{"id":124004,"date":"2026-07-01T14:43:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:43:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/?page_id=124004"},"modified":"2026-08-05T19:52:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T19:52:55","slug":"uae-visa-application","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/uae-visa-application","title":{"rendered":"UAE Visa Application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"UAE<\/span>
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UAE (Dubai) Visa Application<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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South African passport holders need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates<\/a>. Fortunately, this guide explains the entire process. The easiest way to apply for a UAE (Dubai) visa is online via Emirates<\/a> or Etihad<\/a>. Alternatively, if you are flying with another airline, you must apply in person at the Dubai Visa Processing Centres (DVPC), also known as VFS Global, in South Africa. Processing time can take up to 7 working days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Competition Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of Visas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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96-hour Visa<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are transiting through the UAE and your layover is at least 8 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It allows you to stay for up to 4 days in the UAE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" <\/a>Validity: 4 days from arrival<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"tourist<\/span>
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30-day Short-Term Visa<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are transiting through the UAE and your layover is at least 8 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It allows you to stay for up to 4 days in the UAE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" Validity: 30 days from arrival<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Dubai\"<\/span>
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3 month multiple-entry<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Please note:<\/strong> should you wish to visit the UAE more often and over multiple occasions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are multiple-entry UAE visas <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\" 3 months<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Apply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The earliest you can apply for a UAE (Dubai) visa is 3 months before you travel. In the case of the 96-hour visa, we suggest applying about 2 weeks before travelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Emirates\/Etihad:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Apply on the airline\u2019s website<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. For Emirates, use the \u201cManage your booking\u201d tool (you will need your flight ticket and booking reference for this)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Complete the online form<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Scan and upload all your required documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Pay the visa fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Receive your visa entirely online via email (no passport courier needed)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    At the Dubai Visa Processing Centre:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Make an appointment with your nearest DVPC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Pay the application fee (via EFT or with a cash deposit at a branch)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Take your required documents to be submitted (along with proof of payment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Complete the application form<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Track the status of your application<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. If your application is successful, you will receive an SMS and email notifying you when your visa and passport are ready for collection<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      UAE Visa Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      With Etihad\/Emirates:<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      UAE visa cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      96-Hour Visa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      R202 to R445<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      30-day Short-Term Visa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      R1,333 to R1,412<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      With VFS Global:<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      UAE visa cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      96-Hour Visa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      R610<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      30-day Short-Term Visa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      R1475<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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      Important notice:<\/strong> Please note that the DVPCs do offer express services, with the 96-hour Visa express fee at R950 and the 30-day Short-Term Visa fee at R1,815. If you need to cancel your application at the DVPCs, it will cost you R480. Payments must be made to NEDBANK Ltd \u2013 A\/c NO 1030242380, Branch code: 14690591<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Competition Please note that prices are subject to exchange rates and may change without notice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      UAE Visa Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\r\n
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      \r\n All Dubai visa have the following requirements: <\/h3>\r\n \r\n
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