An Overview of Entry Essentials for Britons Travelling To Dubai

An intoxicating cocktail of gorgeousness, Dubai is a unique alchemy of the warm azure waves of the Arabian Sea and the barrenness of the Empty Quarter. In addition, the destination is pretty popular for its larger-than-life architectural wonders and supreme shopping scene. No wonder many Britons often scramble for seats aboard international flights bound for the destination. But Dubai is a pretty strict destination when it comes to following the entry essentials to the dot. It certainly pays to get well acquainted with various facets of visa, passport, medication and exit essentials before spending on tickets aboard flights bound for the city. One must visit the website of FCO for more updated details.

Visa

British citizens booking air tickets to the emirate can get a 30 day visa on arrival. This visa can be extended to another 30 days by visiting the immigration office and paying an extension fee. Overstaying the visa is considered an offense and there are hefty penalties for the same. For information on staying in the destination for more than 60 days, one may visit the websites of the UAE Consulate in London, the Naturalisation and Residency Department – Dubai or the UAE Federal E-Government Portal.

Working Visa

Britons arriving in Dubai on a visit visa and willing to undertake a job or employment must acquire a probationary work permit from the Ministry of Labour. The probationary work permit is valid for up to three months. Breaching this rule may attract hefty fines or jail sentences and finally deportation.

It is also important to cancel the work visa before leaving Dubai permanently. Those flouting this rule are reported as absconders. Such people may be arrested on return to the city, even in case of transit to another country.

Residence Visa

Anyone applying for Residence Visa for Dubai needs to undertake a blood test. If tested positive for HIV and hepatitis, travellers are detained and then deported. There is no appeal process for the same. Britons applying for Residence Visa for the destination must do well to take a blood test shortly before booking their flights to the emirate.

Passport

Britons on flights to the emirate must possess a passport valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. Those applying for residence permits must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 3 months so as to travel into and out of the city.

Medication

It pays to know that some prescribed and over the counter medicines are considered controlled substances in the emirate. For bringing in such medicines, one must take prior permission from UAE Ministry of Health. Any offenses pertaining to this rule are subject to prosecution under UAE law. For greater details, one may contact the Embassy of the UAE or the Registration and Drug Control Department of the UAE Ministry of Health.

Exit requirements

Britons flying out of the emirate must have legal status in the UAE. People subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, having unpaid debt or a child subject to a custody dispute may not be allowed to leave Dubai.