How to apply for the Dubai visa for South Africans
With 5 direct flights per day between South Africa and Dubai, its still an exceptionally popular destination for us to travel to, but what has always been an issue is how to apply for the Dubai visa as a South African. You will need a sponsor to apply which can be an airline, hotel, tour operator or friend/family member. Lets make this simple with these tips to making your application easier:
Do the visa via Emirates and make your application easier
If you can resist the urge to buy the cheaper ticket – via another country or airline – buy the Emirates ticket on the direct flight, applying for the Dubai visa is much simpler that way. Emirates is the only airline which can sponsor a Dubai visa application. Once your flight is booked, ask your travel agent for the Emirates reference (vendor locator) and proceed to the Emirates visa application site to complete the process. Cost for South African application: 96hour visa: R560; 30 day R690. You will still need to show official confirmation of accommodation for the duration of your stay upon entering Dubai.
Alternatively, good old VFS (Visa Forwarding Service) do the visa application manually. The price will be the same as through the Emirates site, but you’ll apply through the South African offices.
Not flying with Emirates? Still need a Dubai visa?
Not all hope is lost, do the visa through your accommodation organiser. Use a reputable hotel and email them first to ensure they act as a sponsor when applying for the visa before you book and pay – they may ask an extra security deposit. Better yet, book with a reputable travel agent who uses major tour operators who can book you the correct hotels or packages which will include visas, making it much more hassle free.
You can also apply for the visa using a friend of family member as a sponsor. They will need to contact +971 4 398 0000 in Dubai or visit the DNRD’s government site for info on how to organise this. They are limited to a number of sponsorships they can take on per year and there is a minimum salary requirement. Officially only United Arab Emirates citizens can sponsor visas for friends, however if the sponsor is a permanent resident, the DNRD will consider visa applications matching these requirements.
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Hi Nick, Thanks for the info.
I will be flying into Dubai this december with United Airlines and then onwards to Singapore. I have a 3 day stop over in Dubai.
I enquired about Marhaba city stop service at the airport, but they sell the transit visa as a bundle with hotel. I would rather book the hotel myself that getting stuck with some random hotel from them. I am going to book my hotel after confirming that they can sponsor a visa.
What kind of visa does the hotel sponsor? 96 hours or 15 days or 30 days (given that my trip is for 3 days). Also, do you know the cost for the visa?
Thanks
Hi Art!
The Marhaba package is usually with a very good hotel, but I can understand if you’d prefer to pick the specific hotel you want for your stay. Just make sure the hotel you pick does sponsor visas (but if you’re flying with Emirates you can do the application through the link I provided above).
The visa they will “sponsor” depends on the length of time you’re staying, so if you’re going for 3 days, you’ll get the 96hour visa.
Hope this helps?
Nick
Hi Nick,
Is it true that you need to have a valid passport for at least 6 months before and after the date of arrival and departure from Dubai?
My Boyfriend’s passport was stolen and we went to apply for Dubai visa but not sure if he’ll get one on a newly issues passport?
Thanks.
Hi Mary-Anne, as far as I am aware the passport just needs to be valid for 6 months after you arrive in Dubai and not for 6 months before. I haven’t found any information mentioned a need for a passport to be more than 6 months old.
You can go through to VFS too to enquire further if you like, but I’m almost certain that a brand new passport will be fine to use.
Hi Nick,
You mention only UAE citizens can sponsor visas for friends. I have a close friend working and living in Dubai who will be hosting myself and wife. We are travelling via SAA/Emirates coach share and so should be able to use the Emirates visa application process.
However, do you foresee a problem with the accomodation arrangements…should i rather be booking a hotel to be sure there is no issues with visa application?
Thanks.
Hi Rehan!
According to the info I have, only citizens of the UAE can sponsor someone a visa. Your friend can check with the DNRD (linked in my post above) if there is any way around it, but as far as I’m aware there isn’t.
As far as doing the visa through Emirates goes, you actually need to have bought an Emirates ticket, it doesn’t matter that it’s on the Emirates plane unfortunately, they’ll only sponsor a visa through an Emirates ticket.
I would suggest 1) getting your friend to contact the DNRD to see if an exception can be made. If the exception can’t be made, you’ll have to 2) pay for hotel accommodation which will spronsor a visa.
Sorry I couldn’t have better news for you! If you manage to get the visa sponsored by your friend, let us know, it would be great news to hear both for us and others wanting to use those channels.
Hi Nick,
I want to spend 5 days in Dubai with boyfriend. He’s on 3yr contract there. Can I book 1st night in Hotel(to act as sponsor as well) and spend the rest of the time with bf?
Kind Regards
Hi Sheila,
as far as I am aware, only UAE citizens can act as a sponsor. I suggest your boyfriend contact the DNRD (details in the article above) to find out if he can act as a sponsor, since he’s not a citizen. I think he would only be able to sponsor you if you were married or a direct relative.
Your question about using the hotel as sponsor, I would think you would need to book the hotel for the duration of your trip. As far as I know, the UAE may cause trouble for you if they find you’re not staying with your “sponsor” – the hotel. If there is absolutely no way your boyfriend can sponsor you, it may be advisable for you all to book into the hotel for the duration of your stay.
This is a rather unusual sort of arrangement you’re trying to make, so I’m afraid I can’t give you any guaranteed fool-proof advice that won’t land you in any trouble, so I suggest he checks with the DNRD for clarification.
Hi Nick
In South Africa there is a company who claims that they can get the VISA for you as they act as the sponsor. See http://www.dubaivisas.co.za/sa/
Do you know of this service and does it seem legal?
Hi Louwrens, this is news to me! Not heard of these guys before. As far as I am aware, no one can buck the system the UAE sets out. According to my knowledge, the UAE only use VFS in South Africa. All of the official sites and the travel agent info sites which are kept very up to date, don’t mention this site. It’s possible they do the VFS application for you – I’m not sure how they get round the requirements of the UAE government, if they do at all.
I’d advise going via the traditional track, government sponsored track. I can’t say for definite that this site is legitimate or not, but if it were me, the last thing I’d want was to spend money on a visa which isn’t valid, or worse, fraudulent and be locked up in a foreign country.
My advice is, play it safe!
Hi Paul – I need urgent advice regarding a uae visa. I am a SA Citizen and my wife and i intend to travel next week to Sharjah. However VFS only grants 30 day visas and we have some plans to stay for maybe 60-90 days. Is this possible. Is there anyways i can extend my visa/stay at the dubai airport or in the uae whilst im there. Please Help.
Hi Nick Paul – I need urgent advice regarding a uae visa. I am a SA Citizen and my wife and i intend to travel next week to Sharjah. However VFS only grants 30 day visas and we have some plans to stay for maybe 60-90 days. Is this possible. Is there anyways i can extend my visa/stay at the dubai airport or in the uae whilst im there. Please Help. If you do know if this is possible and what the costs involved are. Thanks
Ihsaan
Hi Irshaan, the type of visa you’re wanting is rather unique. VFS have in the past issued longer stay visas, however they have to act under the mandate of the UAE government, so if they’re only able to offer you a 30 day VISA, then that is all you’ll be able to get. As a general rule with visas, if you need to apply, you may only do so from your country of residency and not when you are in that country. For visas issued on arrival, these can sometimes be extended when one is in that country. Obviously the UAE is not one of these countries. I’m afraid I’ve had no experience of visas longer 30 days so it’s very hard for me to advise you on this. The safest answer is, if VFS says they can’t issue you one for longer than a 30 day stay, it’s not possible to get one. I’m sorry I couldn’t help with better information.
Hey Vandelay,
I had the same issue when from from SA to Dubai but applied online through http://www.dubaivisaonline.com got the visa in 2 days and recommended it to all my frined and didnt get any complain or scam over the internet, they were friendly and fees was fair compared to other travel agents on the web
Saleem
hI , Nick,
i’m very happy to have found this page as i am in a bit of a dilemma i am a SA citizen currently living in malaysia and i have applied to go to dubai when i was living in tanzania and was denied as they said i am a female traveling alone and not over the age of 23 , which was surprising to me , my sister is currently living there as a student and can’t be my sponsor,
Do you advise i take up the visa application through the emirates airline as i shall be traveling on it from kuala lumpur or find a sponsor?. i am still worried regarding my age , i am currently 21 years old.
Thank you.
Hi Sagal, I know the UAE is very old-fashioned in its moral requirements for entry to the country – they don’t believe women should travel unaccompanied etc etc which makes little sense in the western world, but to them, they think it makes perfect sense. You could try doing the visa through Emirates, but there’s a strong chance they will ask you for info on where you’re staying etc etc and grant your visa on those grounds. It’s a tough call really. If I were in your position, I would speak to Emirates for them to either give you the details of the right person to speak to or perhaps they can give you advice over the phone. I would speak to both their reservations and Emirates Holidays departments. Unfortunately I really don’t know what else to tell you, I have as yet not encountered such a situation.
Hi Nick,
Myself and two of friends of mine are going to India in September for a friends wedding are we were considering doing a three day stop over in Dubai. My question is do we need to have the confirmation of a hotel booking before we apply for the visa (my understanding)? Will emirates airlines organize everything for us (flights, visas, hotels)?
It all seems confusing so if you could explain what we would need to do so I can understand better that would be great. Also would we need a sponsor? Or how does it work?
Hi Naeema, Emirates act at your sponsors while you are over there, so there’s no need to do any application through the hotel you’re staying at. The embassy of the UAE may still require you to have accommodation for your stay, but you don’t need to organise a “sponsor” for your stay if you’re flying with Emirates. I would suggest coming through to our consultants with your dates and where you’re wanting to go to in India, they can assist with flight bookings and hotels so that everything is ready and in order for your visa application. You can reach them on travelbar@travelstart.com
Hi Nick
Is this a new thing that only UAE citizens can sponsor visitors??? I left Dubai in April 2011, lived there for 4 years (permanent resident) and used to sponsor my boyfriend every year to visit me for a month……!!
Hi Alta! According to the info the info the DNRD give out only Nationals can sponsor visitors who are not related. This is very positive news if indeed they have allowed you to sponsor someone when you’re not a national. I have checked with some other travel colleagues and it seems that you are correct, permanent residents can be allowed to sponsor visitors who are not related. I will update this post accordingly.
Hi Nick
I am going to teach in Al Ain. I signed a 2 year contract and want my husband and kids to join me after december to stay with me. How do I go about that? What Visas do I apply for?
Hi Zaibo, I must admit, I have no experience with these sorts of visas, the kind that pertain to work permits. I would suggest to you to check with the DNRD for guidance, as it’s likely to be some sort of permit you would need to organise rather than a conventional visa. You’ll probably need to organise this through the DNRD once you’re living and working in the UAE.
Hi Nick,
My girlfriend is south african and is currently in europe on a 3 month visa – I am living in qatar but want to meet her in dubai on her way back to south africa…..she will need a visa….what is the quickest way for her to get a visa for say a month for UAE? Can she apply while being outside of UAE? Cheers,
Duncan
Hi Duncan! From what you’re telling me, neither you nor her live in the UAE? This might be very difficult to get a month-stay visa for that country then. Generally you’re allowed a 96 hour visa for the UAE, or a 30 day visa. But you will likely have to show proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay, so if you’re going to be there for 30 days, you’ll need that. If you manage to get everything in the following check-list sorted, getting the visa online shouldn’t be a problem: http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/guidelines.aspx . I’m not sure though, if you’re a citizen/resident of another GCC nation (Qatar) if perhaps special arrangements can be made, you’ll need to check with DNRD on the link provided in the above article.
Can I get a visa from DXB airport on arrival there?
Hi Lettisha! Thanks for getting in touch. If you’re on a South African passport, you need to apply for the visa before hand at http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/index.aspx
hi Nick, please advise which hotels in abu dhabi can provide visas for me & my family as i have not booked with emirates & having a problem getting a hotel in abu dhabi that can do visa’s??
Hi Lameez, there are many hotels in Abu Dhabi who should be able to assist, it’s not possible to provide a list, but as a rule of thumb, those from popular chains are often best to try. Email the hotel and ask if they help with visas before booking. Alternatively, contact our consultants on travelbar@travelstart.com for assistance
Hi Nick.
Is it true that Etihad Airlines can act as a sponsor as well?
Hi Jonathan, yes it’s true that Etihad can act as sponsors for visas to the UAE, but I am still under the impression that if your destination is Dubai, you have to fly Emirates to get the airline to sponsor.
Hi Nick..I live in Abu Dhabi and tried sponsoring my sister (we are S.African) for a visit in dec 2010 and the application was turned down at the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation Dept..they said the rules have changed..we can sponsor only parents..not siblings…I DON’T KNOW IF THERE ARE MORE CHNAGES SINCE THEN..she is due to arrive here again on dec 2011 (using Qatar airways..and we have no way of doing the visa
)…when I lived here 5 years ago..it was possible for an expat to sponsor friends and relatives,,but apparently since 2010..this is not so..
How can I get her visa done now..if her tickets already purchased through Qatar Airways?
Hi Seshni, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, this does seem like a tricky situation and to be honest I haven’t had a lot of experience with it. I would suppose that you might need to do the visa through a hotel in Abu Dhabi, but then you two would need to be staying there. I’ve chatted to my colleagues and they say they always book their customers on Etihad Airways tickets as it makes handling the visa a lot easier. The pointers I can give you are, contact the DNRD in the UAE via: http://dnrd.ae/en/Pages/Home.aspx . That’s probably going to be your best bet. In the event that they suggest you cancel your Qatar Airways ticket and purchase an Etihad ticket, you can apply via: http://www.ttsuaevisas.com/Home/Index.aspx?CountryID=1 .
I’m sorry I couldn’t have a better answer for you, unfortunately the situation is very tricky with the UAE.
Hi Nick, I am a South African and have SAA ticket to Dubai of which Emirates has confirmed that they will sponsor my visa. Also the hotel I will be staying in has confirmed that it can sponsor my 7 stay with them although its steep at $200. Where I have a problem, is that I am joining a 7-day cruise that will depart from Dubai with stop-overs in Fujaraih, Muscat, Khasab and Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, Emirates is not sponsoring visa’s for cruises. How do I go about getting Oman visa or multiple entry UAE visa? If I have multiple entry UAE visa, will I still need Oman visa?
Hi Penny! That sounds like you have quite a trip planned! With the visa for the cruise for the UAE, it may be possible that the cruise company sponsors your visa – often-times cruises are granted special visa immunity because the cruise company takes surety for you. I would suggest contacting the company you bought the cruise through for them to check and clarify. This may be the same for the Oman visa, however if you do still require one, you can get one on arrival for 20 Omani Riyal (about $52) if you’re on a South African passport. Hope this helps!
Hi Nick,
I’m a bit confused about this transit visa buisness and am hoping you can shed some light. I’m flying from Tashkent to Dubai (Uzbek airways)and will have to overnight in Dubai before I head home to Durban(via Emirates) the next morning. Can I obtain a transit visa upon arrival in Dubai or does it need to be pre-arranged? And how much will it cose roughly in USD?
Thanks!
Kerry
Hi Kerry! This is a very unique trip you’re doing, I actually haven’t heard of anything like this before. It sounds to me like you have two separate tickets, one on Uzbek and one on Emirates. If this is the case you will very likely have to leave the transit area in order to collect your luggage, this means you will need to pre-apply for the visa via the Emirates website. Also contact their visa handling service VFS via http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/index.aspx
Hi nick,
I was wondering if you could help me. My husband and I are flying to Rome, Italy, via Dubai. Our stopover is 6 hours. Do we need to get a Visa? Its our first trip, so we are abit clueless =)
many Thanks!
Hi Belen! This is quite a common question, so don’t feel like you’re clueless, I think many people wonder this! You won’t need a visa to transit via Dubai, provided that your stay is shorter than 24 hours and that you don’t leave the airport transit area.
we want to go to dubai can you advice me on organising this trip 2012
Hi Khanyisile, it would be best to get in touch with our travel consultants for quotes and advice on travel to Dubai. You can call them on 0861 878 278 (option 5) or email them on travelbar@travelstart.com . It would be helpful if you had prospective dates for when you’d like to travel and what sort of accommodation/budget you have. I would recommend no longer than 5 days in Dubai.
Hi Nick,
My name is Rina a filipino nationality, I live here in Soluth Africa and i’ve got fiance visa.I am planning to visit my country via Dubai but i wanted to have a transit visa for 1 day only,( i just want to for shopping i missed shopping in Dubai) I would appreciate it if you can give some information on how can i get transit visa. When i was working in Yemen i used to ask our travel agent (MARHABA aswell)to arrange everything for us as package,Visa, Hotel,Transport etc.
Hi Rina! What you will apply for there is a 96 hour visa for Dubai, if you’re flying with Emirates, you can apply via VFS here http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/index.html Not having dealt with a visa application of this nature before, I would suggest you speak to VFS directly and explain what passport you’re on etc for their advice. 011 783 0410, / 011 783 1941 / 011 7834 685 in Joburg and 021 423 6573 in Cape Town
Hi Nick
O just great! I have booked a vacation for my family (3 adults and 2 children) on Qatar Airways (plus booked and paid for hotel already) and now see the hassle its going to be to get visas!?! It seems I should have just booked with Emirates to avoid all this headache! How am I supposed to get visas?! Who do I apply through as the dubai visa processing centre in south africa only processes Emirates ticket holder visas!?!
Will I have to ask the hotel to process my visas on my behalf?
Can I trust dubaivisas.co.za? I cant seem to find any indication on the net of them being fraudulant?
Please help and advise the easiest way to solve the problem?!
Ihsaan, thanks for getting in touch. Not all is lost if you’re flying on Qatar Airways, many of the hotels act as sponsors too. I would contact the hotel directly and ask them if they can process your visa for you.
Regarding dubaivisas.co.za, I’ve had no dealings with them and as a company we’ve not used them. I honestly can’t speak for them or the way that they get around the various visa requirements the UAE has.
If it were me in a private capacity (and I don’t speak for Travelstart at all in this opinion) I would be wary of them, they only have cell numbers on their website, the usual fee is around R500 for the visa (if flying Emirates) and they charge about R1200. It also worries me that they don’t have any requirements for hotel accommodation which the UAE seems to require. They may be legit, but personally I would just feel a little uneasy using them.
Dubai.com (http://www.dubai.com/v/visa_requirements/) says the following:
“SERVICE VISA ENTRY APPLIED THROUGH A HOTEL:
Standard process of application, but please check with your hotel first.
The visa is valid for 14 days from the date of issue and 14 days from the date of entry. The visa fees and security deposit will vary from country to country. The security deposit is also required per person and will be refunded once the visa holder leaves the country. It is advisable to contact your nearest Dubai Embassy or the hotel for more details.
Please be aware that once the visa is applied for, charges for the cost of the visa will not be refunded in such cases as Expiration, Booking cancellation, Rejection.
For the visa to be processed by the hotel, the visitor must remain a guest in that hotel for the entrire duration of their stay. Port of entry and exit of the visitor must be Dubai only. Three working days are needed to process the visa excluding, Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays.
Documents required:
Visa Charges and Security Deposit. An authorisation letter with the signature of the cardholder, as well as a copy of the credit card used (front and back side). Passport copies of card holder and visitors.
Please note all document copies, passport copies and credit card copies must be scanned clearly and with colour when sent, otherwise they will be rejected by Dubai Immigration.”
Hope this helps!
hi there
i really need help with my visa as im not sure were to start. my feacne and i are heading to dubai in feb for 10 days and have booked with qatar. please tell me how to get a visa,or were to start as well as how much will it cost?
Hi Claire, you are going to have to contact the hotel you are staying at to get them to help with the visa. I’m not 100% sure how much they will charge, probably in the region of R1000 or so. Unfortunately, if you’ve booked via Qatar airways, the only way you can get your visa is through your hotel.
hi…
Visitors to Dubai flying on Emirates can apply for a visa in South Africa without having to locate a sponsor in Dubai.
Hi Althaf, how do they go about doing this?
Hi Nick
Nick I was wondering if you could help me. My partner and I are flying to Mumbai, India, at the end of February via Dubai. Our stopover is 8 hours. Do we need to get a Visa? Please lead the blind.
Hi Elizabeth! Good news for you! If you’re on a South African passport transiting via Dubai for less than 24 hours, you don’t need a visa. BUT, you can’t leave the airport, you have to remain in the transit area. Hope this helps!
I am flying emirates out of Cape Town to Dubai, in March, 2012, then onto Hong Kong, cruising from Hong Kong to Dubai, spending 3 nights in Dubai, then flying back to Cape Town with emirates, Could you please advise the easiest way to get a visa?
Regards
Hi Lynn, good news, you went the best route already for getting a visa. If you’ve got a ticket with Emirates, all you’ll need to do is contact VFS to apply for the visa through them – they are the official handling agency for UAE visas for travellers using Emirates. Reach them here: http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/index.html
Hi Nick, I am flying SAA out of Cape Town to Dubai, in March 2012,spending 4 nights in Dubai, then flying back to Cape Town with SAA, Could you please advise the easiest way to get a visa? South African passport…
Thanks
Hi Deon,
The regular channel for applying for a Dubai visa is by visiting http://www.dubaivisa.net. You have to have an Emirates flight to do this. Your ticket is an SAA ticket, but, the flight is operated by Emirates. SAA and Emriates have an agreement where SAA can sell tickets on Emirates flights to Dubai and Emirates can sell add-on flights using SAA’s network into the rest of Southern Africa.
What this means for you: You’ve got an SAA ticket flying on an Emirates plane. Usually unless you have an Emirates ticket, you cannot apply via dubaivisa.net.
I just checked with our consultants though who say you can still apply through http://www.dubaivisa.net (select South Africa in the top right). Apparently the South African Airways ticket generates an Emirates reference as well – you will have to ask the company you booked with for this. You should then be able to apply for the visa via the above web address.
If for some reason this is not possible, many of the hotels in Dubai will act as sponsors to help with visas, you’ll need to contact the hotel you’re staying at for help with applying for the visa.
Hi Nick, i am South African citizen flying to India. Do i need transit visa for any of these airlines, Emirates, Qatar or Ethihad and does it depend on how long the stop is? Please advice on this because i have heard so much stories over this subject. I am currently applying for Indian PIO card as well, does this mabe make it easier. Thanks in advance
Hi Chritalene, for all of those airlines, provided you’re not leaving the airport and are not staying there for longer and 24 hours, you will not need a transit visa. I’m not sure that the PIO card will make much difference to your transiting any of the Arab countries.
Hi Nick
I am traveling to Russia via Dubai. We have two stopovers in Dubai (on our way to Russia and back to South Africa) and would like to enter Dubai each time. Instead of getting a 96 hr visa twice, can I apply for a 30 day visa which is cheaper and is it a Multiple entry visa? I am a South African resident.
Hi Melissa, thanks for getting in touch. The visas for the UAE are all single entry visas, so whther you got the 96 hour or 30 day visa you’ll still need to get 2 visas if you’re entering the UAE twice. This is according to their visa-handling website here: http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/30daysvisa_faq.html You can always try asking for a different allowance, it can’t hurt to ask I’m sure!
Hi Melissa, just checked further on that for you, an apparently there is a box on the 30 day visa application form which you can tick to have it made into a multiple entry visa, so that should be fine! Double-check it with them though and get the name of the person you spoke to as a reference – contact them here: http://www.dubaivisa.net/southafrica/contactus.html
Hi Nick, my daughter and I are flying to Dubai for two weeks in June to visit my fiance/her Dad who lives and works in Dubai. We are flying SAA but the flight is operated by Emirates. I have a British Passport so I don’t need a VISA but I need a VISA for my daughter, can I apply for it through Emirates? The forms say that my ticket needs to be an EK but the flight is SA. Also the documentation asks for my daughters bank statements, letter confirming employment etc. Obviously she has none of these, what do I do? Do I attach mine or do I not have to attach anything given that she is only 5 years old?
Hi Lisa, thanks for getting in touch.
I’ve checked this previously for another traveller and apparently if you get the Emirates reference number from whoever you booked your ticket with you can include that in your application which should suffice (It should be a 6 character reference, usually numbers and letters mixed). If you’d like to double check this with VFS, you can contact them on 021 423 6573 .
Regarding your daughter, to my knowledge you just include her name under “names of family members accompanying you” but also fill out a form on her behalf providing all documentation minus the bank statements and employers letter.