of the dates
Firstly, you should ensure that your passport is well within its expiry date. As per the guidelines for a Dubai Visa, the expiry date of your passport should be more than 6 months from the entry date of visa you apply for. If you don’t keep track of the expiry date, you might end up using an I n valid passport for the visa application. This, in turn, puts in a position where you have to get a passport renewal as your current one does not satisfy the terms for the Visa.
Additionally, you need to know exactly when to apply for the Visa. To do so, you can approach a reputed travel visa service provider for assistance. Upon close observation, you are likely to find that most visa application processes are highly confusing and complex. It is better to ensure that you do not make errors on the application form.
- Doing attachments right
Dubai Visa requires a passport-sized photograph for the visa. You can do so by going to a photo studio and ask for a passport-sized photo in the correct dimension as required for a Dubai Visa. To be safe, click more photos that you need, in case you need to frequently travel. The visa application needs 2 photographs attached to your visa application.
Additionally, some types of Dubai visa require you to attach your travel itinerary with your application. You have to specify your travel plans that serve as proof of your entry as well as exit dates. If you are booking a trip through a travel agent, it is easy to do. However, if you are making arrangements yourself, you need to have everything planned before applying for the Dubai Visa.
- Keeping copies
Simply put, make it a habit to keep a copy of everything that you attach with your visa application. Moreover, you should keep copies, if not originals, of other identification documents. You can keep your licence, Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc. While it may not necessarily be required or mandatory, it can be beneficial if the authorities demand it. They may do so for additional information for your visa application. Hence, it is better to be prepared for this scenario.
- Get professional assistance
Last but not the least; you should always enlist professional travel and visa agencies for getting a Dubai Visa. These agencies are extremely fast, experienced and reasonable also. This service helps one from everything like filling and submitting forms to obtaining express visas. However, you shouldn’t simply select the first service that presents itself. Conduct some research and find out the most reliable service for you.
If you know your way around the internet and regularly make online transactions, the best way to get a Dubai visa is to apply online. It is a convenient and comfortable option that gives you a great deal of control over the process. All you have to do is log on to a website, fill in the application form, submit the documents, make the payments and you’re done.