UAE Visa – Documents Checklist & Proof Guidelines

This guide provides a traveller-friendly checklist for UAE visas—Tourist, Business, Transit, Student, Employment, or Medical. Get clarity on passport rules, photo specifications, purpose-wise proofs, financial documents, and UAE-specific requirements.

Core Documents: What Almost Everyone Needs

Whether visiting for tourism, business, study, or medical purposes, most applicants start with a core set: valid passport, photo, travel plan, proof of funds, purpose letters, and return intent. Ensure consistency in names, dates, and passport numbers.

Valid Passport

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended entry.
At least 1–2 blank pages for visa stamps (Regular visa).
Include old passports if UAE visas or travel history exist.

Recent Photo

White/light background, front-facing, neutral expression.
Follow portal dimensions (e.g., 4x6 cm or as per UAE online form).
No filters or obstructive accessories.

Travel & Stay Plan

Intended travel dates; tickets not always required initially.
Hotel bookings or host invitation with address and phone.
Short itinerary showing main cities and activities.

Funding Evidence

Bank statements (3–6 months), salary slips, or tax returns.
Employer letter if sponsored or self-employment proof.
Sponsor letter + sponsor documents if funded by others.

Purpose Proof

Invitation letter, conference registration, admission letter, or hospital approval.
Reference numbers or approvals as required by UAE visa type.

Return Intent

Return/onward ticket or clear plan showing timely exit.
Proof of ties at home: job, family, studies, or property.

Keep two sets: digital folder (cloud + phone) and printed pack. Use filenames like Passport_Surname_Firstname.pdf.

Photo & Passport Specifications (UAE Essentials)

Photo Guidelines

Plain background, centered face, eyes open, no shadows.
Head size and frame: follow portal instructions exactly.
Accessories: sunglasses not allowed; religious headwear ok if face visible.
Recent photo (within 6 months) in sharp focus and good lighting.
Digital upload: respect size and format restrictions (JPEG/PNG usually).

Passport Rules

6+ months validity from arrival date.
No torn pages or damage; scans must be clear and readable.
Biographic page full scan, no glare, all info visible.
Name consistency across passport, form, and supporting documents.

Mismatched names are a top reason for delays. Stick to one standardized format everywhere.

Purpose-Wise Documents

Attach purpose-specific proofs after core documents, depending on visa type.

Tourist / Family Visit

Hotel booking or host invitation with address and ID copy.
Simple itinerary showing main cities.
Proof of funds covering stay and activities.
If visiting family, relationship proof and contact details.

Business / Conference

Invitation letter from UAE company or conference organizer.
Employer letter confirming role and trip purpose.
Company registration proof if requested.
Proof that you will not engage in local employment (business visit only).

Medical / Attendant

Letter from UAE hospital: diagnosis, treatment, cost estimate, duration.
Appointment confirmation, doctor/department contact.
Proof of funds/insurance.
Attendants: relationship proof + mirrored travel plan.

🔗 Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP): https://icp.gov.ae/en/
🔗 General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA): https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en

Student / Research

University admission/acceptance letter.
Fee receipts, scholarship letter, funding plan.
Accommodation arrangement.
Research summary if applicable.

Employment / Intern

Offer letter with job role and duration.
Company registration and approvals if required.
Qualifications, CV, experience letters.

Transit

Confirmed onward ticket and visa for final destination.
Short layover plan; exit airport only if permitted.

Add a one-page cover note summarizing your itinerary, funds, and purpose.

e-Visa vs Regular Visa: UAE

UAE e-Visa: apply online, upload passport/photo, submit purpose proofs digitally. Print e-Visa for travel. Regular Visa: submit physical forms and documents at UAE Embassy/Consulate.

e-Visa: clear passport scan, proper photo, purpose proofs.
Regular Visa: organized physical files; may require biometrics/interview.
Arrival: keep printed e-Visa, hotel bookings, and letters handy.

Avoid partial screenshots of documents; use PDFs or full printouts.

Financial Proofs

Recent bank statements (3–6 months) showing regular income.
If sponsored, attach sponsor letter + financial proof + ID.
Convert currencies if helpful; keep originals intact.
Payslips or tax returns strengthen profile.

Clarity > bulk. Show normal financial activity rather than sudden large deposits.

Document Quality & Consistency

Naming: 01_Passport.pdf, 02_Photo.jpg, 03_Invitation.pdf
Order: Identity → Photo → Travel → Purpose → Funds → Ties/Return
Readability: Scan 300 dpi, no tilt, crop clutter.
Consistency: Same full name and passport number.
Relevance: Include only what supports your case.

Red flags: mismatched names, unreadable scans, unrealistic itinerary, irrelevant purpose proof.

Documents – FAQs (UAE)

Intended dates are usually enough; some visa types require confirmed bookings. Refundable options preferred.

Typically last 3–6 months, showing name, account number, and regular activity. Avoid sudden large deposits.

Use a single standardized format matching passport; add clarification if unavoidable.

Present a credible accommodation plan. Cancellable bookings or host letter recommended.

Employer letter stating purpose, dates, funding; plus UAE company invitation. Payslips/proof of employment if requested.

Strongly recommended. Coverage should be valid in UAE for the entire trip.

Prefer PDF/printed letters. Full email threads with headers okay; avoid partial screenshots.

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