Guide to Applying for a Dubai Tourist Visa for Vietnamese Citizens in 2025: Conditions, Procedures, and Costs

Dubai is a city of luxurious dreams, a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. It remains an enticing destination for Vietnamese travelers. The city boasts iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, the golden desert, and Jumeirah Beach, each offering unforgettable experiences. According to Dubai Tourism, the city welcomed over 17 million international visitors in 2024, with an expected 15% increase in 2025 due to its open tourism policies.

What is a Dubai Tourist Visa and Why is it Needed?

A Dubai tourist visa is an entry permit issued by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing foreigners to visit Dubai for tourism, leisure, or family visits for a specific period. It is a short-term visa, not permitting work or residency, and is issued electronically (eVisa) via email. The visa ensures compliance with entry regulations, helps the UAE manage international visitors, maintains security, and promotes sustainable tourism.

Why Do Vietnamese Citizens Need a Visa for Dubai?

Unlike some Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Singapore, which offer visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens, the UAE requires a visa prior to entry. Vietnam is not among the 90 countries eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, such as the USA, Japan, or EU nations. Without a valid visa, you may be denied boarding or detained at Dubai International Airport, disrupting your travel plans.

Who Needs a Visa?

All Vietnamese citizens, from adults to children, must apply for a Dubai tourist visa, except in special cases like holders of diplomatic or official passports (subject to prior confirmation with the UAE Embassy). Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., Japan, South Korea) can stay for 30-90 days without applying in advance, but Vietnamese citizens are not included in this category.

Where is the Tourist Visa Officially Issued?

Dubai tourist visas are issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). For Vietnamese citizens, applications are usually submitted through authorized intermediaries:

• Travel agencies: Popular for convenience and professional support. Agencies guide applicants, prepare documents, submit applications, and track results. This option is suitable for tour groups or those unfamiliar with online procedures.
• Airlines (Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, etc.): Travelers booking flights can request visa support directly from the airline. Their systems are connected with GDRFA, ensuring transparency and quick processing. This is ideal for independent travelers.

Regardless of the channel, all applications are reviewed and approved by GDRFA, ensuring legal validity upon entry into Dubai.

Key Updates on Dubai Visa Policy in 2025

In 2025, the UAE continues updating its visa policies to attract visitors while maintaining security. Recent changes from 2024–2025 focus on flexibility but also stricter controls:

• Grace period removed: The 10-day grace period for overstaying is no longer valid. Visitors must leave UAE on time to avoid fines (AED 50/day, ~14 USD).
• New visa types: Introduction of the Blue Visa (10 years) for environmental contributors, and special visas for teachers, healthcare workers, gamers, and content creators.
• Health requirements: If new COVID-19 variants emerge, travelers may need proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure. Some may face airport quarantine.
• Financial proof: Applicants must show a minimum bank balance of AED 3,000 (~1,360 USD) for long-term visas.
• Improved eVisa application: Processing time reduced to 2–4 days, but requires clear PDF scans of documents.

These changes help Vietnamese travelers prepare well for their luxury holidays in Dubai in 2025.

So Sánh Visa Du Lịch Dubai Với Visa Du Lịch Các Nước Trung Đông Khác

Criteria	Dubai (UAE)	Abu Dhabi (UAE)	Saudi Arabia
Visa requirement	Mandatory, online eVisa	Same UAE visa, mandatory	Mandatory, eVisa trial for Vietnam
Duration	30–60 days, multiple up to 5 years	Same as Dubai	90 days, multiple for 1 year
Processing	Online via Emirates/Etihad, 3–7 days	Same as Dubai	Embassy/eVisa, 5–10 days
Cost	90–500 USD	Same as Dubai	120–150 USD
Visa exemption	None for Vietnam	None	Not yet, but possible in 2025
Best for	Luxury, leisure	Culture, museums	Religious (Mecca), exploration

 Common Types of Dubai Tourist Visa (2025)

Visa Type	Duration	Entry Type	Cost (USD)	Purpose
Transit 48 hours	48 hrs	Single	~15	Short stopovers
Transit 96 hours	96 hrs	Single	~59	Quick exploration
Tourist 30 days	30 days	Single/Multiple	90–136	Short holidays
Tourist 60 days	60 days	Single/Multiple	177–231	Longer trips, personal business
Multiple entry 5 years	90 days/visit	Multiple	~500	Frequent travelers

Required Conditions and Documents

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport: at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
• Passport photo (4×6 cm, white background, recent within 3 months).
• National ID copy (notarized, possibly translated into English if required).
• For children under 18: must travel with a parent and provide a birth certificate copy.

Travel Documents:

• Round-trip flight ticket (preferably Emirates/Etihad).
• Hotel booking confirmation with address in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
• Invitation letter from relatives (if visiting family), with a copy of their passport and visa/residence permit.

All documents must be scanned clearly in PDF format. Freelancers or business owners should provide a business license. Proper preparation increases approval rates up to 95%.

Step-by-Step Process for Vietnamese Travelers

The Dubai tourist visa application process in 2025 is optimized, mainly through the eVisa system, with an average processing time of 3-7 days. Below are detailed steps for Vietnamese tourists to easily follow:

Choose visa type & prepare documents

Select based on your plan (transit, 30/60 days, multiple entry). Gather passport, photo, tickets, hotel booking, and financial proof.

Submit application

• Via Emirates: Apply online after booking tickets. Processing 2–4 working days.
• Via travel agency: Safer for families or complex cases. Processing 3–5 working days.

Pay visa fee

Pay online by credit/debit card or in cash at the embassy. Fees range from 15 USD (transit) to 500 USD (5-year multiple). Agency services may add 50–100 USD.

Track application

Receive tracking code via email. Processing time is 3–7 days; urgent services (24–48 hrs) cost +50 USD.

Receive eVisa & enter Dubai

Visa is emailed as a PDF. Print it in color (A4) and present at Dubai airport. Carry passport, flight ticket, and hotel booking for verification.

Visa Extension

• Eligibility: 30-day or 60-day visas can be extended for 30 days, up to a maximum of 120 days/year. Must not have overstayed before.
• Cost: ~AED 600 + 5% VAT (~172 USD). Overstay fine: AED 50/day.
• Where to extend:
  • Through Emirates: Online, processed in 2–4 days.
  • Through authorized agencies: Recommended for families or complex cases, 3–5 days.

Visa Costs (2025)

• Transit 48 hrs: ~15 USD
• Transit 96 hrs: ~59 USD
• Tourist 30 days (single): ~90 USD; multiple: ~136 USD
• Tourist 60 days (single): ~177 USD; multiple: ~231 USD
• Multiple entry 5 years: ~500 USD

*Please note that this is Emirates’ published price for preliminary costs, actual costs will depend on the time of application submission. For more details, you can contact iVISA immediately for advice and the latest information.

Note: If this is your first time applying for a visa, you should use a reputable service like iVISA to avoid mistakes. This process helps save time and ensures a smooth journey, especially when Dubai is increasingly crowded during peak season (October – April every year).

Useful Links and Official Sources

• UAE Embassy in Vietnam – Hanoi: gov.ae/hanoi
• UAE Embassy – Ho Chi Minh City: gov.ae/hcmc
• Emirates Visa Portal: com/uae-visa-information
• Trusted visa service: iVISA

Conclusion

A Dubai tourist visa is the key to exploring one of the most luxurious cities in the world. With flexible options like transit, 30-day, 60-day, or multiple-entry visas, you can easily match your travel plan. The eVisa process is fast, affordable, and has a high success rate if documents are prepared correctly.

Do not let paperwork stop you. Let Dubai become your reality in 2025. For higher success and convenience, choose trusted services like iVISA, where professionals will guide you from start to finish.

Dubai is waiting for you – plan your trip and start your journey now!

iVISA Property & Citizenship

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