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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Requirements:
1x completed Application form
Copy of the first few pages of the passport
Detailed itinerary confirming date of arrival and flight details
Valid passport (valid minimum of 6 months) Read More
NOTE:
Nationals of Israel may not enter the UAE
A penalty charge per day is imposed on visitors who overstay (approx. Dh100).
Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a valid visa for the incoming visitor.
General Rules:
Everyone who intends to visit the United Arab Emirates must have a sponsor, either U.A.E.
national, or an expatriate being in the U.A.E. legally.
Visit visa is for the purpose of visiting family members in the U.A.E., i.e.: father, brother etc.
Relatives in U.A.E. should organise the visit visas from the authorities concerned.
The Embassy does not issue tourist visas.
DUBAI Visas have set up a special website for South African customers to simplify the process of applying for visas to the emirate.
The whole process is online and agents or clients can log in to www.dubaivisas.co.za/sa. All that is needed is a copy of the passport, a form to be completed and the payment. Visas will then be emailed to agents or their passengers.
The new system does not require agents or travellers to book accommodation or flights in conjunction with the Dubai visas, and does not require letters from the bank regarding travellers’ sustainability. Should the traveller want to stay with family or friends in Dubai, the visa can be issued without any hassles.
The website also has other useful information for travellers and agents.
For more details contact rushda@dubaivisas.co.za
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
With year round average temperature of around 25⁰ C, rain is rather rare in UAE. Some rainfall is usually expected between the end of January and the end of March.
Day light period during winter month is from 06:00 – 17:00 and in summer from 04:30 – 18:30
Excellent and reliable climate between October and May offers event planner, excellent weather conditions for outdoor activities and open air social programs.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Capital City: | Abu Dhabi |
| International Airports: | – Abu Dhabi International Airport – Al Ain International Airport[1] – Dubai International Airport – Dubai world Central – Al Maktoum International Airport – Fujairah International Airport[1 – Ras Al Khaimah International Airport – Sharjah International Airport |
| Area: | 67,300 km² (80% of the UAE’s total land area) |
| Population: | 2,2 Million (approximate) |
| Time Zone: | GMT/UTC plus 4 hours |
| Religion: | The dominant religion is Islam |
| Language: | The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood |
| Currency: | The currency is the Emirati Dirham which is linked to the US Dollar. The Dirham is commonly referred to as either AED or DHS when shown in written from such as on price tags or menus. There are 100 fils to one Dirham and coins issued are 25 fils, 50 fils, and one dirham. Notes are issued in denominations of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 |
| Exchange Rate: | Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Credit card payments are accepted everywhere, in the markets it is important to carry cash |
| ATM Accessibility: | ATM’s are readily available |
| Dialling Code: | +971 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Normal three-pin 134 amp British-style plugs are used operating on 220/240 volts |
| Water: | It is advisable to drink bottled water. |
| Business Hours: | The government standardised the working week for government and businesses from Sunday to Thursday (for many businesses it remains Saturday to Wednesday).Most businesses in Dubai & Abu Dhabi open from 07:00 – 13:00 & 15:00 – 18:00 Shops are open every day from 09:00 – 22:00/ 23:00 except for Friday when the times are from 10:00 – 12:00 / 14:00. |
| Banking Hours: | Sat-Wed 08:00 – 15:00 & Thur- 8:00 – 12:00.Most banks and other outlets offer 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATM’s). |
| Photography Restrictions: | Please bear in mind that local people may take exception being photographed wearing their national dress without permission. |
| Tipping: | Normally 10% is about the correct amount, but is not obligatory. Hotel porters, helpers at superstores and malls are generally paid a tip of AED 2. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | No vaccinations required, however always consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | The UAE has a tolerant outlook in relation to western fashion and generally has a relaxed attitude to dress code, that said you are required to cover up when entering a mosque. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Be respectful to women and never make prolonged eye contact with a woman. – Although tolerated, public affection is frowned upon – Dining is a social affair and it is polite to arrive 15 minutes late |
FESTIVALS
- Dubai Shopping Festival – end January/ February
- Dubai Marathon – January / February
- Dubai International Jazz Festival – February / March
- Dubai Tennis Championship – February / March
- Dubai Desert Classic – March
- Dubai World Cup (Last Saturday in March)
- Taste of Dubai – March
- Dubai International Boat Show – March
- Art Dubai – March / April
- UAE (Abu Dhabi) Desert Challenge – March / April
- Al Gaffal Dhow Race – April
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – November
- Dubai International Film Festival – November / December
- Dubai 7’s – November/ December
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“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
– Francis of Assisi