Taking your children to Dubai soon and wondering how visa rules apply, which exemptions exist, and what paperwork parents really need for a smooth entry?
Do children need a visa
Children are subject to the same entry rules as their parents. If the parent qualifies for visa on arrival, the child does too. If the parent must apply in advance, so must the child. GCC nationals enter freely, while other passports depend on bilateral agreements. The child’s passport should have at least six months’ validity, and officials often ask for return tickets as proof of travel plans.
Common entry routes for families
Tourist visas are the most used option, either issued on arrival or arranged beforehand through airlines or government portals. Some families prefer the five-year multi-entry visa for frequent visits. GCC residents now need to apply for eVisas before traveling, which includes minors. Each route has its own list of conditions, but in every case children are included under the same umbrella as parents.
Documents usually required for minors
Each child must carry a valid passport. Airlines sometimes request birth certificates to establish family connection, especially if one parent travels alone. In those cases, a consent letter from the other parent is often useful. Recent passport photos and travel insurance documents are also recommended. Keeping both paper and digital copies in one folder helps avoid delays at counters.
Summer exemption many parents ask about
Children under 18 are exempt from visa fees during the summer travel season, generally from mid-July to mid-September. This initiative is designed to encourage family tourism. The exemption applies only when children travel with adults. Families should always confirm the exact dates each year, since policy updates are announced seasonally.
Insurance and healthcare requirements
Insurance is a required document when applying for a pre-arranged visa. Even if your family qualifies for a visa on arrival, it’s highly recommended to have health coverage. Clinics and hospitals in Dubai expect payment or insurance proof, and carrying policy certificates in English or Arabic speeds up procedures. Keeping printed copies for each traveler, including children, prevents unnecessary stress.
For residents sponsoring their children
Expatriate residents can sponsor their spouse and children for residency. The parent must complete sponsorship procedures within sixty days of the child’s arrival. Mothers can sponsor in special cases, and stepchildren may be sponsored if additional conditions are met. Attested marriage or birth certificates are necessary, and health insurance is mandatory for dependents.
Newborns inside the UAE
Parents of babies born in Dubai have 120 days to obtain a passport, Emirates ID, and residence visa. Missing this window results in daily penalties and travel restrictions. Hospitals provide the initial birth notification, followed by attestations and official registrations. Planning early avoids paperwork bottlenecks and fines.
Children born abroad
If your child is born outside the UAE, first obtain their passport in that country. Next, apply for an entry permit from a UAE mission before traveling. After arrival, complete residence formalities in Dubai. Carry originals and certified translations of birth documents to meet local requirements.
Understanding costs without figures
Visa costs for children vary depending on type, duration, and issuing authority. Airlines may add service charges, and deposits apply in some cases. Five-year visas follow a different fee structure than short tourist visas. Since amounts shift, families should always check official portals or airline visa desks directly before applying.
Processing times in practice
Tourist visas arranged through airlines usually process quickly, while residence sponsorships take longer due to attestations. Government offices in Dubai now follow the Saturday-Sunday weekend, which affects working hours. Applying early in the week helps families receive approvals faster. Always monitor emails and portals for status updates.
Airport and airline tips
Airlines check children’s visas and supporting papers before boarding. If only one parent is present, bring a notarized consent letter from the other. Unaccompanied minor services are available but differ by airline. Arriving early at the airport gives staff time to review family documents calmly.
Rules that catch families off guard
Overstays result in penalties, even for minors. Children on tourist visas cannot enroll in schools, and long-term residency must be secured first. Passport validity remains essential for every child, regardless of age. These points are strictly enforced, so preparation is key.
Families with GCC residency
GCC resident families must now secure eVisas before entry. The system checks both the parent’s residency and profession. Companions and children follow the same conditions. Once approved, the permits arrive by email, which should be printed and carried on arrival.
Which portals to trust
Dubai visas are processed through the emirate’s GDRFA platform, while federal services run through ICP. Airlines also act as authorized channels for tourist visa processing. Families should choose one route and stick with it to avoid confusion. Screenshots and receipts of each submission should be saved for reference.
Recommendations from the editor of www.few.ae
Recommendations from the editor of www.few.ae: Create a digital folder for each child on your phone. Add scanned copies of passports, visas, birth certificates, insurance, and consent letters. Airlines often answer visa queries on chat—screenshot those replies and store them in the same folder. Having everything organized cuts stress and keeps your trip smooth.
Frequently asked questions from parents
Do infants need visas. Yes, every traveler including infants must hold documents. Can minors get visas on arrival. Yes, if their nationality qualifies. Is insurance required. Yes, for pre-arranged visas, and recommended for all. Can a mother sponsor her child. Yes, with specific approvals. Do newborns have deadlines. Yes, 120 days after birth in the UAE.
Key timelines families must track
Remember the summer exemption dates if traveling mid-year. Keep an eye on the sixty-day sponsorship limit after entry. For newborns, mark the 120-day residence window. Always check passports six months before travel. Having these reminders prevents unexpected penalties.
A closing editor note
I prepared this guide with care for families traveling with children. If you share your travel month and passport details, I can refine the advice further. Organized preparation makes all the difference, and keeping files tidy will let you enjoy Dubai without last-minute stress.
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