Getting Visit Visa for Dubai on arrival for Saudi iqama holders (expats)
For all GCC countries citizens (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar), there is no need for visa. Citizen of certain countries (see list) can 30 day free visa on arrival (see list of countries here). However, for others not included in the above list wishing to go to UAE, there are three ways:
Getting Visa through the Embassy
Your sponsor has to submit your passport along with your application to the UAE embassy. This is a business visa which gets stamped for 30 days and is valid only for 14 days ie you should travel within 14 days of stamping of the visa to UAE. Profession on your passport does not matter.
Getting Visa online visa through Emirates airline
Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are travelling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online – without having to submit your passport for stamping.
You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage a Booking tool after booking your Emirates flight. Click here to book your online visa through emirates.com.
Getting visa On-arrival at Airport
When you arrive at the Dubai airport, the first thing you need to do is go to the bank counter at the airport where you pay the visit visa fee of AED 185 and get an application form along with your fee voucher. Remember, you have to buy one application form for each passport, even for your baby if (s)he is having separate passport.
After filling the form, go eye scanning counter. This may take some depending on the queue. They usually have a separate queue for women.
After eye scanning is over, you can go to the immigration counter where you have to present your passport, a copy of your Saudi iqama stamped by your sponsor and visa application. They will stamp a visa of 30 days on your passport. This visa can be extended for another 30 days. Note: on arrival visa is not for all professions; it for specific professions like Doctors, Engineers etc. To confirm if you can get On-arrival visa for your profession, you can call the UAE embassy at Riyadh on the following number : 01-482 8402 01-482-7366
Also you can get information on visa requirement by calling Dubai Airport on +971-4-224-5555.
About the Author: SaudiXpert
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I am a teacher working in an International School Riyadh, KSA. I wish to go Sharjah during this vacation ( JUNE 30,2012) .My iqama validity is unti November 2012. How can I get the visit visa for 30 days. Please give me a correct reply as soon as possible.
Thank you very much
Hi Shibu.
It is best you check with the UAE embassy in Riyadh.
Salaam your blog is very helpful But I want to know if i can get visit visa on arrival at Dubai airport .
I have valid Iqama of Maintenance Engineer .So am I eligible to apply for 30 day visit visa at the airport.
Shahzad, as per the rules, people with the Profession “Engineer” on their iqama are entitled to 30 day visit visa on arrival. Don’t forget to take stamped copy of your iqama.
Iam in riyadh my designation on my iqama is hvac technicion can i get visa for dubai on arrival.
please let me inform as soon as posible. thanks.
Dear Azam,
As we mentioned above, the rules are changing from time to time. You can inquire with UAE consulate to get the information on the latest rules.
Do share the information so that other can benefit.
Thanks and regards
SaudiXpert
My profession on iqama is accountant. Can I get visa on arrival
Hello please advice me i am Saudi Iqama Holder Filipino National with Marketing Specialist Professions do i am elegeble for Visa on arival in Sharja?
Please advise
Thanks,jude
I have change my profession in Saudi arbaia, from labour to Cost Accountant.
My Iqama status is Cost Accountant but in passport still its Labour can i get on arrival visa to GCC countries
Ashraf can u guide me the proces how u changed ur iqama please…
hi! i am a nurse in riyadh and badly wants to go to dubai this november,, anybody who can tell me the papers/things i need to bring (passport, visa,etc)???.. thanks a lot peepz!
asak.im azra siddiqui.im working as lecturer in saudi arabia.can i get on arrival visa fr the month of october and my iqama expired in december.please guide me
azra
My iqama profession is “General Accountant”, can i get visa on arrival. Please confirm.
Thanks
i would like to confirm if i can get visa for dubai upon my arrival on the airport of dubai, im holding saudi iqama and my profession here is a nurse im planing to stay in dubai for 3 days only..
thanks
You can get visa by travelling by Emirates airlines. However, we are unaware if you can get visa on arrival for your said profession.
You can with the UAE embassy as mentioned above.
Do share with us if you are able to get visa so that others can benefit.
My Iqama Profession is “Network technician”, FANNY SHABAKAT HASIB shall I get on arrival VISA, please let me know.
Thanks
Dear Team
My profession on IQAMA is Electrical Technician (Fanny Karbai Tamdedaat)can i get on arrival visa?
FYI i have visited once before to Dubai with an pre arranged visa.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Nayeem.
We know that on arrival is given to Doctors and Engineers working in Saudi Arabia.
However for Technicians, it would be best to check with the UAE embassy at Riyadh on 01-482 8402.
Alternately you can get information on visa requirement by calling Dubai Airport on +971-4-224-5555.
Do share your finding so that others can benefit from your experience.
Hi,
I am currently working in Dammam and I am planning to go to Dubai (on arrival visa) next week with my family by Saptco bus service. I want to come back alone and later go after 2 weeks to bring my family back. What I want to know is if I come back alone my family can stay there or not in my absence as their visa is taken by me. I will surely go back to bring them back. Any help would be appreciated.
Shaheer,
Each passport has got separate visa stamped on it.
So, it is not necessary for your family to come back with you.
Hope this helps. Have a nice vacation.
hi,
i have iqama with engineer profession. i m in karachi and wants to go dubai from karachi. Can I go from karachi to dubai without visa. I think i will get on arrival visa. I will book flight and hotel online. please clearify me about the departure from karachi to dubai. I have a copy of my iqama.
Hi Fahad.
Yes it can be done. I know quite a few people with similar situation as yours and they were able to get visa on arrival at Dubai.
However, to be on safe side you can call the Dubai airport to update yourself regarding the latest rules and regulations.
Dubai Airport telephone: +971-4-224-5555
Have a nice trip and do share your experiences for others benefit.
hi,
i have changed my profession from tiles fixer to system analyst and i want to travel to dubai for this eid but in my passport the visa is with the same old profession. is it possible to take my new stamped iqama copy and travel through saptco.
The profession on your iqama is the one that counts.
Just take a stamped copy of your iqama.
However, just confirm with UAE embassy that System analyst get visa on arrival.
My wife works with Qassim University as Associate Professor in Medical Microbiology. I have a family resident Iqamah, my wife is my sponsor. We are planning to go to Dubai for site seeing for a few days. Please let me know if we shall get Visa on arrival at Dubai airport. Regards.
You can check with UAE embassy or Dubai Airport to get the latest update.
my proffession on iqama labor, can iget on arrivel visa in dubai?
As far as we know, there is no Visa on arrival for Labor iqama.
Dear Sir,
I would like to travel to Dubai on 15th Dec 2012 I would like to know whether I am entitled to a visa on arrival.My profession put on my Iqama is Surveyor Buildings,I tried contacting Riyadh Embassy for information but the number given on your site says its temporary out of service,And the dubai number they give another number to talk to and no one answers it.Please help me out.
Thanks
Allen
The UAE embassy number has changed recently.
The new number is 01-482-7366.
profession in my iqama is car mechanic. can i get visa on arrival. pls. comment
You can find out by trying on the new UAE embassy number 01-482-7366.
I am working in ksa. My akama profession is laboratory technician. can I get on arrival visa in Dubai?
Salam,
I’ve been to dubai this september with visa on-arrival (I have Engg Profession). I need to visit Dubai again this December. But my Iqama expires on April 2013. Which means my iqama is NOT valid for 6 months at the time of entry in Dubai.. Can this be a problem to get on-arrival visa ?? If so, what other options am i left with ??? Kindly suggest…
//BR,
Taj M
in my saudi riyadh iqama profession is mechanical draftman can i get on arrival for uae please reply with supporting document so i can get visa at border i will travel by bus
regards sayeed
assalamualaikum…i am an expat living in saudi arabia under my husband’s iqama. ,senior engineer) i want to know will i get visa on arrival in dxb only for me & my daughter? we are travelling without my husband, so what profession can i show there? i am a housewife. we dont have time to get visa from counsulate. plz help
I want to know for how long the saudi iqama has to be valid to get entry in dubai . I have heard that less than 3 months validity is not considered that is you cant get visa at arrival if your iqama is valid for less than 3 months . Iam a doctor by profession
salam. i am a house wife holding an iqama under sponsorship of my husband. my husband is working here as an engineer. we have two children, both are aqama holders under their father’s sponsorship. i just want to inquire that being an expat but iqama holder, under my husband’s sponsorship, am i allowed to work as a teacher in an international school? does saudi laws permit that. the schools have no problem if i obtain an NOC from my husband. but is it legal according to saudi laws?
Hi,
I’m a freelancer working here in Riyadh, my company wants to send me to Abu Dhabi for an exhibit, the problem is my sponsorship is still not under my present company, my profession in my iqama is a driver. the exhibit will be on Nov. 19-21. With that said can i obtain a visit visa? What are the requirements for me get a visit visa..
Many Thanks…
For driver profession on iqama, it is not possible to get visa on arrival. However, if any company in UAE invites you by send visa, then you can go.
Assalamu Alaikum
I am an Engineer working in Saudi Arabia. But my profession is (Nakash Khazaf, نقاش خزف) as per my Iqama. Please let me know whether I am eligible to get on arrival Visa in Dubai.
Is there any website to check the list of professions allowed for a visit visa in Dubai..
Thanks..
hai sir,
I am working in Abudhabi and my wife is working as Staff Nurse in Jeddah. I would like to bring her to Abudhabi on February, and let me know is it possible to take On arrival visa for her…
This message is with regard to the on arrival visa to UAE.
I am Saudi Resident my profession in the permit is mentioned as Student my father is itself my sponsor & his profession Graphic civil engineer
I had travelled along with him to UAE last year & had got the on arrival visa
I am planing to travel alone this week to UAE will be able to get on arrival visa
Looking forward for your advice
It is better to check with UAE embassy to be on the safe side. The contact details are given at the end of article.
HAi i have a sava khas ( family driver visa) can i get visit visa for dubai .
Thanks
Unfortunately no.
hello sir,
i’m an engineer in Jeddah KSA i want to go to dubai for on arrival visa.can you please tell me can i get the on arrival visa on dubai air port,
this is the required doc (submit iqama copy with stamped by my sponsor)
my point is no body sponsor me to go to dubai so i have an iqama copy but not stamped iqama copy by my sponsor.
can i get on arrival visa.
waiting for your reply.
Hi,
I am working in Riyadh as a Mechincal Engineer, as far as I know, Engineers on Iqama are legible to get visit visa upon arrival on the border or airport. My question is. I have family here in Riyadh I have two children and they are under my sponsorship. however, my wife has another sponsorship because she is working as a nurse here in Riyadh and on her Iqama nurse profession.
I would like to know if she can travel with us and get the visit visa direct from the border. please be inform that we are legally married and we have all the necessary document and all accepted by the Saudi goverment.
Thank you very much for your response,Appreciated.
Best Regards.
Hi, I’m a French citizen living in Saudi. In traveling with wife and kids to dubai but remembered that my wife is Sudan citizen. Can we have visa upon arrival or need to issue before departure.
hi am working in najran national guard health affair as patient care technician but my iqama is housekeeper can i get a visa going to dubai?please ned ur emmediate reply.tnx.
I have Saudi Resident STUDENT Visa, can I get Dubai Visit Visa ON-ARRIVAL?
Kindly advice…
You may have a possibility of getting a visa on arrival depending your father’s iqama profession. It is best to clarify with the Immigration authorities at the Dubai Airport. Dubai Airport contact number is +971-4-2245555 and contact on site is http://www.dubaiairport.com/en/pages/feedback.aspx
i am HVAC Engineer but my Iqama is welder can i got visa to Dubai . please i need help
Thanks
It is the profession on your iqama that counts.
For more details contact the Dubai Embassy on 01-482-7366 or Dubai Airport on 00971-4-2245555
i have a visa to dubai for a seminar. i want to bring my husband whose iqama is labor. can he get visa on arrival to dubai?
Unfortunately, presently he cannot get visa on arrival on labor iqama.
Dear
I am planning to visit dubai. I am having a saudi iqama and working as a chemical engineer in saudi arabia but my nationality is indian. please tell me which documents i need for on arrival visa for dubai….
Your iqama copy stamped by your sponsor(kafeel) and your passport.
exit and re entry also required or not?
Whenever you are leaving the country (Saudi Arabia), exit re-entry is must.
Hi! Im a 20 years old foreigner student in Saudi Arabia under the sponsorship of my father which has a iqama title of Mechanical Engineer. I already acquired my exit re-entry visa. I will be the only one going, would i be able to get a visa upon arival in Dubai?
Logically a copy of your father’s iqama and you iqama should suffice. However, it best to check with UAE embassy or the Dubai airport.
Do share your experience for the benefit of others.
Dear Sir,
Could you Please advise if i need to travel dubai for a week which visa should i need to apply. my iqama holds a electrician profession can i be issued the visa on arrival.i called the uae embassy in riyadh but they give very bad response. i called them twice he said they dont no do it from your sponsor.
what does it mean.
could you please help me
Thank you,
Moiz
Try calling the Dubai airport.
can u pls provide the dubai airport number
The number is given at the end of above article.
vacation visa to dubai for 7 days
hi i am nurse here in saudi arabia filipino national working as a nurse under the ministry of health. i want to go vacation in dubai for 7 days before i will go to philippines. how can i avail for vacation visa and what are the documents needed. tnx u so much.
As far as I know, there is no visa on arrival for nurse profession. However, you can confirm the latest rules from UAE embassy.
You can try to take Emirates airlines and get online visa through them;see http://www.emirates.com/english/plan_book/essential_information/visa_passport_information/uae_visas.aspx
can a electrician professional will be issued a dubai visa on arrival as per your experience
No as per experience.
However, try emirates airlines…see above comment.
I had tried through Emirates Airlines for my profession Electrician but was refused.My brother checked at Dubai Airport and Dnata in dubai and it was a negative reply for Electrician profession on Saudi iqama.
IS THERE NO ALTERNATIVE TO GO TO DUBAI.
Dear ,
I am Working as Consultant Paediatric Surgeon in Saudi Arabia and having Iqama . but on iqama they mention Tabeeb instead of connsultant. so can i get visa on arrival .
regards
dr shaikh
If it is mentioned طبيب (Tabeeb)= doctor, then as per rules, you should get.
Hi I have Iqama with Engineer profession.I want to visit Dubai but when i am returning from KHI DXB JED.Will iget visa on arrival in this case or i need to have pre arranged Visa.Is there any practicl case in your knowledge in this regard
Yes, you should get it. For peace of your mind, you can call and confirm with Dubai airport. Number is given at the end of article.
My situation was same as yours – Engineer iqama, coming from India – DXB – RUH. At Dubai, I got visa on arrival for 30 days. I stayed for 4 days and then came to Saudi. I had gone with my family and all four us got visa on arrival. This was in Dec, 2011. Hope this information helps.
I have 10 Years Experience in Computer Operator / Documents Controller / Date Entry Operator.
Also have 5 Years Experience in Safety Department, Trained Fire Fighter.
Help me to find A job for me in Dubai or Saudi Arabia.
Email: mahsanch786@yahoo.com
Cell: 00923004195388
Thanks for reply.what abt iqama validity.my iQama will be valid for 2 and halF months when i will travell
I don’t see how it is related to getting visa in Dubai. As long as the visa is valid, I do not see any issue. Do you ?
CHCECK BELOW LINKS.
I found it on some forums where they confirmed iqama should be valid for at least 3 monhts.There are some other queries lik below as well
http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=200143
Its been 6 months since I have been working with Salman Bin Abdulaziz University and my Iqama states my profession as Lecturer. Am I eligible to get a visa-on-arrival at the Dubai Airport? What are the documents I need to carry? Do i need a letter from a sponsor in Dubai? Is a signed and sealed copy of the Iqama from the university enough? We are not allowed to hold both an iqama and a passport at the same time.
Please help. This is urgent. Thank you.
Asslaamualaikum,
I want to know regarding my iqama profession.First my iqama profession is building electrician(kharbai mabani)is it applicable for family visa? as my qualification is M.B.A.
If i want to change iqama profession to marketing analyst or financial analyst which one is good and suitable for family visa..jazakallaah khair. may allaah reward this forum with the best.
sir my name is dr shajee siddiqui and i am working in the moh saudi arabia sir i am having an exam on 14th march and my wife she is also a doctor both is having exam on the same day in alain and i am coming by road along with my daughter and my mother in law let me what travelling documents should i bring to get visa on arrival
dr shajee siddiqui
You need to take your passport with exit re-entry,
your iqama orignal (if not, a stamped copy),
for you and your family.
All documents should be valid for 3-6 months.
To be on the safe side you can call 00971 4707 5222 – Dubai immigration office.
Hi,
Me and my husband are planning to go to dubai for vacation we both are engineers in Riyadh his IQAMA is “Biomedical Engineer” and my IQAMA is under him should i take any document from my company my profession is also biomed engineer but my IQAMA is wife.His nationality is SUDAN and I am indian so its ok we will get VISA on arrival.
Kindly reply ASAP coz we have already booked for flight and hotel.
As your husband’s profession on iqama is Engineer,he is eligible to get visa on arrival. Also, you as his wife are also eligible irrespective of your profession as long as your are his dependent. Both of you need to take your original passport with exit re-entry visa. Also you need to take your iqamas or stamped copy of iqama. Have a nice trip.
Geetha,
I am also planning to go after two months.
Can you share your experience once you return.
Thanks in advance.
Hey Friends
my Iqama Status is General surveyor , Can I get on arrival visa of Dubai
Dear Friend
I am working as an Engineer in KSA. My family wants to visit UAE to see her brother. Is it possible to get the visa on arrival if I am not accompanying them. Shall I give her my IQAMA and PAssport copy so that she can show to them at Airport Immigration. Please advise me ASAP.
My wife and children want to visit UAE, is it possible to have On Arrival Visa in UAE. I am working on CIVIL ENGINEER visa in KSA. Please note that my family is not accompanying me.
assalam alaikum
my name is nazir ahmad my profession is ( funny electroniyat ).
im working in saudia arabia in dammam , i was going to dubai for visit but there in emigration he tell me you are in ( kafala shkahsia ).Then he was depote me ,then i back saudia .please tell me what does mean by ( kafala shakhsia )and how can i get visit visa for dubai .
im waiting your response as soon as possible .
thank you.
i am holding saudi iqama HVAC techincian is it possible for me to get uae visa on arrival?
I heard they are not giving to technicians. Did you check with the embassy ?
I am having Employment visa ” Mechanical Technicial – General” of Oman. Can I visit UAE by road with family?
I’m willing to travel to dubai. My profession on Iqama is General Accountant. but I’m having a simple passport issued by Pakistan Embassy at Riyadh please note that this is not computerized passport. Is there any problem in getting visa on arrival at Dubai airport. Please reply..
Regards
Pls my profession on iqama is sawaq khas ( personal driver ) I need to go to Dubai on vocation can you advise me how to get visa. Not necessary on arrival my sponsor in a woman working in a hospotal not married.
My family is travelling to Dubai but I am not with them. My profession is Computer Programmer on Iqama.
Q1. Will they get the Visa on arrival.?
Q2. If yes than Is it possible that I can get the visa on arrival forms in advance & filled it for them so that once they arrive they don’t have to fill the form.?
Thanks
I would also like to know the response to these questions as i have the same questions. Please email me the response you get on rumi_sidz@hotmail.com. It will be very helpful.
Thanks in advance.
My profession on Iqama is cook.
I want to visit dubai, can i get the visit visa ?
Thanks,
dear sir
i am planning to visit dubai. my iqama is of engineer. please tell me i need original iqama or photocopy of iqama.
Last time I went, a copy of iqama was sufficient. I do not if the rules are same or not.
Hi,
I am Scholarship student at University in Saudi Arabia. My Iqama profession is Student. i have round trip vacation ticket from Saudi to India. i wish to go through Dubai so that i cant spend a week in Dubai and go to India.
Does my profession be granted visa.?
Can my cousin who stays in dubai issue a visa for me.?
what process should i do to stay for a week in Dubai and go to India from there.?
Thanks.
Hi The all saudi iqama holders can apply visa through travel agents,hotels and tour operators, one of the licensed tour operators that I have been applying through is http://www.dubaivisaonline.com for past several years and the service is good and friendly staff and is member of mohamed bin rashid estab for young business leaders.
Sir,
I am a Saudi Iqama holder working as a pharmacist in govt sector.
I am planning to visit Dubai in the month of May with my family.
Please let me know what are the documents i have to submit in Dubai air port to avail on arrival visa for us. Family members have independent Iqama. Please let me know weather the Iqama copies needs to attest from Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you
Hello, I’m a Lebanese holding a saudi Iquama living in Lebanon. I’m planning to go o Dubai in 5 days departing from Beirut and while i have a copy of my iquama and my dad’s as well some are telling me that it’s not sufficient.
Is that right?
I am holder of Saudi Arabia Iqama – profession is Sales Executive – but in my passport profession is labor, can i get UAE visa on arrival.
Mohamed, you need to have “skilled” profession like Doctor, engineer etc to be eligible for visa on arrival.
My husband works here in KSA. I’m holding a visit visa and will expire on July so we will go back to Philippines on July. But my husband will be assign to Bahrain next week for a 3-day site visit. I wanted to go with him in Bahrain. Can I possibly go with him even in Bahrain if I’m holding only a visit visit (single entry) and also after 3-days go back again here in KSA? thanks
Regarding visa for Bahrain, you have to check with Bahrain Embassy. However, once you leave KSA, you cannot come back to KSA unless you get a new visit visa. This is what my experience says.
Im working in a travel agency.my Iqama profession is Marketing Specialist (أخصائي التسويق).i want to know i can get on arrival visit visa to Dubai
Thanks
If you are in travel agency, then your company will have better idea. Do share you info. Also, does Marketing Executive need visa ?
Hi,my husband working in Saudi and he wanted to come and visit me here in Dubai, but his icama actually is labor,can he come here or what will be the best way to do so that he can provide a visa coming here, any requirements I will provide to sponsor him coming here? Thank You and more power..
Your husband cannot get visa on arrival at Dubai airport based on his iqama profession. However, you can apply for visa for him there in Dubai. see http://dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=2
The above link gives requirements and process regarding sponsoring your husband.
Have a nice time.
hi
I am a housewife and my husband’s profession is of a programmer (Barmij Hasibul aali). I would like to know if i can get visit visa on arrival in UAE if i travel alone via road or plane?
A quick reply would be very helpful.
Thanks
Iram