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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
- Average Temperature: Approximately 25°C year-round.
- Rainfall:
- Amount: Minimal
- Period: Usually from late January to late March
- Daylight Hours:
- Winter: 06:00 to 17:00
- Summer: 04:30 to 18:30
- Seasonal Variations:
- Winter (October to April): Mild and pleasant, with cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. Ideal for outdoor activities and social events.
- Summer (May to September): Hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. High humidity levels can make it feel even hotter. Summer is less suitable for outdoor activities.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring and outdoor activities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Capital City: | Abu Dhabi |
| International Airports: | – Abu Dhabi International Airport – Al Ain International Airport – Dubai International Airport – Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport – Fujairah International Airport – Ras Al Khaimah International Airport – Sharjah International Airport |
| Area: | 67,300 km² |
| Population: | 3,051,016 (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | GMT/UTC +4 hours |
| Religion: | Predominantly Islam |
| Language: | Official: Arabic Widely Spoken: English |
| Currency: | Emirati Dirham (AED or DHS) Linked to US Dollar Coins: 25 fils, 50 fils, 1 dirham Notes: AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 |
| Exchange Rate: | Consult your local bank as rates fluctuate. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Accepted everywhere; carry cash for markets. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Readily available |
| Dialling Code: | +971 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220/240V Three-pin 13A British-style plugs. |
| Water: | Drink bottled water. |
| Business Hours: | – Government & Businesses: Sunday to Thursday; some operate Saturday to Wednesday – Dubai & Abu Dhabi Businesses: 07:00 – 13:00 & 15:00 – 18:00 – Shops: 09:00 – 22:00/23:00 daily, except Friday (10:00 – 12:00 / 14:00) – Restaurants and bars: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Wine shops: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Private offices: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday |
| Banking Hours: | Sat-Wed 08:00 – 15:00, Thur 08:00 – 12:00. Most ATMs are 24-hour. |
| Photography Restrictions: | Ask for permission before photographing people in national dress. |
| Tipping: | 10% is customary but not obligatory. Hotel porters and helpers: AED 2 |
| Vaccination Requirements: | No specific vaccinations required; consult your medical professional. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Dress modestly in mosques; otherwise, the UAE is tolerant of western fashion. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | – Respect women; avoid prolonged eye contact. – Public affection is generally frowned upon. – Dining is a social event; arriving 15 minutes late is considered polite. |
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
- Dubai International Film Festival: November/December
- Dubai 7’s: November/December
- Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 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