Everything to know about Dubai Tourist visa for kids

If you are planning a trip to Dubai with kids, then my friend, it's going to be an exciting endeavor. Knowing the way to get a Dubai tourist visa for minors is important to avoid any obstacles in your trip. Here is a comprehensive guide with all the details about the requirements, application processes, and helpful tips for your kids when applying for a Dubai tourist visa.

Understanding Dubai Tourist Visa for Minors

Children under 18 who are visa-exempt or eligible for a visa on arrival must obtain a Dubai Tourist Visa. As per the official portal of the UAE Government, children will need a tourist visa unless their country is exempted from visa requirements. Importantly, females using this type of Dubai tourist visa for minors must be accompanied by their parents unless they are over the age of 18, which renders them eligible to apply independently.

When minors travel with their family, especially with parents, they are usually included in a Family Tourist Visa. This combined visa makes the process smoother and improves approval chances, as the UAE considers family travel less risky.

What if a Minor is Traveling Alone or Without Family?

While it’s most common for minors to travel with parents or guardians, some situations may involve a child traveling alone or with someone other than family. In such cases, visa approval is significantly harder.

Dubai immigration typically does not permit minors under 18 to travel alone. However, if considered, the application must include a notarized parental or guardian consent letter along with the standard documents. Still, the chances of approval remain low in these cases.

Stepwise Application Process

• It is important to have proper documents, such as a completed visa application form, a color passport photograph, and a color copy of the child's passport, which has a minimum validity of six months.

• Also, a copy of an Emirates Airline ticket (or a codeshare flight with an 'EK' code) is necessary.

• Then, apply through a sponsor, such as a UAE-based airline, hotel or travel agency. For example, Etihad Airways states that minors (including married females under 18) must bring a parent or husband's photo ID, as well as a copy of a parent’s tourist visa sponsored by Etihad.

• In cases where one of the parents is already living in Dubai, they can act as a sponsor for the minor's tourist visa. This process is slightly different and requires a copy of the parent's Dubai residence visa and passport, the child's passport copy and birth certificate, A consent letter from the non-traveling parent, and a Completed visa application form and itinerary.

  
  

The Photo Requirements

One of the most important steps in the visa application process is to follow the Dubai visa photo requirements guide.

• Visa application picture size for a Dubai visit is 43 mm x 55 mm (2-inch x 2-inch). Electronic copy should be 300 pixels wide by 369 pixels high.

  
  

• The photo must be in color, against a plain white background, and taken within the last six months. The applicant's head should cover between 70-80% of the photo area and have a neutral expression with both eyes open.

  
  

• Donned head coverings are not allowed except for religious reasons, but the chin-to-forehead area must be visible.

  
  

• When you take a photo of infants, the child must be alone in the photo and have a neutral expression.

  
  

• No other objects or humans should appear in the frame, and there should be a solid white background.

  
  

Visa Fee Exemptions for Minors

Under certain circumstances, the UAE government provides fee exemptions for specific instances of visas for minors. As per the official portal of the UAE Government, for children below 18 years of age accompanying adults, a free visa on entry will be provided during the period from 15 July to 15 September every year. This exception is designed to encourage family tourism in summer. Households with multiple people entering the country will have this exemption on the visa, so check the latest status of the exemption when you plan to travel, as some policies are capped.

Traveling with Minors: Additional Documentation

You may need to provide additional documentation when traveling with minors, especially if they do not share a surname with the traveling parent or guardian. For example, many visa providers warn that minors visiting the UAE with a parent or guardian with a different surname must present documentation of the relationship, like a birth certificate, when entering the country.

In addition, the authorities may request that minors traveling alone and/or returning without their parents or with one parent provide a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate. It's a good idea to contact the consulates you'll be visiting to find out more about specific entry requirements for minors.

Places to Explore in Dubai with Your Little Ones

Dubai is the ideal family holiday destination, combining adventure, entertainment, and education. Everyone from the kids to the adults can experience the thrill of Dubai Parks and Resorts with some of its theme parks, such as Motiongate or Legoland. Kids will adore places to visit in Dubai with family, like Kite Beach, for its wide range of beach sports and play areas. Dubai Miracle Garden captivates with colorful flower arrangements, while IMG Worlds of Adventure boasts exhilarating indoor activities.

Conclusion

Getting a Dubai tourist visa for your minor requires clear preparation and process. With all the necessary documentation (including compliant visa photos) in order and an understanding of the application process, families can look ahead to an unforgettable holiday in Dubai. The city's wide range of family-oriented attractions guarantees an enlightening and enjoyable experience for all types of guests.