Learn Dubai visa requirements for minors, including documents, parental consent, newborn visas, children travelling alone and how to apply online.

Dubai Visa for Minors: Requirements, Documents & Application Guide (2026)

Planning a family holiday in Dubai with children? Before booking your flights and accommodation, it is important to understand the UAE visa requirements for minors. Whether you are travelling with a newborn, a young child, or a teenager, every traveller must meet the applicable UAE immigration requirements.

A Dubai visa for minors is an individual entry permit issued to eligible children travelling to the United Arab Emirates. Children cannot automatically travel under their parents' tourist visas. Their visa eligibility depends on their passport nationality, travel arrangements and intended duration of stay.

Parents travelling with children should also consider additional documentation, particularly when a child is travelling with only one parent, a relative, a legal guardian or without an accompanying adult.

At Express Visa Dubai, we help families understand the application process, prepare their documents and submit their UAE visa applications online.

This guide explains the Dubai visa requirements for children, available visa categories, required documents, parental consent, newborn travel arrangements and frequently asked questions.

Do Children Need a Separate Dubai Visa?

Yes. Children who require a pre-arranged UAE visa must have their own individual visa linked to their personal passport. A parent's tourist visa does not automatically cover their children.

This requirement applies regardless of the child's age, including:

Newborn babies and infants.
Toddlers and preschool children.
School-age children.
Teenagers under 18 years old.

However, not every child necessarily needs to apply for a visa before travelling. UAE entry requirements depend on nationality. Some passport holders qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, while others must obtain an approved visa before departure.

Parents should therefore check the entry requirements for each family member individually.

A family travelling together should also ensure that all applications are submitted with consistent travel dates and accurate personal information.

Which Dubai Visa Is Suitable for Children?

Children generally apply under the same visitor visa categories available to accompanying adults, subject to nationality and immigration eligibility. The appropriate visa depends on how long the family intends to remain in the UAE and whether the child will enter the country once or multiple times.

Available Dubai Visa Options for Children

14-Day Tourist Visa: Suitable for families planning a short holiday in Dubai or a brief visit to relatives. It allows an eligible traveller to stay for up to 14 days.

30-Day Tourist Visa: A suitable option for standard family vacations, sightseeing trips and short visits. It permits a stay of up to 30 days.

60-Day Tourist Visa: Designed for families planning an extended holiday or spending more time with relatives living in the UAE. It permits a stay of up to 60 days.

48-Hour Transit Visa: Suitable for families with a short stopover in Dubai who want to leave the airport and explore the city, subject to transit visa eligibility.

96-Hour Transit Visa: An option for eligible travellers with a longer stopover who wish to spend additional time in Dubai before continuing their journey.

Single-entry and multiple-entry options may also be available depending on the visa category.

Choosing the Right Visa Duration

For a short family vacation, a 14-day or 30-day tourist visa may be sufficient. Families planning to stay longer with relatives in Dubai may consider the 60-day option.

If your family is travelling through Dubai before continuing to another destination, a transit visa may be appropriate, provided the child meets the relevant eligibility conditions.

You can explore the available options on our Dubai Visa Services page.

Documents Required for a Dubai Visa for Minors

Preparing the correct paperwork is one of the most important parts of a child's UAE visa application. Although the basic application process is similar to that of an adult, additional documents may be requested to establish the child's identity, parentage and travel arrangements.

Standard Documents

1. Child's Passport

A valid individual passport is required for every child applying for a UAE visa. It should normally have at least six months of validity remaining from the intended date of entry.

2. Recent Passport-Size Photograph

Provide a clear, recent photograph of the child against a plain, preferably white, background. The face should be fully visible.

3. Parents' Passport Copies

Copies of the parents' passports may be requested to verify the child's family details and support the application.

4. Birth Certificate

A birth certificate can establish the relationship between the child and accompanying parent or guardian. It is particularly useful when the child has a different surname from the accompanying adult.

5. Return Flight Ticket

A confirmed return or onward flight reservation may be required to demonstrate the planned departure from the UAE.

6. Accommodation Details

Provide the hotel booking or relevant residential address where the child will stay during the visit.

7. Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on the applicant's nationality and circumstances, immigration authorities may request additional financial, travel or family-related documents.

Additional Documents for Special Travel Situations

Children Travelling with One Parent: A parental consent letter or other relevant legal documentation may be requested when a child travels with only their mother or father.

Children Travelling with Grandparents: Parents may need to provide written consent along with documents establishing the relationship between the child and accompanying grandparents.

Children Travelling with an Aunt or Uncle: Parental authorisation and supporting relationship documents may be required when a child travels with another relative.

Children Travelling Alone: Additional documents may include parental consent, airline unaccompanied minor forms and information about the adult receiving the child in Dubai.

Adopted Children: Adoption documentation may be needed to establish the legal relationship between the child and accompanying parents.

Children under Legal Guardianship: Official guardianship documents may be requested to confirm the accompanying adult's legal authority.

Requirements can differ depending on the child's circumstances, nationality and airline. It is advisable to confirm the applicable requirements before submitting the application.

Dubai Visa for Children Travelling with One Parent

Many families travel internationally when one parent cannot accompany the child. For example, a mother may visit Dubai with her children while the father remains in their home country, or the father may travel with the children without the mother.

These situations may require additional parental authorisation.

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a written statement confirming that the non-travelling parent agrees to the child's international journey.

What Should a Child Travel Consent Letter Include?

A properly prepared consent letter should generally contain:

Full name of the child.
Child's date of birth and passport information.
Full name of the travelling parent.
Full name and identification details of the non-travelling parent.
Destination country.
Expected departure and return dates.
A clear statement granting permission for the journey.
Contact information and signature of the consenting parent.

Depending on the circumstances, the document may need notarisation, attestation or certified translation.

What If One Parent Has Sole Custody?

If the travelling parent has sole legal custody, a court-issued custody order may be relevant instead of consent from the other parent.

Other circumstances may require different supporting documents:

Divorced parents: Carry relevant custody arrangements and travel permissions.
Deceased parent: A death certificate may be required.
Legal restrictions: Follow any court orders governing international travel.
Name differences: Carry supporting documents explaining the relationship or name change.

Parents should not assume that a standard consent letter is sufficient for every situation. Check the applicable UAE immigration and airline requirements before departure.

For children travelling without either parent, read our detailed guide: UAE Visa for a Minor Without a Parent: Documents and Fees.

Dubai Visa for Minors Travelling Without Parents

Children sometimes travel to Dubai with grandparents, relatives, family friends or as part of organised trips.

Although travelling without parents is possible in appropriate circumstances, additional checks may apply.

Parents or legal guardians should arrange the required authorisation before the journey.

The following information may be needed:

Written consent from the parents or legal guardians.
A copy of the child's passport.
The child's birth certificate.
Details of the accompanying adult.
The name and contact information of the person receiving the child in Dubai.
Accommodation and return travel information.
Any applicable custody or guardianship documentation.

If a child is flying alone, the airline's unaccompanied minor service and documentation requirements must also be checked.

Can a Child Fly Alone to Dubai?

Yes, some airlines allow children to travel without parents through their designated Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service.

However, the minimum age, supervision arrangements and documentation vary between airlines.

Parents should confirm the following before purchasing a ticket:

Whether the airline accepts unaccompanied minors on the selected route.
The minimum permitted age for independent travel.
Whether the airline's supervised UM service is compulsory.
Which consent and identification documents are required.
Who will collect the child at Dubai airport.

The adult receiving the child should be correctly identified in the airline's documentation and available when the flight arrives.

Remember that an approved UAE visa does not automatically mean an airline will accept a child travelling alone.

Dubai Visa for Infants, Babies and Newborns

Travelling to Dubai with a baby requires additional preparation, particularly when the child has recently been born.

Even a newborn needs an individual passport for international travel. A baby cannot simply be added to a parent's tourist visa as a substitute for their own travel authorisation.

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa for a Newborn

Parents should complete the following steps:

Step 1: Register the Birth

Obtain the baby's official birth certificate from the relevant civil registration authority.

Step 2: Apply for the Baby's Passport

Contact the relevant passport authority or embassy to arrange the newborn's individual passport.

Step 3: Prepare the Photograph

Arrange a suitable passport photograph that meets the applicable passport and visa application standards.

Step 4: Check UAE Visa Eligibility

Check whether the baby's nationality requires a pre-arranged UAE visa or qualifies for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

Step 5: Submit the Visa Application

If a visa is required, submit the child's application with the relevant supporting documents.

Parents should allow sufficient time for birth registration, passport issuance and visa processing, especially when travelling shortly after the baby's birth.

Can a Baby Travel to Dubai with Only the Mother or Father?

Yes, provided the applicable travel authorisation and immigration requirements are met.

Where required, the travelling parent should carry the relevant parental consent documents and the baby's birth certificate.

Children Visiting a Parent Living in Dubai

Some families are separated because one parent works or resides in the UAE while the children live in another country.

In these circumstances, children may visit their UAE-resident parent for holidays, school breaks or extended family stays.

Depending on the circumstances, two possible routes may be considered.

Tourist Visa

A child who requires a pre-arranged entry permit may apply for a tourist visa through an authorised application channel. This option can be suitable for a temporary family visit.

Dubai Tourist Visa vs UAE Residence Visa for Children

It is important to distinguish between a child visiting Dubai temporarily and a child living in the UAE with a resident parent. These are two different immigration categories, each with its own requirements and conditions.

Dubai Tourist Visa for Children

A tourist visa is intended for children visiting the UAE temporarily for holidays, family visits or sightseeing. Eligible international visitors can apply for the appropriate visa category based on their nationality and intended duration of stay.

Tourist visas are generally issued for specific periods, such as 14, 30 or 60 days, depending on the available category. Children holding tourist visas do not receive an Emirates ID as part of their visitor status.

UAE Dependant Residence Visa for Children

A dependant residence visa is intended for children who will live in the UAE with an eligible resident parent. The sponsoring parent must satisfy the applicable immigration and sponsorship requirements.

The residence visa duration depends on the sponsoring parent's visa and the relevant residence category. Children holding dependant residence visas are also issued an Emirates ID, allowing them to access various UAE services.

Parents planning to relocate to Dubai with their children should explore the dependant residence visa process rather than relying on tourist visas for long-term residence.

What to Expect at Dubai Airport When Travelling with Children

Once your family's visa applications have been approved, organise the travel documents before departure.

Keep the following items in your hand luggage:

Individual passports for every family member.
Approved UAE visas, where applicable.
Children's birth certificates.
Parental consent letters, where applicable.
Court custody or guardianship documents, if relevant.
Return or onward flight confirmations.
Hotel reservations or accommodation details.

At immigration, officers may ask questions about the child's identity, relationship with the accompanying adult, purpose of travel or accommodation arrangements.

Families with complete documentation can generally proceed through the normal immigration process. However, final entry permission remains with UAE immigration authorities.

Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

A small documentation error can cause unnecessary delays during a family's visa application or journey.

Here are some mistakes worth avoiding:

1. Assuming Children Share Their Parents' Visas

Each child who requires a visa needs an individual application and approval.

2. Applying with an Expired or Nearly Expired Passport

Check the passport validity before beginning the application process.

3. Uploading Unclear Documents

Blurry passport scans, cropped photographs and incomplete information can affect application processing.

4. Ignoring Parental Consent Requirements

Parents should check whether additional consent documentation is necessary when only one parent or another adult accompanies the child.

5. Booking Flights Without Checking Airline Rules

Airlines have their own policies for children travelling without parents. Confirm these before finalising travel arrangements.

6. Choosing the Wrong Visa Duration

Select a visa that covers the intended visit and check its permitted stay and entry conditions.

7. Forgetting to Check Each Child's Visa Expiry

Every child's immigration status is tracked individually. Parents should monitor each visa's permitted stay and ensure the child leaves or obtains an authorised extension before the applicable deadline.

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa for Minors Online

Express Visa Dubai provides an online application process for eligible travellers, including children who require an individual UAE tourist visa.

Step 1: Select the Visa Category

Choose the appropriate 14-day, 30-day or 60-day tourist visa based on the intended visit.

Step 2: Complete the Application

Enter the child's personal and passport information carefully. Ensure that the details match the passport exactly.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Submit the child's passport copy, photograph and any additional supporting documents requested during the application.

Step 4: Complete the Payment

Pay the applicable visa service charges through the available secure payment options.

Step 5: Application Review and Processing

Our team reviews the submitted information and assists with the application process. Additional documents may be requested if necessary.

Step 6: Receive the Approved UAE eVisa

Once approved, the electronic visa is delivered to the registered email address in PDF format.

Parents should check the visa details carefully before departure and keep a digital and printed copy available during travel.

For a more detailed explanation of the application stages, visit our Dubai Visa Procedure Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Visas for Minors

1. Does a child need a separate Dubai visa?

Yes. Every child who requires a pre-arranged UAE visa must have an individual entry permit linked to their own passport. A parent's tourist visa does not automatically include their children.

2. Can a newborn baby travel to Dubai?

Yes. A newborn can travel to Dubai after obtaining the necessary individual travel documents, including a passport and UAE entry authorisation where required.

3. Can a minor visit Dubai without both parents?

Yes. A child may be able to travel with one parent or another authorised adult. Additional consent, custody or guardianship documents may be required depending on the circumstances.

4. What is an NOC for a child's Dubai visa?

An NOC, or No Objection Certificate, is a written authorisation from a parent or legal guardian confirming permission for a child to travel. It may be required when the child is travelling without one or both parents.

5. Can a child travel to Dubai with grandparents?

Yes. Children may travel with grandparents if the relevant travel and immigration requirements are satisfied. Parents should prepare appropriate consent documents and proof of the family relationship.

6. Can a 16-year-old travel alone to Dubai?

A 16-year-old may be accepted for independent travel depending on the airline's policies. However, the traveller is still under 18, so applicable minor-related immigration and parental authorisation requirements should be checked.

7. How long can a child stay in Dubai on a tourist visa?

The permitted stay depends on the child's approved visa. Available tourist visa categories include 14-day, 30-day and 60-day options, subject to the conditions stated on the issued visa.

8. Can children visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the same visa?

Yes. A valid UAE tourist visa generally permits travel across all seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates, subject to its conditions.

9. Can a UAE-resident parent sponsor a child's visit?

An eligible UAE resident may sponsor a child's visit visa, provided the applicable relationship, income and immigration requirements are satisfied.

10. What happens if a child's UAE visa expires during the visit?

The child must leave the UAE or obtain an authorised extension before the permitted stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and other immigration consequences.

11. Can parents submit visa applications for the whole family together?

Yes. Parents can prepare applications for eligible family members together. Each traveller still requires an individual application and approval where a visa is necessary.

12. Is a Dubai visa valid for all seven UAE emirates?

Yes. A Dubai visa is a UAE visa and, subject to its conditions, allows entry into and travel across the seven emirates.

Apply for Your Child's Dubai Visa with Express Visa Dubai

Organising an international family holiday requires careful preparation, especially when children are travelling. Understanding the visa requirements in advance can help parents avoid incomplete applications, documentation problems and unnecessary travel delays.

Express Visa Dubai makes the UAE tourist visa application process accessible through an online platform. Our team assists applicants with document preparation, application review and visa processing.

Whether you are arranging a short family holiday, planning an extended visit or applying for several family members, you can explore the available visa options and submit your application online.

Apply Now

Dubai Visa for Minors: Requirements & Documents (2026)