UAE Visa for South African Passport Holders
If you're a South African passport holder, you'll need to secure a UAE visa before your trip. Thankfully, South Africans can apply for a Tourist visa with ease.
This guide provides information for South Africans about obtaining a Dubai visa, addressing common questions like “Do South Africans need a visa for UAE?”, “What is the application process?”, and “Costs of Dubai visa from South Africa”. We will also give you tips on where to get a professional Dubai visa photo.
Table of contents
- UAE visa requirements for South African citizens
- How to apply for a UAE visa online
- Where to apply for a UAE visa in-person in South Africa
- Documents required for UAE tourist visa application
- Emirates visa photo requirements
- Get your UAE visa photo online
- Emirates visa photo app
- UAE visa validity for South Africans
- UAE tourist visa fees
UAE visa requirements for South African citizens
Do I need a visa for Dubai from South Africa? — Yes, South African travelers must apply for a visa before visiting the UAE, as there's no option for the UAE visa on arrival for South African passport. This visa allows for either single or multiple entries into Dubai for 30 or 60 days, all within a 60-day visa validity window.
It's essential for South African visitors to use the same passport for entry into the UAE as they did for their visa application. Any inconsistencies could result in being denied entry. Also, ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your intended entry date and contains two blank pages for visa stamping and entry/exit stamps.
Do I need a transit visa for Dubai from South Africa? — If you wish to leave the airport during a layover, a transit visa is required for South African citizens. You can choose between a 48-hour or a 96-hour transit visa, which must be arranged prior to your flight.
Applying for a UAE visa online is straightforward if you fly Emirates or Etihad. Alternatively, you can visit the UAE Embassy or VFS Global centers in South Africa to apply in person.
How to apply for a UAE visa online
Here's how you can apply for a UAE visa online:
- First, confirm your booking with either Emirates or Etihad, as the online application is generally available to their passengers.
- Gather all necessary documents.
- Begin the online application:
- Emirates flyers can go to Emirates.com, where you should navigate to the “Manage Your Booking” section to start your Dubai visa application.
- Alternatively, Etihad flyers can visit Etihad.com for visa application guidance.
- Complete the visa application form carefully with correct details.
- Securely pay the visa fee online and retain the payment receipt, as it may be needed later.
- Submit your application after completing the form and payment; all processes, including document submission, occur online.
- Await approval, which typically takes 3 to 4 working days. The approved visa will be sent to you via email.
- Print out your e-visa and carry it with you when traveling to the UAE.
Where to apply for a UAE visa in-person in South Africa
For in-person UAE visa application from South Africa, you can visit the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pretoria. Here’s how you can reach them:
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pretoria
Location: 992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
Postal Address: PO Box 57090, Arcadia, 0007
Contact Number: +27 12 342 7736
Business Hours: Open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The embassy is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
You can also visit one of the VFC Global Centres located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bedfordview, and Essenwood.
Documents required for UAE tourist visa application
When applying for the UAE visa for South African nationals, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Visa Application DHA-84 Form.
- Two color passport-sized photos.
- A copy of your return flight ticket is needed.
- A color copy of the first two pages of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the UAE.
- A letter from your employer confirming your job and position.
- A letter from your bank that verifies you have sufficient funds for your stay in the UAE.
- A detailed travel plan for your visit.
- Proof of your accommodation booking.
Emirates visa photo requirements
Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for a photo when applying for a UAE visa:
- The photo should be either 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm) or 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm.
- If you’re submitting a digital photo, the recommended size is a minimum of 300 pixels wide and 369 pixels tall.
- Use a plain white background with no shadows or patterns.
- Photos must be in color; black and white images are not acceptable.
- Ensure the image is high-resolution with clear details, avoiding any pixelation or blurriness.
- Your face should occupy 60-70% of the photo's area.
- The head should be centered, visible from the top of the head to the tip of the chin.
- Maintain a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed. Face the camera straight on with no head tilting or turning.
- Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons, but must clearly show facial features from chin to forehead.
- Ensure your entire face and both edges are clearly visible.
- Avoid wearing white to stand out from the background.
- Prevent glare on glasses or remove them if possible for the photo.
- For infants: They should be photographed alone, without toys or other people. The child must face the camera with a neutral expression, ensuring ears and forehead are not obscured.
Here is an example:
Get your UAE visa photo online
For an easy and reliable way to get a UAE visa photo, consider using online professional tools. Visafoto.com is a convenient option that quickly converts your photo to fit all UAE visa photo requirements. With extensive experience since 2013, Visafoto is well-versed in handling photos for passports, visas, driver's licenses, and various other documents globally.
Here's how it works: Start by taking a photo in natural light and upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will automatically adjust image size, format, background color, and ensure your face is properly aligned. If you're not happy with the photo, we offer free replacements. Plus, if the photo isn't accepted by officials, we guarantee a full refund.
Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.
You will get a digital photo like this one:
Emirates visa photo app
Check out another great option for getting the perfect visa photo — 7ID App by Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app allows you to create photos for IDs, passports, and visas directly from your smartphone. Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, it's designed to meet all your needs.
The process with 7ID is straightforward: simply upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust it to meet official standards. This covers the right size, format, background color, and ensures precise face and eye positioning.
You'll receive a digital copy and a print template formatted for common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. For further assistance, the technical support team is readily available to help.
UAE visa validity for South Africans
When South African citizens apply for a UAE visa, the validity depends on the type of visa they choose. Here are the options:
- 30-Day Tourist Visa: This visa allows for a stay of up to 30 days from your arrival in the UAE. You can extend it once for an extra 30 days by applying before it expires.
- 60-Day Tourist Visa: This visa grants a stay of up to 60 days and can also be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- 5-Year Tourist Visa: South African nationals can opt for a longer-term visa valid for five years. This visa permits multiple entries, with each stay lasting up to 90 days, and it can be extended for another 90 days.
UAE tourist visa fees
As of 2024, Dubai & UAE visa prices are as follows:
Transit Visas:
- 48 hours Single Entry: AED 55 (approx. USD 15)
- 96 hours Single Entry: AED 216 (approx. USD 59)
30-Day Tourist Visa:
- Single Entry: AED 510 (approx. USD 139)
- Multiple Entry: AED 610 (approx. USD 166)
60-Day Tourist Visa:
- Single Entry: AED 830 (approx. USD 226)
- Multiple Entry: AED 1560 (approx. USD 425)
It's important to note that the fine for overstaying is AED 100 per day (approx. USD 27), plus an additional AED 200 (approx. USD 54) for an exit pass if you stay beyond your visa's expiration.
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