Quick Answer: The Dubai 30-day visa is a single-entry tourist visa that must be used within 60 days of issuance and allows a maximum stay of 30 days from the date you arrive. It typically costs around AED 350–400 for standard processing, takes 3–4 working days to issue, and can be extended twice from inside the UAE at roughly AED 630 per 30-day extension. Required documents include a passport valid for 6+ months, a photo, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. You can apply for the Dubai 30-day visa online and track your application status once submitted.
The 30-day visa is the most common entry option for tourists visiting Dubai, and understanding exactly what it covers — validity, stay duration, cost, and extension rules — helps you avoid overstay fines and plan your trip properly. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Dubai 30-day visa, whether you're applying for the first time or considering an extension once you're already in the UAE, through Express Visa Dubai.
What Is the Dubai 30-Day Visa?
The Dubai 30-day visa is a single-entry tourist visa permitting one entry into the UAE within 60 days of issuance, with a maximum permitted stay of 30 consecutive days counted from the date you actually arrive — not from the date the visa was issued. It's distinct from the Dubai transit visa, which is limited to 48 or 96 hours for travelers connecting through the UAE, and from a Dubai entry visa issued for employment or residence purposes rather than tourism.
Dubai 30-Day Visa Cost (2026)
● Standard processing: around AED 350–400, with delivery in 3–4 working days
● Express processing: higher fee, delivery within 24–48 hours
● Urgent processing: premium fee, delivery within 4–24 hours
Exact fees can vary slightly by nationality and by whether you apply for single or multiple entry, so always confirm the current fee at the time of application.
Documents Required
● Passport bio page, valid for at least 6 months from your travel date
● A recent color passport-style photograph with a plain, light background
● Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
● Proof of accommodation — a hotel booking confirmation or a UAE host's details, covered in more depth in our Dubai accommodation guide
● Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as a recent bank statement, if requested
How to Apply for the Dubai 30-Day Visa
1. Choose your entry type — single-entry for one trip, or multiple-entry if you plan to exit and re-enter the UAE within the visa's validity window.
2. Submit your documents online — passport copy, photo, and travel details through your application.
3. Select a processing speed — standard, express, or urgent, depending on how soon you're travelling.
4. Pay the applicable fee and receive your visa via email once approved.
5. Track your status and confirm your visa is valid before booking non-refundable flights.
For the full step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to apply for a Dubai visa online, or start your application directly.
Extending a Dubai 30-Day Visa
If you need more time in the UAE, a 30-day tourist visa can typically be extended from inside the country, without needing to exit and re-enter. Extensions are generally filed online through the official immigration portals or at an approved typing/Amer centre.
● Extension cost: roughly AED 600–630 per 30-day extension period, inclusive of VAT
● Maximum extensions: typically up to two 30-day extensions, though this should be confirmed at the time of application
● Processing time: approval within roughly 24–72 hours
● When to apply: 5–7 days before your current visa expires, to allow time for processing
Overstaying without an approved extension is costly: fines generally start at AED 50 per day from the very first day, with no grace period, plus a separate exit penalty charged when you eventually leave the country. It's almost always cheaper to extend on time than to risk an overstay fine.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry 30-Day Visa
A single-entry 30-day visa allows exactly one entry into the UAE, and it becomes void the moment you exit — even if your 30 days aren't up. A multiple-entry 30-day visa allows unlimited entries within its validity period, with each stay capped at 30 days, which is useful if your trip involves a side visit to a neighboring country. Choose the entry type that matches your itinerary before applying, since switching later isn't possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Counting the 30 days from the visa's issue date instead of your actual arrival date
● Booking non-refundable flights before visa approval is confirmed
● Leaving extension applications until the last day or two before expiry
● Applying for single entry when the itinerary actually requires multiple entries
● Assuming the visa remains valid indefinitely once issued — it must be used within 60 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Dubai 30-day visa valid for?
It must be used for entry within 60 days of issuance, and once you arrive, it permits a stay of up to 30 consecutive days.
How much does a Dubai 30-day visa cost?
Standard processing generally costs around AED 350–400, with express and urgent options priced higher for faster delivery.
Can I extend a Dubai 30-day visa?
Yes. It can typically be extended twice from inside the UAE, at roughly AED 600–630 per 30-day extension, without needing to leave the country.
What happens if I overstay my 30-day visa?
Overstay fines generally start at AED 50 per day from day one, with no grace period, plus a separate exit penalty charged when you depart.
What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry?
Single entry allows one trip and becomes void once you exit the UAE. Multiple entry allows repeated entries within the visa's validity, each capped at a 30-day stay.
What documents do I need for a Dubai 30-day visa?
A passport valid for 6+ months, a recent photo, a return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation, plus evidence of sufficient funds if requested.
How long does it take to get a Dubai 30-day visa?
Standard processing takes about 3–4 working days, while express and urgent services can deliver within 24–48 hours or less.