The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most visited countries in the Middle East, attracting millions of tourists each year to cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Whether you're traveling for leisure, a last-minute business trip, or a personal emergency, getting your UAE visa quickly is crucial. Fortunately, the UAE offers urgent or express visa services to help travelers enter the country on short notice.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about urgent UAE visa services, including types of visas, processing times, eligibility, how to apply, and practical tips for travelers in a rush.
An Urgent UAE Visa (also called an Express Visa) is a fast-tracked visa application process designed for travelers who need to enter the UAE on short notice. While a standard tourist visa may take 2–5 working days to process, an urgent visa can be issued in as little as 4 to 24 hours, depending on the type and agency you apply through.
Depending on your nationality and purpose of visit, the following visa types are commonly available with urgent processing:
14-Day short-term tourist visa
Ideal for brief vacations or business visits.
Urgent Processing Time: 4 to 24 hours
30-Day tourist visa (Single or multiple entry)
Perfect for those planning a month-long stay.
Urgent Processing Time: 6 to 24 hours
60 or 90-day long-term visa (Single or multiple entry)
For extended visits or family trips.
Urgent Processing Time: 24 to 48 hours
Note: Visa duration and availability may vary depending on your nationality and the agency/provider you use.
Most foreign nationals who are not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival must apply for a pre-arranged visa. Urgent visa services are available to:
Tourists planning a last-minute visit
Business travelers with sudden meetings or conferences
Transit passengers needing to leave the airport for a day or two
Family members of UAE residents in case of emergency visits
To apply for an urgent visa, you generally need the following documents:
Scanned passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
Flight itinerary (optional but helpful)
Proof of accommodation or hotel booking (sometimes required)
Visa fee payment
Some nationalities may require additional documents such as:
Travel insurance
Invitation letter from a UAE resident or company
Proof of relationship (for family visits)
Urgent visa services usually cost more than standard visa processing. Here's a general price range:
14-day visa: $90–$140 USD (urgent service)
30-day visa: $120–$180 USD (urgent service)
60 or 90-day visa: $200–$400 USD (depending on entry type)
Fees vary by service provider, urgency level, and nationality.
You can apply through:
Authorized UAE Travel Agencies
Many agencies offer express visa services and handle all paperwork for you.
UAE Airlines
Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia can process tourist visas for passengers flying with them.
Online Visa Portals
Websites or trusted third-party sites allow you to submit an online application quickly.
Hotel Visa Services
Some 4- and 5-star hotels in the UAE can sponsor and apply for a visa on behalf of their guests.
Double-check visa eligibility based on your nationality.
Use a reputable agency to avoid delays or scams.
Ensure document clarity – unclear scans or photos can delay approval.
Plan your flight and hotel bookings accordingly, even if visa processing is fast.
Avoid overstaying – fines for overstaying your visa in the UAE are high (around AED 50–100 per day).
Once you receive your visa via email (usually in PDF format), print it and carry both digital and hard copies. At immigration, present your passport and visa for stamping. The immigration process in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is usually smooth and fast, especially for e-visa holders.
The urgent UAE visa service is a lifesaver for travelers with unexpected or short-notice trips to the Emirates. Thanks to the UAE’s efficient and digital-friendly immigration system, getting a visa in less than 24 hours is not only possible but increasingly common.
Whether you're headed for a luxury escape in Dubai, a family reunion in Sharjah, or a business meeting in Abu Dhabi, the urgent visa service ensures that your plans are never put on hold.