Visa to Dubai
The Ministry of Interior's Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (www.dnrd.gov.ae) is the sole administrative authority responsible for approving the issue of visas to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country. They may review and amend Visa regulations from time to time. As a result, the following information has been added for general information about Visa regulations however, participants are encouraged to check with their local UAE Embassy or Consulate for the latest information.
Visas to Dubai may be obtained in three ways:
- On Arrival (free of charge)
- Prior to Arrival through the hotel, i.e. your accommodation in the UAE during the conference
- Prior to Arrival through your local UAE Embassy or Consulate
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, do not require a visa.
Obtaining a Visa on Arrival
Obtaining a visa on arrival is granted to the following passport holders:
- Expatriate residents of GCC countries who have a valid residency (subject to certain nationalities and professions)
- Passport holders of the following countries:
UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Visa regulations may change from time to time. As a result, please check with your local UAE Embassy or Consulate for the latest information.
To view a full and updated list of these countries please visit www.dubaitourism.ae and/or www.uaeinteract.com
Prior to Arrival in Dubai through the hotel, i.e. your accommodation in the UAE during the conference
Participants may also obtain their visa through the hotel, i.e. your accommodation in the UAE during the conference. Both the main Conference venue and the alternative hotels are able to provide visa services, however, each hotel has their own policies and requirements including a potential refundable deposit.
Prior to Arrival through your local UAE Embassy or Consulate
For passport holders who are not able to obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai, nor choose to use the hotels' services to obtain a visa, a visa must be obtained prior to the date of travel through your local UAE Embassy or Consulate. Many airlines will also require confirmation of a valid visa at the airport check-in desk for your travel to Dubai.
Further information on the documents required when applying for a visa, charges incurred and the expected duration for processing a visa can be obtained through the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country/region, your travel agent/tour operator and/or the airline with which you are travelling.
List of UAE Embassies
A list of world-wide UAE Embassies and Consulates and their contact information can be found at www.uaeinteract.com
Obtaining a Visa Invitation Letter
Some participants may require a Visa Invitation letter in order to apply for a Visa to the UAE. The DFSA is able to issue Visa Invitation letters to participants attending IAIS 2010 provided their full registration fees have been received. To request a letter please email info@iais2010.org with the following information:
- Participant’s full name.
- Participant’s nationality (as per the passport he/she is travelling with).
- Participant’s passport number.
- Participant’s email address.
Please note that the letter will be issued via email in PDF format to the participant directly only. Should another person request for the letter on behalf of the participant, written confirmation from the participant to issue to the letter to the other person will be required.
