A Step by Step Guide to Dubai Visa for Malaysian Passport Holders
Just like the rest of the world, Malaysian people greatly enjoy traveling to Dubai to shop at emporiums, tour the city, enjoy a Sky Dive or take part in desert safari activities. But first, it is important to check if a visa is needed to enter UAE and how the visa applications work for Malaysian citizens. This blog will discuss all the information necessary for Dubai visas for Malaysian citizens such as how to apply, the requirements and the different types of visas on offer Let’s not forget the famous sky-dive activities and desert safaris.
1. Do Malaysian Citizens Need a Visa for Dubai?
Visa policies differ in The Middle East. For Malaysia, it’s unfortunate that all Malaysian passport holders need to apply for Dubai visas before entering the country. While Malaysia is part of the visa-exempt which makes it easier to travel to many other countries, Dubai is not one of them. Like many other countries in the Middle East, UAE is unfriendly territories and set hurdles for travelers like Malaysians. A big caveat being the strict requirement that all Malaysian passport holders need to apply for a visa without exception. The UAE poses a visa hurdle, but offer many types of Dubai visas at the other end. While common sense is needed, the process is easy to for Malaysians who wish to travel.
2. Visa Requirements for Malaysian Travelers to Dubai
To attract immigrants and visitors, Dubai provides different visa options that cater to the traveler’s unique needs. Here are the most useful visas for Malaysians seeking to visit Dubai:
a) Dubai Visit Visa for Malaysians
A Dubai visit visa is the most ideal visa for any Malaysian tourists. This visa is designed for tourism, visiting family and friends, business trips, and other recreational activities.
The visit visa which Dubai offers enables a 30 days stay within Dubai, with the possibility to extend it depending on the specific visa type. The visit visa can be applied through various airlines, travel agencies, or through Dubai’s official online visa portal.
b) Dubai Transit Visa for Malaysians
This type of visa is ideal for Malaysians that are just passing through Dubai enroute to another destination. This type of visa allows for a maximum stay of 96 hours (4 days) in transit.
For travelers eager to explore Dubai during their stopover, the Dubai transit visa is ideal. Applicants for the visa must show evidence of an approved onward flight and a current flight that has a layover of no less than eight hours.
If you’re attending meetings, speaking in conferences, or simply looking for new business opportunities in Dubai, you will need a Dubai business visa for you to enter the country.
In regards to the business visa, Dubai permits entry for 14 days which can be renewed for 30 days, or extended to 90 days based on one’s travel requirements and activities planned via the sponsor company based in Dubai. In most cases, to procure such a visa, it is important to first obtain an invitation letter from a local business host in Dubai.
Malaysian Citizens Dubai E-Visa With the new Dubai e-visa system, Malaysians can apply online for an e-visa for holiday or business purposes. This is a simple process since all the e-visa applications are made online, and once approved, a version will be sent through email and that is what one uses at the immigration counter in Dubai.
The highly sought-after Dubai e-visa allows travelers to remain in Dubai for 30 days and is popular among tourists. The application procedure is effortless as applicants are not required to visit an embassy or consulate.
3. Dubai Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens
For residents of Malaysia, the process for acquiring a visa from Dubai comes with specific conditions and documentation. The following are the minimum requirements applicable for all visa applications for Dubai from Malaysia.
Passport:
For travel, a Malaysian passport is necessary along with a validity period of no less than 6 months from the intended date of entry to Dubai.
Photograph:
One passport-sized portrait has to be presented with the passport and the relevant document as mandated by the UAE government. The UAE has very strict requirements.
Proof of flight itinerary shows the prospective traveler’s booking details, along with proof of entry and exit of Dubai.
Accommodation details include the hotel reservation in Dubai or an invitation letter from a friend or family member who is hosting.
Financial proof consists of a traveler’s capability of spending a certain amount in Dubai ( bank statements or pay slips can serve as proof).
A completed visa application, whether submitted online or through an agency, constitutes part of the supporting documents.
Business visas will require additional proof like the invitation letter from the Dubai company. For each visa type, it is recommended to check what other documents might be necessary prior to application grant.
4 . Steps to Get a Dubai Visa for Malaysians
Malaysians have multiple methods of obtaining a visa for Dubai, such as:
Airlines:
Emirates Flydubai, Etihad, and other airlines provide visa assistance for anyone traveling to Dubai. When booking tickets, be sure to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a visa.
Travel Agencies:
A decent proportion of agencies are capable of assisting you with the Dubai visa application like a full-service travel agency. You do not have to spend any effort as all that is required from you is to provide certain documents.
Online Application (E-Visa):
Of all the visa issuing methods, the Dubai e-visa portal is the easiest and most user-friendly for any traveler. It is necessary to fill out a questionnaire, upload some documents, and pay a service charge. When the visa is approved, the applicant will receive the e-visa via email.
5. Visa Charges to Dubai for Malaysians
As with most services, the cost of the Dubai visa differs with the complexity of the application being made. The following is a loose guide to the costs likely to be incurred by a foreign national seeking a UAE visa.
Visit Visa:
Expected to ranges from AED 300-400 (USD 80-110) for 30 days validity.
Transit Visa costs between AED 50 and 150 and is around USD 13 to 40 depending on how long the visa is valid for.
Business visa Fees AED 350 – 750 or USD approx 95 – 200. Depends on the purpose and length of the stay.
E-Visas cost between AED 300 – 400 or USD 80 – 110 for 30 days of tourism.
Prices fluctuate frequently, so it is advisable to confirm this with your local office or travel agent.
6. How Much Time is Granted for Processing a Dubai Visa For Malaysian Citizens?
This will change according to the procedure used:
For Dubai e-visa, generally ready within 3 to 5 business days.
Visit and Tourist Visa: 3 to 7 business days.
Business Visa: 10 to 15 business days depending on the complexity of the application.
A safe option is to apply as early as possible prior to your travel date.
7. Can Citizens of Malaysia Apply for Dubai Visa Renewals?
Yes, citizens of Malaysia can renew their Dubai visa, but like any other process, there are certain eligibility requirements to fulfill as well as a specific process that needs to be followed depending on the type of visa. For example, the tourist visa is eligible for an extension of up to 30 days. Yet, with a business or visit visa, extensions are not guaranteed.
If you do wish to stay longer than what is permitted, you will need to apply for an extension prior to the visa expiry date. Generally speaking, extension permits can be obtained from the immigration office of the UAE or via an online application.
Conclusion
Summarizing, citizens of Malaysia need to bear in mind that a visa is required when traveling to Dubai. The good news is that obtaining this visa is simple because there are many alternatives for different travel purposes. Whether you are coming for a holiday, business trip, or simply transiting through Dubai for a few days, there is a visa for all types of tourists.
If the necessary considerations such as documents, visa requirements and timelines are applied to properly, then the traveling plans for this strikingly beautiful city can be made with ease and convenience.
Be sure to watch for any new visa changes and start an application if you are planning a trip to Dubai in the near future. Have a nice trip!
