Dubai is a must-visit, especially when traveling with kids. There are loads of family-friendly attractions in the city, and getting a Dubai Visa for Minors is the first step to making it happen! Here’s what you need to know for getting this visa for your little one.
Do Minors Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?
So yes, underage visitors need to obtain a visa to enter Dubai. A separate visa is required for children traveling with a parent or guardian or with just one parent. This includes children as young as infancy. The application process for a visa isn’t that different from that of adults, with a few added requirements.
This is done as a way to keep the child safe and protected. Minors cannot apply by themselves; a parent, guardian or sponsor must set up the visa. The visa is usually tied to the adult companion’s application.
Types of Dubai Tourist Visas for Minors
14-Day Tourist Visa for Kids
The 14 days type of Dubai Visa suits those families going for a swift holiday or a short visit in Dubai. Under this, minors can remain in the UAE for a duration of up to 14 days from the time of entry. The visa is not extendable and perfect for shorter school holidays or quick family visits.
30-Day Tourist Visa for Kids
Families can choose the 30-day visa, which is the most efficient option. It permits them to remain in Dubai for an entire month, providing sufficient time to visit diverse attractions and experience the best kids Activities in Dubai. It is extendable once and is used for vacations, family reunions, or tourism-based visits.
60-Day Tourist Visa for Kids
For families wanting to stay even longer, the 60-day tourist visa grants you two months in Dubai. It’s best when minors are there for visits with relatives, or during school breaks. The visa is extendable once and provides children with additional time to relax, explore and enjoy everything Dubai has to offer.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa for Kids
This visa is for families who require flexibility, as minors can come and go from the UAE multiple times within the validity period of the visa. 30 and 60-day options are available and it’s suitable if the child needs to travel between Dubai and another country. It’s practical for business families or long regional journey.
Documents Required for a Minor’s Dubai Tourist Visa
1. Passport Copy of the Minor
A color copy of the child’s passport is required. The passport must be clear, all details must be easily visible, and valid for a minimum of 180 days from the date of travel.
2. Passport Size Photograph of Child
A current, colored passport-size photograph of the child. The visa photo guidelines require a white background, the face clearly visible without any accessories such as hats or glasses and the image conforming to the standard photo guidelines.
3. Child Birth Certificate
A birth certificate for the child must be provided to verify the parental relationship. If the original document is in any language besides English or Arabic, a certified translation in English or Arabic must be attached, along with the original copy.
4. Parent’s Passport Copy
It is required to provide a copy of both or one parent’s passport to check the identity. When only one parent is traveling, the non-accompanying parent’s passport may still need to be shown for clearance.
5. Visa Copy of the Parent
For UAE resident parents, a copy of the visa for the resident parent must be included. It establishes legal residency in the UAE and ties the application of the child to the status of their parent.
6. Consent Letter
If the child is traveling without one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent is mandatory. It must specifically authorize foreign travel and specify passport information.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa for a Minor
Choose the Right Visa Type
Decide the duration of your stay in Dubai and apply for a visa for the same. The type of visa will determine the documentation and fee required.
Gather All Documents
Prepare all the documents beforehand. Hasty submission of documents or missing documents can hold back the process or even lead to rejection.
Submit the Application Online
The simplest way is through an approved online visa service. Enter the required information and upload scanned images of all documents.
Pay the Visa Fee
The visa fee is different based on the visa type and urgency. Once documents are submitted, pay the fee online.
Track the Application
Most online platforms offer a tracking feature. Check it regularly until you get the approval on email.
Print and Carry the Visa
If approved, you will be able to print the visa. While traveling with your child to Dubai, make sure you have a soft copy as well as a printout of it.
Traveling with Minors: Parental Consent & Legal Requirements
If the child travels with only one parent, there must also be a signed and notarized letter of consent from the other parent. This becomes all the more necessary in cases when the parents are divorced or separated. In Dubai, immigration officers take the protection of minor children very seriously. The UAE also calls for a clear proof of the link between the child and the accompanying adult, especially in non-parent cases. Failure to provide documentation may result in denial of entry.
Dubai Airport Immigration Rules for Minors
- Valid Passport & Visa – Children traveling with a parent must have a separate passport and an individual visa for immigration clearance.
- Entry Stamp on Arrival – Make sure to get the minor’s passport stamped on entry. This affirms that entry is allowed, and determines the time of stay.
- Same Arrival Time as the Guardian – Minors must come with or after their guardian, not ahead of them. Coming too early can complicate things.
- Exit Permit in Case of Overstay – If a child exceeds the visa period, then an exit pass needs to be arranged and fines paid prior to leaving.
- No Entry with Incomplete Documents – However, minors can still be refused entry if they are missing required documents at immigration checks, even with an approved visa.
Common Visa Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Incomplete Documentation
An application without documents is one of the most common Dubai Visa rejection reasons. Items commonly missed are the child’s birth certificate, a copy of the passport or a consent letter. Minors must comply with these; no ifs or buts.
Passport Expiry Issues
If your kid’s passport has less than six months of validity left on the date of travel, the visa is likely to get rejected automatically. An expiring passport raises red flags on your immigration status and can completely screw up your visa approval process.
Mismatch in Details
Typos, differences between names or birth dates on the documents versus on the visa application form will all raise a red flag. Authorities closely verify each and every detail. Even minor mistakes can result in rejection of the application. Triple-check the minor’s Dubai Visa application before submitting, ensuring that the names, passport numbers and dates are spelled correctly.
Previous Overstays
If the child has previously overstayed on a visa in the UAE, subsequent visa applications could be denied. Paying overstay fines or obtaining exit permits may not resolve future visa application issues.
No Clear Guardian Link
If immigration officers are unable to establish a clear link between the child and the adult they are with, the visa may not be granted. A translated and notarized birth certificate displaying the relationship is a must.
FAQs About Dubai Visa for Kids
Do children need a separate Dubai Visa to travel with parents?
What are the documents needed for a child’s Dubai Visa?
Are the Dubai tourist visa requirements different for minors?
Conclusion
Getting a Dubai tourist visa for minor is straightforward once you follow the process and rules. Make sure you have the right documents and always keep an eye on the immigration policies so that your child gets a smooth trip.
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