What You Should Know While Travelling to Dubai

Did you know Dubai is also known as the “Las Vegas of the Middle East?” It is a city that houses many of the ‘firsts’ in the world. From the world’s tallest skyscraper to the first man made palm shaped islands, you will find all that and much more right here. It has a tourism industry, which is growing at a fast pace and provides great opportunities for tourists to spend a memorable holiday. It is also one of the most liberal of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. So, if you plan to visit the city, the first step is to get your Dubai visa and follow some tips while travelling to ensure that you make the most of your trip.

Tips on Travelling to Dubai

Although the time between November and April is considered to be the best to visit Dubai, this tourist destination offers memorable holidays all through the year. Here are some tips for you to follow on your trip to Dubai.

1. Dress Modestly: Although it is quite a liberal emirate, you should make sure you dress modestly. It is an Islamic state and you might end up hurting the local customs with revealing dresses. And you would enjoy this sensational city the best if you blend in with the locals.
2. Avoid Public Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol may not be banned in the city but being a tourist, you would not be able to buy it from the local stores. Even the local people need a license to buy liquor. You can buy drinks at bars and restaurants. But the laws for public drunkenness are quite strict in the city, so make sure you don’t do anything you might regret.
3. Get Travel Insurance: Dubai is considered one of the safest places by the international tourist industry. But uncertainty is the only certain thing in life. So, make sure that once you’re done with your Dubai visa, you also take up a travel insurance policy to be financially immune to any unforeseen emergencies.
4. Double Check Your Dubai Visa: Make sure you apply for your Dubai visa well before your travel dates. For nationals from certain countries, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available, but for many others (including Indian nationals), you have to get one issued before hand.
5. Drive Safely: If you plan to get around the city by a car driven by yourself, make sure you have an International driver’s license or a temporary Dubai license. Otherwise, you won’t be able to do so. A rental company might be able to get you one too. Go through the traffic rules followed there before you get on to driving.

A trip to Dubai, the city of sand, sun and shopping, can be an exciting. So, make sure you make all your arrangements carefully, especially obtaining a Dubai visa.

How to Get a Dubai Visa through a Hotel

Be it for the love of traveling or for the adventure of exploring the unknown, your visit to Dubai could be one you might never be able to forget. From luxurious hotels to the exotic Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is full of majestic splendor. It exhibits man made magnificence at its best. Being a tourist, there is no dearth of places to visit in Dubai that might leave you spellbound. But before you plan your trip further make sure you get your Dubai visa. Here is how you can get a Dubai visa through a hotel.

About Dubai Visa through a Hotel

Tourists can apply for a Dubai visa through a hotel by getting reservations done at least for the first night. The visa is valid for about 14 days from the date of issue. Visa fees and the security deposit are applicable, depending on the country you belong to. The security deposit taken on a per person basis is refunded after you leave the country.

Documents Required

The following documents will be required by the hotel to get you a Dubai visa:

• Visa charges along with security deposits
•  An agreement letter carrying the signature of the cardholder
• A scanned copy of the credit card used (front and back)
• Copy of the passport of the card holder and accompanying visitors

It is to be noted that colored and clear scanned copies of the documents are to be sent to the hotel for the visa process.

Standard Procedure for Applying for the Visa

Once you have made reservations in a hotel, you can ask the hotel authorities to get you a visa. Along with the authorization letter, you will need to send all the required documents with the fees and security deposit. The hotel will then complete the process of getting you a Dubai visa. Make sure that once the hotel has your visa approved, they send you a copy of it too.

The original visa can be obtained at the Dubai Airport, which can be collected from passport control. Once the visa has been applied for, the fee paid towards getting it becomes non refundable in cases where rejection, expiration or booking cancellation occur.

For the hotel to process the visa, the visitor has to put up at the same hotel for their entire stay. It takes around three working days for the visa to get processed.

Make sure you have a Dubai visa well before the commencement of your journey to avoid any last minute hiccups.