This past month we've taken our parents to Dubai on 2 separate occasions. We have our GCC resident card which allows us to get visas apon arrival. But for our parents (and all Canadian tourists), they have to pre-arrange their visa.
As mentioned in the previous blog, this could be done via the Canadian Embassy or Emirates airline. We have now tried a 3rd option, which is by far the most convenient way. The hotels (most) will also sponsor visitors.
Interestingly enough, the visa price was different depending on the hotel. The Radisson Blu charged 500 ($143 cdn) dirham and the Al Manzil charged 450 ($129 cdn) dirham. Both required a 5000 dirham deposit which is refunded after sending a scanned copy of the passport exit stamp.
Each of the hotel's visa officer got in touch with us within 1-2 days after making the booking to send us the form, attachment checklist and visa authorization form. The application required the form, passport copy, passport pic, and credit card copy - all of which was done via email. The process was quick, taking only 7 business day before receiving a pdf of the visa. It was valid for 3 months after the date received by email.
At customs we presented the printed copy of the visa and were on our way! Coming back through they take the visa back, so make sure it is kept handy.
As mentioned in the previous blog, this could be done via the Canadian Embassy or Emirates airline. We have now tried a 3rd option, which is by far the most convenient way. The hotels (most) will also sponsor visitors.
Interestingly enough, the visa price was different depending on the hotel. The Radisson Blu charged 500 ($143 cdn) dirham and the Al Manzil charged 450 ($129 cdn) dirham. Both required a 5000 dirham deposit which is refunded after sending a scanned copy of the passport exit stamp.
Each of the hotel's visa officer got in touch with us within 1-2 days after making the booking to send us the form, attachment checklist and visa authorization form. The application required the form, passport copy, passport pic, and credit card copy - all of which was done via email. The process was quick, taking only 7 business day before receiving a pdf of the visa. It was valid for 3 months after the date received by email.
At customs we presented the printed copy of the visa and were on our way! Coming back through they take the visa back, so make sure it is kept handy.
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