E Visa Countries for UAE Residents in 2024
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What is an E-visa in the UAE?
The E-visa application process is simplified and streamlined to cut down time and bureaucratic procedures that typically delay the grant of visas to applicants. A regular visa application often requires an in-person visit and submission of physical documents followed by a personal interview at the concerned foreign embassy.
However, not all countries offer an E-visa for UAE residents. It is generally for short-term purposes such as tourism, meeting family & friends, business visits, etc.
List of E-visa Countries for UAE Residents in 2024
| E-visa countries for UAE residents | |
|---|---|
| Armenia | Azerbaijan |
| Bahrain | Bhutan |
| Georgia | Hongkong |
| India | Indonesia |
| Japan | Kenya |
| Laos | Madagascar |
| Malaysia | Malawi |
| Oman | Qatar |
| Saudi Arabia | Srilanka |
| Thailand | Turkey |
| Uzbekistan | Vietnam |
| Zimbabwe | |
Note: The above list is not exhaustive and is subject to change periodically. Kindly check the specific requirements for each country before making your travel plans.
Requirements to Get an E-visa UAE
A valid passport with a validity of at least six months from the expected date of arrival in the foreign country
Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specific requirements of the foreign country
Personal information such as the applicant’s name, date of birth, contact details, etc
Travel itinerary with details about the dates of arrival & departure, the purpose of the visit, and accommodation arrangements in the foreign country
Additional documents such as proof of funds, proof of employment, and a letter of invitation from a host in the foreign country
A valid credit card or a debit card to pay the E-visa fees
How Can UAE Residents Apply for an E-visa?
1) Check Eligibility
- Visit the official government website of the foreign country you wish to visit. Check whether your nationality and UAE residence visa make you eligible for an e-visa
- Determine the right visa type (e.g., tourist, business, medical) based on your travel purpose.
2) Prepare Required Documents
The set of documents needed for an e-visa application is provided above. Kindly check whether you need additional documents based on the country and the purpose of your visit.
3) Complete the Online Application Form
- Go to the official e-visa application portal of the foreign country you intend to visit.
- Fill out the application form by providing your personal information, travel details, and passport details.
- Upload the scanned copies of the required documents in the specified format and size.
4) Pay the Visa Fee
- Pay the visa fee online using your credit or debit card. The fee amount may vary depending on the country and type of visa you need
- Save a copy of the payment receipt or transaction confirmation for future reference.
5) Submit the Application
- Check and verify all the information provided in the application form to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
- Now, you can submit the application online. You will receive an application reference number for tracking purposes.
6) Track the Application
- Visit the portal and use the reference number to check the status of your e-visa application
- E-visas are generally processed within a few days. However, it may take longer, depending on the country, visa type, and time of travel.
7) Receive and Print the E-visa
- After due processing and approval, you will receive the e-visa on your registered email.
- You can print a copy of your e-visa to carry with you on your foreign travels. Some countries may demand a printed copy of your E-visa at the time of entry.
Benefits of E-visas for UAE Residents
Convenience
You can apply for and receive an E-visa from the comfort of your home. There is no need to visit the embassy or consulate office in person, stand in long queues, or deal with cumbersome paperwork. You can now apply for a visa at any time, from anywhere, with no time zone restrictions.
Efficiency
With an online application process, you can avoid the hassles of physical documents and attending personal interviews for your visa. The paperwork is minimal, and all your records are digital.
Cost Savings
E-visa applications entail lower processing fees & paperwork costs. They help you cut down on travel costs, too. E-visas also help you prevent visa fraud by eliminating the need for middlemen.
Speed
Traditional visas may take several weeks or months for their processing. However, E-visas are generally processed and approved within a few days. This helps you plan your trip with better efficiency and lower uncertainty.
Enhanced Security
Digital verification ensures higher security for the applicants and mitigates the risk of fraudulent transactions. The immigration authorities can easily verify the credentials of travellers using electronic visas.
Flexibility
E-visas can be issued for single-entry, multiple-entry, short-term, or long-term stay options to suit your varied requirements
Common Reasons for UAE E-visa Rejection
Inaccurate or Incomplete Application
Invalid Documents
Expired passports and lack of proper supporting documentation often result in rejection of E-visa applications
Improper Photograph
The authorities may reject your application if your photographs do not meet the prescribed norms
Ineligibility
Applicants who do not meet the specified eligibility criteria, such as nationality, insurance, etc., are typically rejected
Ineligibility
Applicants who do not meet the specified eligibility criteria, such as nationality, insurance, etc., are typically rejected
Criminal Antecedents
Applicants with a criminal history are considered security threats and often face visa rejections
Previous Visa Violations
Overstaying your visa or violating other conditions (in respect of the same country or any other country) can result in rejection of E-visa applications
Invalid Travel Purpose
The authorities may reject your E-visa application if your travel purpose is not clear or they find it suspicious. An unclear travel itinerary can also lead to a rejection.
Inadequate Financial Resources
Lack of financial stability or funds to support the foreign trip may lead to the rejection of a visa
Health Issues
E-visa applicants with specific health concerns may be rejected if their condition poses a risk to public health in the foreign country
Differences Between a Regular Visa and an E-Visa
| Particulars | Regular Visa | E-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Mode | In-person visit to the embassy or consulate of the foreign country | Online application through the official website of the foreign country’s government |
| Documentation | Physical copies of the documents are required to be submitted | Scanned (soft) copies of the documents are submitted via the official portal |
| Visa Processing Time | May take a couple of weeks or months based on the country and the type of visa | An E-visa application takes a few days to process |
| Visa Cost | The cost is higher due to consular fees, service fees, and other additional charges | The cost is relatively lower as the process is streamlined and involves a lesser number of intermediaries |
| Visa Issuance | A sticker or a stamp is affixed to your passport | An electronic authorization is linked to your passport |
| Availability | The regular visa is available for all purposes | An E-visa is generally issued for short-term stays such as tourism, personal visits, or business |
| Entry Points | Any official port of entry | The entry may be restricted to specific airports, sea ports, or land borders |
| Eligibility | A regular visa is issued to all applicants who fulfill the visa requirements | The grant of E-visas may be restricted to citizens of some countries based on bilateral agreements |
Frequently Asked Questions on E-Visas for UAE Residents
How many days does it take for an E-visa to the UAE?
Based on the destination country and the purpose of the visit, the processing time for an E-visa is about 3 to 10 working days.
What is the validity of an E-visa in the UAE?
The validity of a UAE E-visa depends on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. All visas (except transit visas) are valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
What is the cost of an E-visa for UAE residents?
The cost of an E-visa for UAE residents depends on the visa type and the processing speed. The charges including service fees are $133.99 for standard processing (12 days), $145.99 for rush processing (10 days), and $167.99 for super rush processing (8 days).
What should I do if my E-visa is denied?
You can contact the embassy or the consulate and solicit the reasons for the rejection of your E-visa application. Please check for probable errors or missing documents and reapply after a specified time. Further, it may be possible to appeal the rejection decision in certain cases.
Is the UAE visa-free for Indian citizens?
No. Indian citizens require a visa to visit the UAE. However, any Indian citizen holding a valid US visa, green card, or a UK/EU resident permit can get a visa on arrival to the UAE (valid for 14 days).
How does a Dubai E-visa work?
Dubai’s electronic visa allows travelers to visit the UAE for short-term purposes such as tourism. This visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. A printout of the E-visa must be presented to the immigration officers along with your passport and flight tickets.
Can I apply for an E-visa for multiple countries at once?
Every country has its own visa requirements, policies, and application process. So you have to apply for an E-visa separately for each country you plan to visit. However, some countries, such as the Schengen Zone, may provide access to multiple countries in that region with a single visa.
Are there any specific documents needed for UAE residents to apply for an E-visa?
The specific documents for UAE residents applying for an E-visa may depend on the requirements of the destination country and the purpose of the visit. This may include a medical report, a business invitation letter, or proof of enrollment in an event.
