Dubai is a fantastic destination for vacation. But do you need a visa for Dubai from South Africa? Yes, as a South African passport holder, you must first obtain a pre-approved Dubai visa to enter this country. This complete guide will cover the entire process of Dubai visa application and UAE travel restrictions South Africa.
Do South Africans Need a Visa for Dubai?
This is the first question that comes to mind when planning a trip to Dubai. Yes, as a South African passport holder, you must first obtain a visa to Dubai. Luckily, South Africa is one of the countries eligible for a tourist e-visa, which means you can apply for it online.
Types of Dubai Visa
There are many types of Dubai visas for tourists you can apply for as a South African citizen.
- Transit visas:
A transit visa is sponsored by UAE-based airlines only and must be applied for and approved before entering the country. If you take UAE-based airline flights to Dubai from South Africa such as Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways, you may apply for a transit visa. Transit visas are not extendable nor renewable, including:
48-hour transit visa
96-hour transit visa.
- Tourist visas:
The UAE grants multiple-entry and single-entry visas with different periods of allowed stay for you to visit the country for tourism. Dubai tourist visas include:
30-day single entry visit visa
30-day multiple-entry tourist visa
60-day single-entry tourist visa
60-day multiple-entry tourist visa
90-day single-entry tourist visa
90-day multiple-entry tourist visa
5-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
The 5-year tourist visa enables you to visit the UAE including Dubai multiple times during the five years of validity, stay in the country for 90 days on each visit, and apply for an extension of a further 90 days.
Requirements of Dubai Visa for South Africans
Requirements for different types of Dubai visas can vary as follows.
If you’re applying for a Dubai tourist visa, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form.
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A copy of the passport bio pages.
- One recent color passport photo on a white background. 22 mm and 35 mm
- Birth certificate for applicants under 18 years old.
If applying for a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, prepare the additional documents as follows:
- Proof of stay such as hotel booking confirmation.
- A copy of onward or round-trip flight tickets.
- A valid medical insurance.
- Travel itinerary.
- A stamped bank statement for the last 6 months proving a bank balance of 4000 USD (approximately 71640 ZAR).
If applying for a transit visa, in addition to the documents above, you must also have an onward ticket booking to a third destination other than South Africa.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from South Africa
The Dubai visa application can be carried out online or in person at a Visa Application Processing Center.
Online Application
- Transit visa application
If you take Emirates Airline or Etihad Airways flights to Dubai from South Africa, you may apply for a transit visa online two weeks before traveling.
Here is how to submit the online application with the UAS-based airline visa service:
If you transit through Zayed International Airport and travel onward to a third destination from Abu Dhabi, you may apply for a transit visa on the Etihad Airways visa service. Here is how:
Step 1. Visit the Etihad Airways website.
Step 2. Select a transit visa type and click “Apply”.
Step 3. Complete the application form online and attach the documents in JPEG format.
Step 4. Make the visa fee payment online with your credit card.
Step 5. It will take 3-4 business days to receive your visa via email. Print the visa out and keep it with your passport.
If you booked Emirates flights to Dubai from South Africa, you can obtain a transit visa on the Emirates Airline visa service. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Visit the Emirates Airline website. Navigate to “Manage” and click “Manage Your Booking”.
Step 2. Input your last name and booking reference on your flight ticket, and click “Retrieve Booking”.
Step 3. After logging in, You will see Let’s get your visa. Click the “Start” button to proceed.
Step 4. You will be redirected to vfsglobal.com to fill out the visa application form online, upload the required documents in JPEG format, and pay the visa fees.
Step 5. It will take 3-4 business days to receive your visa via email. Print the visa out and keep it with your passport.
- Tourist visa application
There are two online channels for applying for different types of tourist visas.
the website of GDRFA – Dubai (for all tourist visas)
Step 1. Access the website of GDRFA Dubai, register an account, and log in.
Step 2. Click “Entry Permit”.
Step 3. Click “Issuance of a visit visa” and then select a visa type.
Step 4. Click “Start service”.
Step 5. Complete the application form online, attach the documents in JPEG format, and pay the visa application fees.
Step 6. It will take 3-4 business days to receive your visa via email. Print the visa out and keep it with your passport.
The eChannels portal (for 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa):
Step 1. Access The eChannels portal and Click “Tourism”.
Step 2. Select “VISA – MULTIPLE ENTRY – LONG-TERM TOURISM (5 YEARS) FOR ALL NATIONALITIES – ISSUE NEW VISA” and click “Start Service”.
Step 3. Complete the application form online, attach the documents in JPEG format, and pay the visa application fees.
Step 4. It will take 3-4 business days to receive your visa via email. Print the visa out and keep it with your passport.
In Person
Alternatively, you can apply for a Dubai visa in person at VFS Global in South Africa, a facility of UAE visa application processing, appointed by Emirates and the Government of Dubai. Currently, there are two Visa Application Centers available in South Africa.
| Visa Application Center | Location and Contacts |
| Cape Town | Address: 8th Floor 2 Long Street Cape Town South Africa 8000Telephone: 011 783 0410, 031 584 7153 Email: infodvpccpt@dubaivisa.netWorking Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30 |
| Johannesburg | Address: Sandton City, Office Tower, 2nd floor, SandtonTelephone: 021 423 6573, 011 783 1941Email: infodvpcsa@dubaivisa.netWorking Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30 |
It is recommended to submit the visa application three months prior to your Dubai trip. Here is a step-by-step-guide:
Step 1. Download the visa application form, print it out, and complete it.
Step 2. Bring all the required documents and visit a visa application center near you, no need to book an appointment.
Step 3. Submit the documents and pay the visa fee.
Step 4. After submission, you will receive your visa via email in 2-3 working days. Track your application status for updates.
UAE Visa Price from South Africa
The total prices of each Dubai visa for South African citizens are as follows:
| Visa Type | Stay Validity | Price |
| Transit visa | 48 hours | ZAR 280 |
| 96 hours | ZAR 1085 | |
| Single entry tourist visa | 30 days | ZAR 3360 |
| 60 days | ZAR 4075 | |
| 90 days | ZAR 8340 | |
| Multiple entry tourist visa | 30 days | ZAR 4075 |
| 60 days | ZAR 5100 | |
| 90 days | ZAR 6125 | |
| 5 years | ZAR 6320 |
How Long Does It Take to Get a Dubai Visa in South Africa?
The processing time for a Dubai visa in South Africa typically takes around 3-4 working days. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, application method, and peak travel seasons. So it is recommended to apply for your Dubai visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to ensure sufficient time for processing.
FAQs
How long is a Dubai visa valid for?
The validity period of a Dubai visa depends on the type of visa you apply for and the purpose of your visit. Generally, all Dubai visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, except for 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas which are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Within this timeframe, you need to use the visa and travel to UAE, or the visa will be automatically invalid. Do not mistake this visa validity period for the period of allowed stay in Dubai.
Can South Africans get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
No. Currently, South African passport holders are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai. Instead, you need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Dubai. Submitting your visa application online in advance and obtaining an e-visa before your Dubai trip is just as convenient.
Can I go to Dubai without a visa?
UAE grants visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry to passport holders from 86 countries and territories. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website offers up-to-date information on visa exemptions for travelers holding ordinary passports from different countries of the world. If you are a South African passport holder, you will need a pre-approved visa to enter Dubai. If you are a non-South African passport holder, you may refer to the website to know whether you can visit Dubai visa-free.
Do you need a bank statement for a Dubai visa?
Yes. In most cases, you need a stamped bank statement for the last 6 months proving a bank balance of 4000 USD (approximately 71640 ZAR) when applying for a Dubai visa.
Which countries are visa free for South African passports?
As of 2024, the South African passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 106 countries and territories. Popular destinations include Thailand, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, Maldives, Kenya, etc.
Conclusion
Even though South Africans need to obtain a visa to visit Dubai, this top-rated tourist destination offers plenty of visa application methods to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. With the help of this full guide on Dubai visa application, you should easily obtain one. Feel free to plan your tremendous trip to Dubai now!
Erin Lo