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Nepali passport holders need a Dubai visa before they travel. Nepal is on the UAE's visa required list, and Nepal is not among the nationalities that can use a foreign residence for a visa on arrival. The visa comes either from a relative in the UAE, who sponsors an ICP visit visa, or from a Dubai travel agency or hotel, which applies for a GDRFA tourist visa from AED 210.
Visit, tourism or work: three different visas
The question to answer first is why you are going.
To see family. A relative with UAE residence sponsors you through ICP. The visa can be 30, 60 or 90 days, extendable to 120 days in total.
For a holiday. A GDRFA tourist visa, applied for by an accredited Dubai tourism establishment.
For a job. Neither of the above. A visit visa does not allow you to work, and taking a job on one puts you and the employer in breach. The employer applies for the work permit and an employment visa. If you want time in the UAE to find work, the job seeker visa UAE exists for that. Nepal's government has separate rules for citizens leaving for foreign employment, so check those at home too.
When family sponsors you
ICP sets a minimum income for the sponsor depending on how you are related:
| You are the sponsor's | Sponsor's minimum monthly income |
|---|---|
| Father, mother, son, daughter, husband or wife | AED 4,000 |
| Brother, sister, cousin | AED 8,000 |
| Friend | AED 15,000 |
This rule catches many Nepali families: a brother earning less than AED 8,000 a month cannot sponsor his sibling, and even sponsoring a parent takes AED 4,000. Fees on top: application AED 100, issuance AED 100 a month (single entry), smart services AED 100 and a AED 20 deposit fee. The refundable guarantee is AED 1,000 single entry. Source: ICP, checked .
The visitor must enter within 60 days of the visa being issued.
Tourist visa costs
| Tourist visa (GDRFA) | Fee incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| 30 days single entry | AED 210 |
| 60 days single entry | AED 315 |
| 30 days multiple entry | AED 315 |
| 60 days multiple entry | AED 525 |
Source: GDRFA, checked . You need a passport valid for 6 months, a return or onward ticket and UAE-valid health insurance. Agencies sell the 30-day single-entry visa for about AED 336 to AED 350 online.
Nepalis living in the Gulf
Nepali workers resident in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain can ask GDRFA for the entry visa for GCC residents. It depends on the profession printed on the residence being on GDRFA's approved list, which GDRFA assesses case by case. Ask before relying on it.
Before you fly
- Print the e-visa and carry the return ticket.
- Check the name on the visa against the passport letter by letter.
- Confirm the visa is issued on the GDRFA status tool; visa status check shows how.
- Note the last day you may stay. There is no grace period stated for visit visas, and the fine is AED 50 a day (overstay fine).
Our service for Nepali visitors
Send the passport, a photo, the travel dates and the sponsor's residence and salary details. The partner team checks the income against the ICP tier before filing, so a relative is not rejected on salary. They then type and submit the visit visa or tourist visa and send the e-visa once issued. One total price comes before any work, with the government fee and the service charge on separate lines. Reach us on WhatsApp or through the form.
Other passports: Dubai visa by nationality, and all visit visa types on Dubai visit visa.
