Dubai Visa:
Conditions, formalities and visa types !
Travelling to Dubai is easier than you might think for many citizens of French-speaking countries. In fact, citizens of France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg benefit from a streamlined visa-on-arrival procedure, with no complicated prior formalities. A facility that is attracting more and more French-speaking tourists wishing to discover the United Arab Emirates with ease.
Visa exemption conditions for French nationals
Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering whether a visa is necessary? The good news is that French citizens benefit from visa exemption for short stays. Specifically, if you're planning a tourist stay of less than 90 days, no visa is required for entry into the Emirates. A considerable advantage, we grant you, which considerably simplifies the preparation of your trip.
Other nationalities enjoy the same privileges as France in terms of visa exemption for short stays in the United Arab Emirates. It 's a fact that this simplifies travel for many nationalities.
- Germany: streamlined entry procedures for tourists to the United Arab Emirates. Strengthening ties between the two countries.
- Spain: visa exemption. A real asset for promoting cultural and tourist exchanges between Spain and the Emirates.
- Italy: Italians are also among the nationalities authorized to enter without a visa for short stays. This flexibility is particularly appreciated for both tourism and business.
- Switzerland: Switzerland benefits from this agreement. This enables its citizens to travel easily to the United Arab Emirates.
These measures reflect a real desire to open up and simplify procedures for travelers of various nationalities. An initiative we can only applaud!
Please note, however, that even without a visa, certain requirements must be met. A valid passport is still required, and it must be valid for six months from the date of your arrival in the United Arab Emirates, to avoid any problems at the airport. So don't forget to check your passport's expiry date before you leave! A seemingly insignificant detail, but absolutely crucial.
Procedures and required documents
Documents to be presented on entering the country
Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? If so, certain documents are required to enter the country. The most important, as you might expect, is your passport. By the way, a French ID card is not enough to cross the border. You may not think about it, but make sure you also have a return ticket or proof of your onward journey. These precautions will facilitate your entry and allow you to enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
Emergency and temporary passports can be problematic. Surprisingly, although they allow travel to many countries, their validity for entry into the UAE is not always guaranteed. If you lose your passport before traveling, contact the French consular authorities to obtain an emergency travel document. However, bear in mind that admission to the UAE remains at the discretion of immigration officials, even with these provisional documents... It's best to plan ahead to avoid any disappointment!
How to extend your stay
Visa Comparison for Long Term Stay in Dubai
| Visa type | Period of validity | Conditions and benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa (Real Estate Investor) | 5 or 10 years (renewable) | Minimum investment of AED 2 million in real estate, freehold ownership, access to public services, professional flexibility, attractive tax environment. |
| Golden Visa (Specialized Talents) | 5 or 10 years (renewable) | Open to doctors, scientists, creators, inventors, executives, athletes and PhD holders. Specific criteria for each category. |
| Work Visa (Residence Permit for Contract Employment) | Up to 2 years (renewable) | Requires an employment contract and approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). |
| Green Visa | 5 years (self-sponsored) | For investors, highly skilled workers and freelancers. Allows residence without local sponsor. |
| 5-year tourist visa (multiple entries) | 5 years | Allows a maximum stay of 90 days on each visit. Available for all nationalities from November 2021. |
Please note: this table compares the different types of visa available for long-term stays in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting their validity periods, eligibility requirements and key benefits.
If you wish to extend your stay in Dubai beyond the famous 90 days allowed without a visa, it is necessary to start your procedures with the local authorities. The procedure to follow will depend on the reasons for your extended stay; in short, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa. To check the latest information and requirements, you can consult an official source or a reliable website. As the information concerning this visa application is available on the United Arab Emirates Immigration Services website, don't take too long to deal with it, as timescales may vary.
Important recommendations for travellers
The validity of your passport is something you don't necessarily think about, yet it's an important factor in ensuring a peaceful stay. A passport that expires less than six months after your date of arrival in the Emirates may be refused entry. Check this date carefully, and plan to renew it if necessary. To calculate the validity required, take your planned date of entry and make sure that your passport remains valid for six months after that date: this is an essential precaution to avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival.
Residence rules and legal obligations
Entry and exit formalities
When you arrive in Dubai, systematic checks may be carried out. Make sure you are aware of customs restrictions on the import of certain products. Weapons, narcotics and pornographic products, for example, are strictly prohibited. For animals, a health certificate and valid vaccinations are required. For medicines, it's best to check in advance with the embassy that they are authorized, and in what quantities. Prevention is better than cure, as they say?
To travel with peace of mind in Dubai, it's best to be aware of the behaviors to avoid if you don't want to break local law. Here are a few examples:
- Warning: alcohol consumption and severe penalties.
- Attire: Dress respectfully of local customs, preferably in religious places and traditional neighborhoods. Avoid clothes that are too short or revealing.
How to extend your stay
To travel to Dubai with peace of mind, follow the guide: You should follow the recommendations of the French authorities, in particular those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will ensure your safety and well-being during your stay.
- First, check the website of the French Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of France in Dubai. You'll find updates and any security alerts.
- Secondly, don't forget to register on the Breadcrumb trail to receive notifications of emergencies and major events in the country.
- Thirdly, the threat of terrorism persists in the region. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially risky areas.
- Finally, consider taking out comprehensive travel insurance. This should cover medical expenses, repatriation assistance and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your stay.
Following these tips will maximize your chances of a safe and enjoyable trip to Dubai.
Health costs in Dubai can be very high. Without international medical insurance, you may not have access to care even in the event of a medical emergency. That's why it's so important to take out travel insurance before you leave, because a good travel insurance policy covers health expenses abroad, as well as contingencies before and during your stay. A good precaution for a worry-free trip!
Is your trip to Dubai already on the horizon? First of all, check the validity of your passport before you start planning your trip, and then methodically organize your luggage so that you can make the most of your stay once you're there. It's a well-known fact that a well-prepared trip is bound to be a success. So don't procrastinate any longer: start organizing your getaway to the Emirates right away!
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tourist visa for Dubai cost?
Good news! For a short tourist stay in Dubai, French citizens generally don't need a visa. However, if a visa is required, prices vary. They depend on the type of visa, length of stay, processing time and even your nationality.
For example, you could find a Dubai 24H visa for around 69 euros via Visa Office. Don't forget to check if you already have an application in progress, as this could result in a refusal and loss of fees.
Can I go to Dubai with a French residence permit?
If you hold a foreign passport and reside in France with a residence permit, a visa is required to enter Dubai. Organizations such as ClassTravel can help you with this process. You'll need to provide a passport valid for at least six months, a valid residence permit and a recent passport photo.
Please note that travel documents for refugees in France are not valid in Dubai. Holders of this type of document are prohibited from entering the United Arab Emirates.
What's the cheapest visa for Dubai?
For French citizens, a visa is generally not required for a short tourist stay in Dubai. However, if a visa is required, the 48-hour single-entry transit visa, valid for one month, may be the most affordable option.
It is important to note that restrictions may apply depending on nationality and other factors. It is therefore advisable to check precise requirements with the relevant authorities or visa agencies before traveling.
What to wear in Dubai
In Dubai, although there is no obligation to wear traditional clothing, it is advisable to dress correctly and in accordance with local customs. Plunging necklines and short shorts should be avoided, and pants or dresses that cover the knees should be preferred.
In places of worship, a stricter dress code is enforced; women must cover their arms and legs and wear a veil to cover their hair during the visit, and men must cover their shoulders and knees.
