Dubai, the dazzling city of the United Arab Emirates, is a favorite destination for travelers from Bangladesh. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a business trip, or a stopover, you’ll need a valid Dubai visa. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Dubai visa from Bangladesh: visa types, application steps, required documents, fees, and answers to common questions.
Contents
- 1 Why Dubai is a Top Choice for Bangladeshi Travelers
- 2 Types of Dubai Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens
- 3 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Bangladesh
- 4 1. Choose Your Visa Type
- 5 2. Prepare Required Documents
- 6 3. Submit Your Application
- 7 4. Pay the Visa Fee
- 8 5. Wait for Processing
- 9 6. Receive Your E-Visa
- 10 UAE Transit Visas from Bangladesh
- 11 Refundable Deposit for Dubai Visa
- 12 Can You Work in Dubai with a Visitor Visa?
- 13 Starting a Business in Dubai as a Bangladeshi
- 14 Dubai Visa Validity and Entry Rules
- 15 Dubai Visa Extension
- 16 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 17 Final Tips for Bangladeshi Travelers
- 18 Conclusion
Why Dubai is a Top Choice for Bangladeshi Travelers
Dubai is not a country but one of the seven emirates that form the UAE. The city is famous for:
- The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa
- Iconic luxury hotels like Burj Al Arab
- Man-made wonders such as Palm Jumeirah
- Desert safaris and adventure sports
- Shopping festivals and global cuisine
- Year-round sunshine and vibrant nightlife
Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or family visits, Dubai offers something for everyone.
Types of Dubai Visas for Bangladeshi Citizens
Dubai offers several visa options for Bangladeshi nationals, depending on your travel purpose and duration:
| Visa Type | Duration | Extendable? | Visa Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Visa (48 hours) | Max 48 hours | Not extendable | Free (UAE airlines only) |
| Transit Visa (96 hours) | Max 96 hours | Not extendable | 50 AED (UAE airlines only) |
| Tourist Visa – Single Entry | 30 days from arrival | Extendable | 20,000 BDT (with insurance) |
| Tourist Visa – Multiple Entry | 30 days from first entry | Extendable | 35,000 BDT (with insurance) |
| Tourist Visa – Single Entry | 60 days from arrival | Extendable | 20,000 BDT (with insurance) |
| Tourist Visa – Multiple Entry | 60 days from first entry | Extendable | 40,000 BDT (with insurance) |
| 5-Year Visa – Multiple Entry | 90 days each year | Not extendable | Contact agency for pricing |
Visa fees and requirements may change. Always confirm with your visa agency or the UAE embassy before applying.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from Bangladesh
Applying for a Dubai visa is straightforward and mostly online. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Choose Your Visa Type
Decide whether you need a transit, tourist, or long-term visa based on your travel plans.
2. Prepare Required Documents
- Passport: Scanned copy of the information page (valid at least 6 months from travel date)
- Photograph: Recent passport-size digital photo with a white background
- Travel/Visa Pages: Scanned copies of previous travel or visa pages (if available)
- Business/Visiting Card: For business travelers
- Proof of Financial Solvency: For long-term visas (e.g., bank statement showing more than $4,000)
- Health Insurance: Required for long-term visas (can be arranged by the agency)
- Confirmed Flight Ticket: Especially for transit visas
3. Submit Your Application
- Apply through a UAE-based visa agency or the airline you’re traveling with.
- Fill out the online application form and upload your documents.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
- Pay the visa fee as per the type of visa selected.
- Some visas require a refundable security deposit (approx. 3,000 AED).
5. Wait for Processing
- Standard processing time: 5 working days
- Emergency processing: 1-2 working days (with extra fee)
6. Receive Your E-Visa
- Most tourist visas are issued as e-visas. Print a copy to carry during your travel.
UAE Transit Visas from Bangladesh
Dubai is a major transit hub. If you have a layover in the UAE, you may need a transit visa:
- 48-hour Transit Visa: Free, not extendable
- 96-hour Transit Visa: 50 AED, not extendable
How to Apply:
Only UAE-based airlines (Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, etc.) can arrange transit visas. You’ll need your passport, a photo, and your onward ticket.
Refundable Deposit for Dubai Visa
Some Dubai visas require a refundable deposit (about 3,000 AED). This is a UAE government rule to ensure visitors return to their home country. The deposit is returned after you exit the UAE and provide proof (exit stamp and boarding pass).
Can You Work in Dubai with a Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot legally work in Dubai on a visitor or tourist visa. You may search for jobs or explore business opportunities, but you must convert your visa to a work permit before starting any job. Working without the appropriate visa can result in fines or deportation.
Starting a Business in Dubai as a Bangladeshi
You can start a business in Dubai after arriving on a tourist visa. The process involves:
- Choosing between mainland or free zone company setup
- Applying for an investor/partner visa (valid for 3 years, multiple entries)
- Obtaining necessary permits and residency visa
Dubai Visa Validity and Entry Rules
- You can enter the UAE as soon as your visa is approved.
- The last day of entry is typically 58 days from the visa approval date (check your visa copy).
- Stay duration depends on your visa type (30, 60, or 90 days).
- You can enter and exit from any UAE port or border and stay in any of the seven emirates.
Dubai Visa Extension
To extend your Dubai visa, apply before your current visa expires. Extensions can be processed online or in person through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Overstaying can result in fines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Dubai issue e-visas or sticker visas?
Tourist visas are issued as e-visas (printable PDF), while long-term residency visas (work, partner) are sticker visas pasted in your passport.
2. Is a security deposit mandatory for a UAE visa?
For many visa types, yes. The deposit is refunded after you return to Bangladesh and provide proof of exit.
3. How do I get my security deposit back?
Submit a photo of your UAE exit stamp and boarding pass to the agency. The deposit is typically refunded within 2 working days.
4. Can I extend my Dubai visa?
Yes, most tourist visas are extendable. Apply before your visa expires via the GDRFA or a visa agency.
5. How long does it take to process a Dubai visa?
Standard processing: 5 working days. Emergency processing: 1-2 working days (with extra fee).
6. Can I work in Dubai with a tourist visa?
No. You must obtain a work permit and appropriate visa before starting employment.
7. What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying leads to fines and possible deportation. Always extend or exit before your visa expires.
8. Can I travel to other emirates with a Dubai visa?
Yes, a Dubai visa allows you to visit all seven emirates of the UAE.
9. Can I apply for a Dubai visa myself?
You must apply through a UAE-based visa agency, airline, or authorized travel partner.
10. What documents are required for a Dubai visa from Bangladesh?
- Passport (6 months validity)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Previous visa/travel pages (if any)
- Business/visiting card (if applicable)
- Proof of financial solvency (for long-term visas)
- Health insurance (for long-term visas)
- Confirmed flight ticket (for transit visas)
Final Tips for Bangladeshi Travelers
- Start your visa application process early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Double-check all documents and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Use only authorized agencies or airlines for your visa application.
- Respect UAE laws and visa conditions during your stay.
Conclusion
Dubai is a world-class destination, and getting a visa from Bangladesh is easier than ever thanks to online processes and clear requirements. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or as a transit passenger, following the correct procedure ensures a smooth journey. For the latest updates, always consult official UAE government sources or authorized visa agencies.
