Canadians visiting Dubai

distantfocus
By distantfocus

I am a Canadian living in Qatar, and my RP just expired (in the process of renewal). I just got off the phone with Emirates and Qatar Airways, both said that I will not be eligible for an on-arrival visa unless my Qatari RP has been valid for 3 months. Any way around this? What if I apply "properly" in advance? Of course they gave me a telephone number, and of course nobody answered. Anybody going through this? More info would be great!

By anonymous• 5 May 2011 14:01
anonymous

Actually I know people with valid Qatari RP's who were turned away in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so don't even attempt to get in here without arranging your visa before hand. The Airlines can't do it, only hotels and a sponsor within the country.

By Dan30• 5 May 2011 13:48
Dan30

OPPS indeed you are right. If he has PR then he will be allowed VOA in Dubai.

By s_isale• 5 May 2011 07:02
s_isale

Dan it is unrelated to this specific topic

By Dan30• 3 May 2011 21:04
Dan30

Since January 2011 Canadian national need a visa to Dubai. You need apply for your visa in advance.

A short time visa will cost 250 Canadian dollars I have enclosed you Embassy web site I hope it helps.

http://www.uae-embassy.ae/Embassies/ca/Content/1175

Dan

By qatarisun• 2 May 2011 21:41
qatarisun

Acadian, you are a male! there is still a lot of gender-based discrimination in this region. She won't be granted a visa to Saudi if she is travelling by herself (ya'ani "WOMAN, TO WHOM DO YOU BELONG??") , and I guess you cannot simply jump in your car from Qatar to UAE, even though they are very close to each other.

By qatarisun• 2 May 2011 21:34
Rating: 4/5
qatarisun

distantfocus, of course you have to be under your husband sponsorship, like I am. Otherwise all above doens't make a sense. You cannot travel with your expired Qatari RP. I mean, you can of course, but as a Canadian only, not as GCC resident. Renew your RP, complete your transfer of Sponsorship under your husband and go travel every week, if you want.

By Acadian• 2 May 2011 18:03
Rating: 4/5
Acadian

I drive to Dubai at least once a month from Doha. There is no problem getting a visa at the boarder as long as you have a valid RP. Cost is AED 105. That’s about the only change since the changes. If your RP is expired you best go to the UAE embassy

By distantfocus• 2 May 2011 09:53
distantfocus

addiditional info.:

http://flydubai.com/english/partners/uae-visas.aspx

By distantfocus• 1 May 2011 18:38
distantfocus

Qatarisun that is very interesting... thank you...so can I do that even if my RP is expired? I haven't yet moved my sponsorship to my husband. Do you think they will let me in if I go with my husband (he's American) and just pay that fee? I wonder if I should take the risk.. do you know this for sure? I really was supposed to go this weekend... I can't wait that 1 week until approval if I apply "properly" beforehand! Otherwise, I won't go :( What do u think?

By qatarisun• 1 May 2011 18:29
Rating: 5/5
qatarisun

oh, and if you go to Dubai with your husband who is not canadian, and who can obtain a visa on arrival, you will pay Dh.100 as well as he will. Moreover, if you want to go to Dubai without him, take copy of his passport and copy of his Qatari RP, you will pay Dh.200 (as IF he is with you) and will be able also to obtain a visa on arrival. That's waht we were told when I traveled with my hub to Dubai last March.

By distantfocus• 1 May 2011 15:30
distantfocus

Thanks Ossa... and everyone else.

My RP is expired and it's in the process of being changed, I don't work here. Simply switching from father to husband. I use the term "simply" loosely, because it's been a huge PITA.

Anyways, after numerous efforts to get this Canadians visiting Dubai issue resolved, it's finally solved!

You don't NEED a valid RP; The valid RP is for upon-arrival visas, and like someone said, free of charge. Otherwise, what you do is book your flight, fill out an online form (which demands lots and lots of paperwork such as passport copies, etc, like that's really necessary?!), and it's only $67 USD, and takes about a week.

Hope this helps anyone out there. I think i'll opt out as i'm burried in paperwork as it is! :D~

By OSSA• 1 May 2011 14:15
Rating: 4/5
OSSA

The Issue of going to dubai for us Canadians is made much bigger then it realy is.

First of all yes your RP should be valid not for travelling to dubai issue but for when you get back to doha.

I have been to Dubai with the family so many times after the new visa changes. this is how it is

make sure you ask about your job title in the RP that will determin if you need a visa prior or on arrival if you need then I have not done that but if you are ok to get the visa on arrival this is what i usualy do...

you choose Qatar Airways if you wish arrive Dubai before going to customs stop by any of the bank windows there they have the form to fill pay the visa charge which is ONLY 180 dirham's per person adult or kid it is the same.

proceed to the last three immigration counters from the right you can tell they have the eye print projectors stop for 5 minutes your eye scan is done visa stamped and you are in for 30 days renewable.

good luck

By Khanan• 1 May 2011 14:15
Khanan

we were also charged Dh.135/passport for one month tourist visa...

By Milky_BarKid• 1 May 2011 14:13
Milky_BarKid

O was not sure that they charged you Canadians. O so sorry to hear that.

By Milky_BarKid• 1 May 2011 13:44
Rating: 5/5
Milky_BarKid

Canandian whom are residents of the GCC country can still get Visa on Arrival in UAE. Both Emirate and QA are correct that you should renew your Resident permit to avail that free of charge visa on arrival.

Plus you cannot leave Qatar without an exit permit, which can only be issued if you cancel your RP or have a valid RP.

So simply you need to expedite the renewal of your RP. Khallas

By qatarisun• 1 May 2011 13:38
qatarisun

actually it wouldn't be too bad, Khattak. Last March we flew from Dubai to Toronto with A380 (Emirates), and it was PACKED, man! All 700 seats were taken to the last one, up to the point it was not enough food during the flight!..(bear in mind, it is 14-hours fligh)

By s_isale• 1 May 2011 12:50
s_isale

renewing RP hardly takes a day. Since your RP is expired, if you leave the country before it is renewed, you will have to start fresh

By KHATTAK• 1 May 2011 12:50
KHATTAK

Canada should allow one more flight operation a week to Emirates & Etihad...the issue would be sorted out :P

By qatarisun• 1 May 2011 12:46
qatarisun

you have to get a visa prior to your arrival to UAE.

Charge depends on duration. I think the shortest stay (few dys or so) is about $250. Multi visa is $1000.

check this http://www.uaeinteract.com/travel/visas.asp

and this http://www.emirates247.com/business/visas-for-canadians-at-under-70-2011-01-03-1.337245

By Khanan• 1 May 2011 12:41
Rating: 4/5
Khanan

Don't take risk.

I almost avoided a return journey on the same day from Muscat Airport. (2 months remaining in the expiry of RP)

By kishdeep• 1 May 2011 12:38
kishdeep

You can a get a visit visa which needs to applied atleast 15 days prior of the date of departure according to new rules for Canadians. I belive the visit charges currently is $1000.

Emirates airline at the D ring road should be able to help you out.

By DaRuDe• 1 May 2011 12:34
DaRuDe

you do need to have a valid RP

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.