If you’re a citizen of Qatar, you can just jump on a flight and be in the Dubai Miracle Garden or Underwater Zoo within two hours. But, in case you still don’t have citizenship, you may have to go through a couple of formalities before your trip, like getting a visa. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dubai visa from Qatar, regardless of the purpose of your visit.

As citizens of a country within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qataris can travel to and from the UAE without a visa. They only need their passport or Qatar ID to enter. 

However, Qatar residents who aren’t citizens likely need a visa to enter the Emirates. Depending on their nationality, they may be eligible for a visa on arrival or would need to go through the whole application process. For instance, citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, India, and Pakistan need to apply for a visa, while U.S. passport holders and citizens of the Schengen area can request a visa on arrival.

For the latest information on country-specific requirements, check out the official government website.

While the specifics depend on your visa type, there are some general documents that all applicants must submit. 

Bear in mind that the authorities reserve the right to request additional documents if necessary, so they may ask you for more information or proof after you submit your application.

Single-entry tourist visa

The single-entry tourist visa can last either 30 or 60 days. The only way to apply for it is through a sponsor or host. Most hotels and airlines in the UAE have the option to submit applications in their guests' names. Therefore, you need to contact the hotel you’re planning to stay at or your airline and see if they can handle the tourist visa application for you.

Fees:

• 30-day visa: QAR 200 + tax

• 60-day visa: QAR 300 + tax

Processing time: 3–4 working days

Note: Since applications are only available via intermediaries, application fees may vary.

Multiple-entry tourist visa

The multiple-entry tourist visa type allows you to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during either a 30- or 60-day period. Here, you must also have a sponsoring tourism institution or a host in the UAE. So, check with your hotel or airline for the application process. 

Fees: 

• 30-day visa: QAR 300 + tax

• 60-day visa: QAR 500 + tax

Processing time: 3–5 working days 

Note: Since applications are only available via intermediaries, application fees may vary.

Transit visa

If you have more than eight hours of layover in the UAE, you should apply for a transit visa. It can last for 48 or 96 hours, and cannot be extended. 

Applications are only available through UAE-based airlines, such as Emirates and Etihad, as well as approved travel agencies. To apply for this visa, you will need a ticket showing that your trip continues beyond the Emirates.

Fees:

• 48-hour visa: Free

• 96-hour visa: QAR 50

Processing time: 48 hours 

Visit visa 

The Dubai visit visa is an entry permit for visiting friends or family. You can apply for a 30, 60, or 90-day entry. For this type, you’ll need proof of the relationship with a UAE resident. They’ll act as your sponsor, so you need to provide their salary certificate or employment contract, depending on whether they work for a private company or the government. 

Fees:

• 30-day visit: QAR 200

• 60-day visit: QAR 300

• 90-day visit: QAR 400

You’ll also need to submit a security deposit of around QAR 1,000 to demonstrate the financial capacity to cover your stay.

Processing time: 3–4 working days

Business visa 

This visa is called a “visit visa for exploring business opportunities”. It can last for 30, 60, 90, or 120 days, and it does not require a sponsor in the UAE. For it, you’ll need proof of investment or a business venture. 

Fees: 

• 60-day visa: QAR 200

• 90-day visa: QAR 300

• 120-day visa: QAR 400

Furthermore, a security deposit of approximately QAR 1,000 is required.

Processing time: 2–30 days, depending on your nationality and duration of the stay.

Medical visa

The medical visa is suitable for those who seek medical assistance in the UAE. It can last for 90 or 180 days. The sponsor in the UAE will be the health facility that offers medical help. If necessary, this same type of visa can be granted to the patient’s escort(s). 

Aside from regular documents, this visa requires medical reports and a letter from the sponsor stating the purpose of the visit. 

Fees: 

• 90-day single-entry: QAR 200

• 180-day single-entry: QAR 500

• 90-day multiple-entry: QAR 300

• 180-day multiple-entry: QAR 900

In addition, a security deposit of QAR 1,000 for single-entry or QAR 2,000 for multiple-entry is required.

Processing time: 3–5 working days

Golden visa 

The UAE golden visa with the residency permit of ten years can be issued for entrepreneurs, investors, top students, graduates, specialized scientists, and talented geniuses. The process and required documents vary.

For example, investors need to show investment proof either from the UAE investment fund, Federal Tax Authority, property purchase, project value, letters from a respectable UAE business incubator, or the land department, as well as their commercial license.

On the other hand, outstanding talents need recommendation letters from respective UAE ministries, councils, or secretariats.

Fees greatly depend on circumstances and can go from a few hundred to thousands of riyals.  

Processing time: Up to 5 days

If your visa type doesn’t require an application via another entity, you can request it via GDFR Smart Services.

1. Create an account and go to New Application.

2. Choose the type of visa (they call it an entry permit on the website) you need.

3. Fill out your application, including details about the visa you’re applying for, residency, trip, sponsor, and contact details. 

4. Provide supporting documents (scanned passport, residency permit, hotel reservations, sponsor information, etc) and pay the visa fee.  

How to check Dubai visa status

UAE visa status check online is available within the Status Inquiry section at the top of your GDFR profile. 

Upon clicking on it, you’ll be able to get the application status via the application number, status number, and fee payment date.