Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Services from Dubai
Find answers to common questions about applying for tourist, visit, transit, and business visas from the UAE. If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact OraVisa directly for personalised guidance.
General Questions
+What is OraVisa and what services do you offer?
OraVisa is a professional visa consultancy based on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. We help UAE residents apply for tourist visas, visit visas, transit visas, and short-term business visas for over 100 countries worldwide. Our services include document preparation, application form completion, embassy submission, tracking, and visa collection.
+Who can use OraVisa services?
OraVisa serves anyone currently residing in the UAE, including UAE nationals, expatriates, and residents holding valid UAE residency visas. Whether you hold an Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, British, or any other passport, our Dubai-based consultants can assist with your visa application for international travel.
+How many countries does OraVisa cover?
OraVisa currently handles visa applications for over 100 countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. This includes popular destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, Schengen countries, Australia, Japan, Turkey, and many more. If your destination is not listed on our website, contact us and we will confirm whether we can assist.
+Do I need to visit your office in person?
No, visiting our Sheikh Zayed Road office is not required. Most OraVisa clients work with us entirely via WhatsApp and email. You can send your documents digitally, and we handle the rest. However, you are welcome to visit our office if you prefer an in-person consultation or need to drop off original documents.
+Does OraVisa handle student visas or work permits?
No. OraVisa specialises exclusively in short-term travel visas: tourist, visit, transit, and business visas. We do not process student visas, employment visas, work permits, or immigration and permanent residency applications. This focused approach allows us to deliver expert service within our specialisation.
+Is OraVisa a licensed company in Dubai?
Yes. OraVisa is a fully registered and licensed company operating from Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We comply with all local regulations and maintain transparent business practices. Our office is open Sunday through Saturday during published business hours.
Tourist Visa FAQs
+What documents do I need for a tourist visa application?
Common documents include a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport-size photographs, bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months, employment or salary certificate, travel itinerary, and hotel bookings. Requirements vary by country, and OraVisa provides a personalised checklist for your specific destination and nationality.
+How long does tourist visa processing take?
Processing times vary by destination. E-visas for countries like Turkey or Azerbaijan can be ready in 1 to 3 days. Schengen tourist visas typically take 10 to 15 working days. UK and US visas may take 3 to 6 weeks depending on the embassy workload. OraVisa provides estimated timelines for your specific application during the free consultation.
+How much does it cost to apply for a tourist visa through OraVisa?
Costs depend on the destination country, visa type, and processing speed. OraVisa charges a transparent service fee on top of the embassy or visa centre fees. We provide a detailed breakdown during your free consultation so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit. No hidden charges.
+Can OraVisa help with Schengen visa applications from Dubai?
Yes. Schengen visa applications are one of our most requested services. OraVisa handles applications to all 27 Schengen member countries through the relevant embassies and VFS Global centres in Dubai. We prepare your documents, complete the application form, book your appointment, and guide you through the entire process.
+What happens if my tourist visa application is rejected?
If your tourist visa is refused, OraVisa will review the refusal reason with you and advise on your options. Depending on the grounds for refusal, we may help you prepare an appeal or reapply with a stronger application. Our thorough document preparation and pre-submission review are designed to minimise rejection risks.
Visit Visa FAQs
+What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa?
A tourist visa is for leisure travel, sightseeing, and holidays. A visit visa is specifically for visiting family or friends in another country. Visit visas often require an invitation letter from the host, proof of the relationship, and details of accommodation arrangements. OraVisa helps you determine which visa type is appropriate for your trip.
+Do I need an invitation letter for a visit visa?
Most countries require an invitation letter from the person you are visiting for a visit visa application. This letter should include the host details, your relationship, the purpose and duration of your visit, and accommodation details. OraVisa provides templates and guidance to ensure the invitation letter meets the specific embassy requirements.
+Can OraVisa help me visit my family in the UK from Dubai?
Yes. UK family visit visas are among the most common applications we process at OraVisa. We help you compile the correct supporting documents, prepare the online application, gather sponsor evidence from your family member in the UK, and guide you through the biometric appointment at the VFS centre in Dubai.
+How long can I stay on a visit visa?
Visit visa durations vary by country. Schengen visit visas allow up to 90 days within a 180-day period. UK visit visas typically allow stays of up to 6 months. US B1/B2 visas can be issued for up to 10 years with stays of up to 6 months per entry. OraVisa advises on the maximum stay allowed for your specific destination.
+Can I apply for a visit visa if I have no family abroad?
If you are visiting friends rather than family, you can still apply for a visit visa. Some countries accept invitation letters from friends who are residents or citizens. However, if your trip is primarily for tourism rather than visiting a specific person, a tourist visa may be more appropriate. OraVisa helps you choose the right category.
Business Visa FAQs
+What is a short-term business visa?
A short-term business visa allows you to travel abroad for business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, seminars, or signing contracts. It does not permit you to work or earn income in the destination country. OraVisa handles business visa applications for corporate professionals and entrepreneurs based in the UAE.
+What documents are needed for a business visa application?
Business visa applications typically require a company letter stating the purpose of travel, an invitation letter from the overseas company or event organiser, your trade licence, bank statements, and standard travel documents. OraVisa prepares a tailored document checklist based on your destination and the nature of your business trip.
+Can OraVisa handle corporate visa applications for multiple employees?
Yes. OraVisa offers corporate visa services for companies sending multiple employees abroad for conferences, meetings, or business events. We coordinate bulk applications, manage different passport requirements within the same team, and provide a single point of contact for HR departments. Contact us for corporate pricing and volume discounts.
+How quickly can I get a business visa for an urgent trip?
Processing times depend on the destination country. Some countries offer express or priority processing for an additional fee. OraVisa can expedite document preparation on our end, often within 24 hours, to minimise delays. Contact us immediately when you have an urgent business trip and we will advise on the fastest processing option.
+Is a business visa the same as a work visa?
No. A business visa is strictly for short-term business activities like meetings, conferences, and trade events. A work visa or employment permit allows you to take up paid employment in another country. OraVisa handles short-term business visas only. For work visas, we recommend consulting a specialised immigration agency.
Popular Destination FAQs
+How do I get a Schengen visa from Dubai?
To get a Schengen visa from Dubai, apply through the visa centre of the country where you will spend the most time. You need a completed application form, valid passport, travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum coverage, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and an employment letter. OraVisa handles Schengen visa applications for all 27 member countries from our Dubai office.
+How do I apply for a US visa from Dubai?
To apply for a US visa from Dubai, complete the DS-160 online form, pay the application fee, and schedule an interview at the US Consulate General in Dubai. You will need to demonstrate ties to the UAE, financial stability, and a genuine purpose of travel. OraVisa prepares your documentation and provides interview coaching to maximise your approval chances.
+How do I apply for a UK visa from Dubai?
UK visa applications from Dubai start with an online application on the UK government website, followed by a biometric appointment at the VFS Global centre. You need bank statements, an employment letter, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. OraVisa manages the entire UK visa process and has a high approval rate for UAE-based applicants.
+How do I apply for a Canada visa from Dubai?
Canada visa applications from Dubai are submitted online through IRCC or at the VFS Application Centre. You need a valid passport, digital photos, proof of funds, travel history, and a purpose of travel letter. Processing takes 4-8 weeks for most applicants. OraVisa prepares your complete application package for the strongest possible submission.
+How long does a Turkey visa take from Dubai?
A Turkey e-Visa for eligible nationalities is typically processed within 24-48 hours, making it one of the fastest visas from Dubai. If your nationality requires a sticker visa through the Turkish Consulate, processing takes 5-10 working days. OraVisa determines the correct route and handles the application for you.
+Which Schengen visa is easiest to get from Dubai?
Schengen visa approval rates from the UAE vary by country, but countries like Finland, Estonia, and Lithuania have historically shown higher approval rates. However, you should always apply to the country of your main destination rather than the perceived easiest one. OraVisa analyses your itinerary and recommends the optimal Schengen application strategy.
+Can Indian passport holders apply for a US visa from Dubai?
Yes. Indian nationals with valid UAE residency can apply for a US visa at the US Consulate General in Dubai. You will need your Indian passport, UAE residence visa, DS-160 confirmation, and supporting financial and employment documents. OraVisa regularly assists Indian passport holders in Dubai with US visa applications.
+Do I need a visa for Dubai from the UK?
No. UK passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai with no advance application required. This can be extended for an additional 30 days. However, if you hold a different passport and are a UK resident, visa requirements for Dubai depend on your nationality. OraVisa can advise on your specific situation.
Application Process FAQs
+How does the OraVisa application process work?
The process is simple. First, contact OraVisa for a free consultation where we assess your requirements and provide a quote. Once you confirm, we send you a personalised document checklist. You submit your documents via WhatsApp or email. We prepare and review everything, submit to the embassy, track progress, and notify you when your visa is ready.
+Can I track the status of my visa application?
Yes. OraVisa provides regular status updates throughout the application process via WhatsApp. We monitor your application after submission and inform you of any embassy requests, updates, or decisions. You can also reach your dedicated consultant at any time to ask about your application status.
+What if the embassy asks for additional documents after submission?
If the embassy or visa application centre requests additional documents, OraVisa will notify you immediately and guide you on what is needed. We help you prepare the supplementary documents quickly and submit them on your behalf to avoid processing delays. Our thorough initial review minimises such requests.
+How do I pay for OraVisa services?
OraVisa accepts multiple payment methods including bank transfer, credit and debit cards, cash at our Sheikh Zayed Road office, and Apple Pay. Payment is required after your free consultation, once you have reviewed and agreed to the detailed quote. We provide receipts for all transactions.
+What is your refund policy if my visa is rejected?
OraVisa service fees cover the application preparation and submission work performed on your behalf. Embassy and visa centre fees are generally non-refundable as per their policies. OraVisa discusses refund terms clearly during the consultation before you commit. We are transparent about costs and risks from the outset.
+How far in advance should I apply for my visa?
We recommend starting the process at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date for most destinations. Some countries, like the US and UK, may require even more lead time during peak periods. OraVisa advises on ideal submission timing during your consultation to ensure your visa arrives well before your departure date.
35 questions answered above. Still have a question?
This FAQ is maintained and verified by the OraVisa visa consulting team. All answers are reviewed for accuracy by our senior consultants.
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