The right UAE visa depends on three questions. How long will you stay, will you leave and come back, and is the UAE your destination or a stop on the way? Answer those and the choice becomes simple.
Hadaf Al Muteena Travel and Tourism LLC is a private travel agency in Deira, Dubai, not a government body. We process transit, single entry and multiple entry visas online, and our consultants can advise on extensions. This guide compares every option and links to a detailed guide for each.
UAE Visa Types at a Glance
| Visa | Entries | Stay | Best for | Extendable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transit visa | Single | 48 or 96 hours | Layovers on the way to a third country | No |
| Single entry tourist visa | Single | 14, 30 or 60 days | One trip with no plan to leave and return | Eligible visas, before expiry |
| Multiple entry tourist visa | Several | 30 or 60 days from first entry | Trips with side visits outside the UAE | Eligible visas, before expiry |
| Visa extension | Not a visa | Usually 30 day blocks | Visitors already in the UAE who need more time | Not applicable |
Which Visa Fits Your Trip?
- Connecting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi for up to four days: a transit visa.
- A layover longer than 96 hours: a single entry tourist visa instead.
- One holiday or family visit with no return trips: a single entry visa.
- A trip that includes Oman or another neighbouring country and a return to the UAE: a multiple entry visa.
- Already in the UAE and running short on days: an extension, if your visa is eligible.
Standard or Emergency Processing?
Standard processing is listed at 6 to 12 hours for the 48 hour transit visa and 1 to 2 days for the other visas on our product pages. When your flight is close, emergency visa processing is available in three tiers: 1 to 2 hours, 6 to 12 hours and 12 to 24 hours. Emergency tiers carry extra fees, and refund conditions are set out in our terms and conditions.
What Every Application Needs
- Passport with enough validity, and we suggest at least six months
- Clear colour copy of the passport photo page
- Recent photograph
Transit visas also need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Tourist visas can ask for onward or departure ticket details and health insurance details. Extensions need your current visa details.
What Affects the Total Cost
- Visa type and stay length
- Standard or emergency processing
- A refundable security deposit that applies to some nationalities
- Our service fee, which is separate from government charges
Checkout lists every charge before you pay.
How to Apply Online
- Open apply now and choose the visa.
- Complete the form, with the visa type already selected.
- Upload your documents.
- Pay at secure online checkout.
- A consultant reviews your documents and submits the request.
- Receive your e-visa by email.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a single entry visa when you plan to leave and return
- Booking a transit visa for a layover longer than 96 hours
- Asking for an extension after the visa has expired
- Applying with a passport that has less than six months left
- Entering the UAE after the validity window on the e-visa has closed
UAE Visa Types FAQs
What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry?
A single entry visa ends when you leave the UAE. A multiple entry visa lets you re-enter within the stay period counted from your first entry.
Can I extend a transit visa?
No. Transit visas cannot be extended, renewed or converted. Apply for a tourist visa if you need longer.
Which visa suits a one week holiday?
A 14 day or 30 day single entry visa usually covers it. Choose multiple entry only if you will leave and return.
How long does processing take?
Our product pages list 6 to 12 hours for the 48 hour transit visa and 1 to 2 days for other visas, with emergency tiers for urgent travel.
Are you a government office?
No. Hadaf Al Muteena is a private travel agency in Dubai, and our service fee is separate from government visa charges.
Apply for Your UAE Visa
Ready to start? Go to apply now, or open the page that matches your plan: Dubai transit visa or Dubai tourist visa.
