The extraordinary city of Dubai in the UAE is renowned for its ultra-luxurious lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, iconic skyscrapers, opulent hotels, thrilling adventure parks, world-class shopping destinations, spectacular human-made wonders, vibrant nightlife, and the serene Arabian desert. The UAE visa is one of the mandatory travel documents to be declared at the UAE border controls for visiting iconic attractions such as Expo Lake. The UAE visa can be tiresome and tedious for many tourists. It is always recommended to take advice or mentoring from travel experts if you are unsure about the entire process. Let us take you through the key highlights of obtaining a Dubai tourist visa.
What is a US Green Card?
A US Green Card is a permanent residency card provided to people residing in the United States that proves their permanent residency. The Green Card is issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to all permanent residents, thereby entitling them to work and live in the United States. Native US Citizens don’t need a Green Card. This card is issued to non-native US citizens only. Suppose you are one of the Green Card holders; you must always have the Green Card with you for cross-verification as and when required.
Do Green Card holders need a UAE visa to travel to the UAE?
The following countries have a visa-exempt provision with the UAE.
The United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Vatican, Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden.
The US Green Card holders of the following 23 nationalities must apply for a visa before they arrive in Dubai.
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uganda, and Yemen.
Suppose you are one of the native citizens of the above-mentioned visa-exempt countries. You do not need a UAE visa to travel to the UAE. This is irrespective of whether you are a US Green Card holder. As in other cases, you must apply for a Dubai visa before traveling. You should understand the Dubai visa requirements for US citizens to avoid hassles throughout your visa journey.
Green Card holders’ visa category
US Citizens who are valid Green Card holders can apply for the following visa categories and indulge in amazing activities like the Expo Lake camping. Each visa category has a specific purpose; hence, you should be careful while opting for the visa category.
This visa category is valid for 96 hours only. It is issued to travelers traveling to a third destination(s) via Dubai. Travelers who have a layover in Dubai generally apply for this visa category.
This visa category is ideal for tourists and visitors exploring iconic Dubai attractions like Expo Lake, its rich cultural heritage, and its ultra-luxurious lifestyle. This can be a single or multiple-entry visa, depending on the purpose of your stay. This short-term visa category is valid for 14 or 30 days.
This visa category is a short-term visa issued to applicants visiting the UAE for business purposes like attending meetings, conferences, or workshops. This short-term visa is valid for 60 days.
Documentation required for applying for a UAE visa for Green Card holders
All Green Card holders must submit the following documentation as part of the supporting documentation along with their completed and signed visa application form.
- Original and valid passport with a validity beyond six months from the intended departure date from the UAE.
- Confirmed round air ticket to a third destination(s).
- A digital photo meeting the photo specifications outlined by the Dubai Immigration authorities.
- A copy of your original Green Card.
- A confirmation of your accommodation details in the UAE
- The duration of your stay should be less than a month.
- The purpose of your travel should be either one of the following: tourism, transit, or business.
- It is always better to have an entry stamp from a third country before your travel to the UAE.
If you intend to stay in the UAE for over a month, you should declare the same at the UAE border controls and request an extension.
Also, Indian citizens with a US visa, Green Card, and UK residence permit valid for six months can receive a visa on arrival to the UAE for 14 days, along with the possibility of extending a similar period only once.
The entry permit has a one-time fee starting from AED 100 per applicant and can be further renewed once for AED 250 onwards per applicant.
Why should you choose a dependable travel buddy?
A dependable travel partner or buddy can help and mentor you throughout your Dubai visa journey. This will simplify the entire process and offload the stressful activity from your shoulders so that you can focus on the travel itinerary to uncover the unknown facets of Dubai tourism.
Advantages of a US Green Card holder
A US Green Card holder has their own benefits when it comes to applying or narrowing down the process for a visa across many countries. You must opt for the right visa category, such as tourism, work, or transit. The Dubai E-visa journey is a simple online journey that all applicants can utilize and apply at their convenience. This is, in fact, a great way to explore the fabulous landscape, diversified culture, rich heritage, delightful cuisine, and shopping destinations that will enlighten all types of tourists and visitors.
Below are the key tips and tricks that you can use to simplify your overall E-visa journey.
Documentation
Ensure your documents are in order and have synchronized information throughout your visa application.
Overstay
Ensure that you stay in the UAE only for the period applicable as per your visa eligibility. Overstaying can lead to severe complications, such as blacklisting and heavy fines on your exit. Apply for a visa extension if it is required well in advance.
Dubai customs & traditions
Ensure you familiarize yourself with the local traditions, customs, laws, and regulations for a smooth Dubai holiday without any hassles.
Processing time
The Dubai visa can be delayed due to multiple factors. Hence, always keep some buffer while applying for a Dubai visa, even though you are a Green Card holder.
Visa validity
Your Green Card should be valid for 3 months from your planned entry into Dubai.
Visa updates
Dubai immigration regularly updates any new developments on the visa process on their official website. Visa policies are subject to frequent changes, which can impact the travel provisions for various citizens from around the globe.
Travel insurance
Always cover your planned Dubai holiday with valid travel insurance to accommodate any medical emergency that can disrupt your Dubai holiday.
Conclusion –
The UAE visa process for US Green Card holders is easy. Ensure you opt for the right visa type to get your UAE visa approved for visiting attractions such as Expo Lake Dubai. Dubai has all the elements to fulfill your travel desires, irrespective of whether your purpose is tourism, leisure, business, or transit. Apply for your Dubai E-visa and enjoy a fabulous time exploring the fascinating aspects of Dubai.
Visa Type
Validity Period
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