Dubai is one of the most popular family holiday destinations from India — it's a 3-4 hour flight, it's extremely well organized for families (malls, theme parks, beaches, indoor attractions), and the visa process is one of the simplest for Indian families. Every family member gets their own e-visa, the applications are straightforward, and the total process from application to arrival takes less than a week in most cases.
Visa Type
UAE Tourist E-Visa
Common Challenges for Families
Each family member needs a separate e-visa
Every family member — including infants — needs their own UAE tourist e-visa. Apply separately for each person at icp.gov.ae or via a licensed agent. For children, the application is completed by the parent on their behalf. The document requirements are the same for each person: passport scan, photo, flight confirmation, hotel booking.
Single parent traveling with children
UAE immigration requires a notarized No-Objection Certificate from the absent parent if a minor is traveling with only one parent. Get this notarized at a Notary Public or Judicial First Class Magistrate's court in India. Include: absent parent's name, passport number, confirmation they consent to the child traveling, and the travel dates.
Children's passport photos for e-visa upload
Each child's application requires a recent passport-size photo (white background, face forward). For infants and toddlers, getting the required photo can be tricky — a professional photographer experienced with baby passport photos is the easiest solution. The photo must meet the digital upload requirements for the ICA portal.
Cost of family Dubai trips
With multiple e-visa fees (AED 200 per person), hotel costs, and activities for children (Global Village, theme parks, aquariums), Dubai family trips add up quickly. Budget AED 200-300 per person for visas, and factor in Dubai's premium pricing for accommodation. Budget-friendly alternatives: staying in Deira (older Dubai area), cooking in a hotel with kitchen, visiting free beaches.
Alternative Documents (when standard ones don’t apply)
Notarized parental consent letter (for single-parent travel)
Required when a minor travels with only one parent. Notarize at a Notary Public or court. Include absent parent's passport details and full travel dates.
Birth certificate (for minors)
Useful to carry even if not always asked — proves parent-child relationship. Certified copy is sufficient.
Return flight booking for entire family
One booking reference that includes all family members' names is cleanest. Must show departure within 30 days.
Hotel booking (family room / connecting rooms)
Book a family room or connecting rooms. The booking must cover all nights of the stay. Free cancellation until visa confirmed.
⚠ Edge Cases
Baby under 2 years old
Infants under 2 typically fly on adult laps (infant fare, no seat). They still need their own Indian passport and their own UAE e-visa. The e-visa application for the infant is completed by the parent. Check with your airline whether the infant needs to appear in the flight booking or is covered under a parent's booking.
Grandparents traveling with the family
Elderly family members follow the same e-visa process. Each needs their own application. Ensure their passport has 6 months validity beyond the travel date — this is commonly overlooked for grandparents whose passports may be approaching expiry.
Family spending more than 30 days in UAE
The standard tourist e-visa is 30 days. For longer family stays (visiting relatives who are UAE residents), the UAE resident can sponsor a family visit visa through official UAE immigration channels — this is a different category from the tourist e-visa.
💡 Expert Tips
01Book Dubai hotels with 'family rooms' or 'connecting rooms' — many Dubai hotels specifically market to Indian families and have excellent family setups.
02Global Village (open October-April, seasonal) is a must for Indian families — Indian cuisine, Bollywood performances, rides. Check if it's open during your visit.
03Dubai's shopping malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates) have extensive family entertainment including indoor ski slopes, aquariums, and cinema complexes — good for filling days with children.
04Pre-book popular attractions (Burj Khalifa At the Top, Aquaventure Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure) online to avoid long queues and often get cheaper rates.
05Indian restaurants are abundant in Dubai — from Ravi's in Satwa (legendary budget curry house) to upscale Michelin-starred Indian dining. You will not struggle with food preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my infant need a UAE visa?+
Yes. Every Indian passport holder, regardless of age, needs a UAE tourist e-visa. Apply for the infant separately using their passport. The parent completes the online application on the infant's behalf.
How much does it cost to get UAE visas for a family of 4?+
AED 200 per person × 4 = AED 800 (~₹18,400). If children under certain ages have reduced fees, it may be slightly less — check the current ICA fee schedule. Apply directly at icp.gov.ae to avoid agent surcharges.
Is Dubai safe for families with young children?+
Very safe — UAE has extremely low crime rates and is specifically set up for family tourism. Facilities (changing rooms, family areas in malls, medical facilities) are excellent. The main consideration is the summer heat (June-September, 40-48°C) — outdoor activities are difficult in peak summer.
What's the best time to visit Dubai with a family?+
November to March — cooler weather (20-30°C), Dubai Shopping Festival (January), and Global Village is open. Avoid June-August if outdoor activities are planned. Diwali in October and December are peak Indian tourist seasons.
Can a grandparent take my children to Dubai without me?+
The grandparent would need a notarized consent letter from both parents (not just one). Include both parents' passport details, the travel dates, and explicit consent for the grandparent to travel with the children. UAE immigration takes child travel oversight seriously.
Verified Sources
Always confirm at source before applying. Visa rules change frequently.
