Planning a trip to the UAE starts with one confusing question: Is tourist visa different from visit visa in the UAE? Many travellers assume both are the same. Others use the terms interchangeably.
Tourist visas are primarily for short, recreational travel. Visit visas are for a broader category of people who come to see family, attend business meetings, or get medical treatment or for longer-term personal stays. These are usually sponsored by a UAE resident or a UAE-registered company.
Both can come in 30-, 60-, or 90-day options. They both have single and multiple entries. However, according to ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) and GDRFA Dubai, tourist and visit visas differ mainly in sponsorship and purpose.
This guide has tourist visa and visit visa UAE explained in simple terms. It breaks down everything using official UAE guidelines and verified information.
What is a Tourist Visa in the UAE?
A Dubai tourist visa is specifically designed for leisure travel. It is primarily for tourists who do not qualify for a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.
Tourist Visa Types
- 30-day tourist visa: It is available as a single or multiple entry. This is most common for standard holidays.
- 60-day tourist visa: It is an option for those who want a longer stay. This is also available in single or multiple entries.
- 5-year multiple-entry visa: A self-sponsored visa for frequent travellers. It is for all nationalities. It allows a stay for up to 90 days per visit.
Who should pick a tourist visa?
- Short-Term Holidaymakers: This is ideal if you plan to travel to UAE for 30 days or 60 days. If your primary goal is sightseeing or shopping, this is the best option. It requires less paperwork than a visit visa.
- Solo Travellers or Single Parents: If you are travelling alone or you are a single parent with children, it is often the cleanest path. It provides a standard, government-regulated path with no strings attached to local individuals.
- Frequent Visitors: If you plan to visit the UAE multiple times over the next few years, this visa is a smart choice. You do need to have a bank balance of at least $4000 and a valid passport.
Note: It is strictly illegal to work on a Dubai tourist visa. Engaging in employment on a tourist visa can lead to deportation or a permanent ban.
Tourist Visa Eligibility
Some of the UAE tourist visa requirements are:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages. A soft copy of the first and last two pages, as well as the passport cover, is needed.
- Flight Tickets: Confirm return/onward flight tickets.
- Bank Balance: Bank statements from the last 6 months might be required. You must have a sufficient balance of $4000 or the equivalent in foreign currencies to cover your stay in Dubai.
- Hotel Bookings: The dates should match your flight tickets.
- Health Insurance: A valid UAE health insurance policy.
- Photo: 2 passport-sized photos matching visa requirements.
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What is a Visit Visa (Visitor/Family Visit) in the UAE?
A Dubai visit visa (sometimes called a visitor visa, family visit visa, or an entry permit) is broader. It covers visits for family, friends, business meetings, short medical treatments, and short courses. Visit visas are commonly sponsored by UAE residents or businesses.
The UAE has recently announced a 90-day visit visa that does not require a local sponsor. It is extendable to 180 days every year.
Types and Durations
- 30-day visit visa: For short family visits and business meetings
- 60-day visit visa: It is now a standard long-term option. It is for extended family visits.
- 90-day visit visa: This is specifically for those who are visiting immediate family for a long time or have an extended business agenda.
New 2026 Categories: The UAE has launched special visit visas for AI specialists, entertainment/performers, and maritime tourism.
Who should pick visit visa UAE?
- People visiting family or friends in the UAE
- Short business visitors
- Visitors seeking medical treatments
- Visitors whose stay would be sponsored by a UAE resident or company.
Updated UAE Visit Visa Sponsorship Requirements 2026
A major update that took effect in 2025 and continues in 2026 is income-based sponsorship rules for residents who invite family and friends on a visit visa. UAE residents now need to meet specific monthly salary limits to be able to sponsor. Some of the visit visa documents UAE you will need regarding this are:
- Immediate Family: AED 4000 a month. Applicable for relations like spouse or children.
- Extended Family: AED 8000 per month. Applicable for relations like siblings or grandparents.
- Non-relatives or Friends: AED 15000 a month is needed.
Visit Visa Documents UAE (What Makes Them Different)
The visit visa documents UAE list is longer and more detailed.
Basic Documents
- Photos: Two passport-sized photos based on visa specifications.
- Passport: Soft copy of the passport that should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Proof of Accommodation: Proof of hotel booking or a letter from the sponsor stating where you are staying.
- Flight Tickets: Confirmed return flight tickets.
- Bank Statement: Bank statement showing sufficient proof of funds.
- Insurance Policy: Medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Dubai.
Sponsor-Specific Documents (If Applicable)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Sponsor’s salary certificate
- Proof of relationship
- Tenancy contract or accommodation letter
Note: In some cases, a security deposit of $1000 might be asked for. It is completely refundable upon return.
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UAE Visit Visa vs Tourist Visa Eligibility
UAE visit visa vs tourist visa eligibility depends on purpose, not duration.
Tourist Visa Eligibility
You will qualify if:
- Your purpose is tourism only
- You can fund your stay independently
- You meet the passport and insurance rules
Visit Visa Eligibility
You will qualify if:
- You are visiting someone in the UAE
- You have a legitimate sponsor or extended purpose
- Your sponsor meets the income threshold
Tourist Visa vs Visit Visa Cost UAE
The cost for both visas varies depending on nationality and duration. However, the structure differs. When it comes to the tourist visa cost UAE, there is:
- A lower base fee
- No security deposit
- No sponsorship-related fees
- Fewer add-ons
When it comes to visit visa cost UAE, there is:
- A higher base cost
- Often includes a refundable security deposit
- Additional sponsorship documentation cost
Tourist Visa vs Visit Visa Key Differences UAE
If you are wondering is tourist visa different from visit visa in UAE, the answer is yes. It is different in purpose.
This goes in-depth into the tourist visa vs visit visa key differences UAE.
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Visit Visa |
| Primary Purpose | Leisure, sightseeing, and holidays. | Visiting family/friends or business meetings. |
| Sponsor | Airline, hotel, or travel agency. | A UAE resident (relative/friend) or a company. |
| Financial Check | Usually, only check for a sufficient amount to cover the trip. | Mandatory salary check for the host. |
| Documentation | Minimal (passport + photo). | High (kinship proof + sponsor’s salary cert). |
| Security Deposit | Not required. | Often required (approx. $1,000). |
Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right UAE Visa
- Confirm your purpose (tourism vs visit)
- Check if you have a UAE sponsor
- Verify passport validity (6+ months)
- Review insurance requirements
- Apply through ICP, GDRFA, or an authorised agency
Key Points to Remember for Tourist Visa and Visit Visa UAE 2026
- Since September 2025, it is no longer enough to just scan the biodata page of your passport. You must also upload a clear colour scan of the external cover.
- Tourist visas can be extended once or multiple times, up to 120 days. 5-year visas can be extended once or more for up to 180 days.
- Since 2026, travel insurance has become insufficient. It must be now from a UAE-approved provider. It must have a minimum of $30000 coverage for emergency medical treatments.
- The 10-day grace period has been abolished. So you must exit before or as soon as your visa expires. Otherwise, you will be charged with overstaying fines. The fine is AED 50 per day.
Conclusion
The UAE tourist visa vs visit visa is about coming into the country with the right reasons and permissions. Choose your visa based on intent. If you make the right choice, you can avoid complications like entry denials, visa rejection, or future visa complications.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Visas And Visit Visas UAE
Q1. Is tourist visa different from visit visa in UAE?
A1. Yes. A Dubai tourist visa is mostly for going on vacation and sightseeing. A visit visa lets you do more things, like see family or friends. You can also use it to go to business meetings or get medical care.
Q2. Is a Dubai tourist visa and visit visa same in UAE?
A2. No. Both the Dubai tourist visa and visit visa allow short-term entry into the UAE. They are not the same. Treating them as identical can lead to visa issues.
Q3. Can a UAE resident sponsor someone on a visit visa?
A3. Yes. UAE residents can sponsor eligible family members. Sometimes, they can also sponsor friends for a visit visa. They must meet income and documentation requirements set by immigration authorities.
Q4. Which visa should I choose if I am unsure?
If your trip is purely for tourism, a Dubai tourist visa is usually sufficient. If you are visiting family, attending meetings, or staying with a sponsor, a visit visa is the safer choice.
