Dubai Visa for Infants (2026): Documents, Airline Rules, Fees, Processing & How to Apply Online

Traveling to Dubai with a baby? In 2026, infants and children are treated as separate travelers for immigration purposes. That means your baby will need their own passport and—unless they fall under a visa-exempt/on-arrival regime—their own Dubai visa. This guide explains who needs a visa, the exact documents to prepare, airline rules for infants, fees and processing times, plus a quick online application flow via Dubai Visa Center.

Do Babies Need a Visa for Dubai in 2026?

Yes. Every traveler—including infants and minors—must meet UAE entry requirements. Depending on nationality, your child may:

• Be visa-exempt or eligible for a visa on arrival, or

• Require a pre-approved e-visa (tourist/visit or transit).

Quick tip: Even if parents qualify for on-arrival, check the child’s nationality and passport—rules can differ for minors. When in doubt, apply in advance to avoid last-minute airport issues.

Dubai Visa Types for Infants & Minors (Tourist/Visit/Transit)

30/60/90-Day Tourist/Visit Visa (Single or Multiple Entry)

• Ideal for family holidays or visiting relatives.

• Single-entry and multiple-entry options exist. Choose based on your itinerary (e.g., if you’ll briefly exit UAE for a side trip).

Transit Visa (48/96 Hours) for Connecting Flights

• For families with long layovers who want to leave the airport and explore the city.

• Requires confirmed onward ticket and meeting minimum layover criteria.

Visa-Exempt/On-Arrival Nationalities: How Minors Are Treated

• If your child’s passport is eligible for visa-free or visa on arrival, they can usually enter under the same regime—but still require their own passport and meet entry conditions (return ticket, funds, accommodation).

• If eligibility is unclear, pre-apply online for peace of mind.

Infant & Child Visa Requirements (2026): Full Document Checklist

Prepare clear, color scans (no glare or shadows):

• Child’s passport (valid 6+ months from arrival; at least 2 blank pages).

• Child’s recent photo (white background; eyes open if possible; no hats/headbands; face fully visible).

• Completed online application form (child details + parent/guardian details).

• Flight itinerary (round trip or onward ticket).

• Accommodation proof (hotel booking or host address).

• Parent(s) passport + valid UAE visa/entry status if already in UAE.

• Birth certificate (to prove parent-child relationship).

• Consent letter when applicable (see below).

• Travel insurance covering the child (recommended/required for some nationalities).

Passport & Photo Specifications for Babies

• Photo size typically 35×45 mm, white background, face centered.

• Infants’ eyes ideally open; if not feasible for newborns, use the best compliant photo available.

• No toys, pacifiers, or hands visible; no filters.

Extra Documents When Only One Parent Travels

If one parent/guardian is traveling without the other (or if surnames differ), prepare:

• Notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent, authorizing travel.

• Passport copy of the non-accompanying parent.

• Court/guardianship documents (if applicable).
  These are vital to prevent delays at departure or arrival and to comply with child-protection checks.

Travel Insurance & Health Notes

• Comprehensive travel medical insurance is strongly advised for infants.

• Carry any medical notes if your baby was recently premature or has conditions that airlines may ask about.

Airline Rules for Infants: Age, Seating, and What to Expect

Lap Infant vs. Own Seat, Bassinets & Fees

• Infant (under 2 years) can travel as a lap infant (fees apply), or you can purchase a separate seat and use an airline-approved car seat.

• Bassinets are limited and usually assigned to bulkhead rows; request early after booking.

• Strollers are typically checked at the gate; many airlines allow a stroller + car seat free of charge.

Unaccompanied Minor Policies (By Age)

• Airlines vary, but infants and children below a set age usually cannot travel unaccompanied.

• If a 5–12-year-old must travel alone, most carriers require UM services (pre-booked). Always verify your airline’s age rules before ticketing.

How to Apply Online via Dubai Visa Center (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose visa type: Tourist/Visit (30/60/90 days) or Transit (48/96 hours).

2. Enter traveler details: child’s info + accompanying parent’s information.

3. Upload documents: child’s passport & photo, birth certificate, parent passports/visas, flights, hotel.

4. Review fees & submit payment securely.

5. Track your application online (email/SMS updates).

6. Receive the e-visa by email—print a copy and keep a digital backup.

Pro tip: Apply 7–10 days before travel (earlier in peak seasons). If parents are already in the UAE, ensure their status is valid through the child’s arrival date.

Fees, Processing Time & Validity (2026)

• Processing time (typical): 2–5 working days (may vary by nationality/season).

• Tourist/Visit visa fees (child): approx. USD 90–300 depending on duration and entry type.

• Transit: approx. USD 40–80.

• Multiple-entry options cost more but suit multi-country family trips.

• Exact fees shown before checkout on Dubai Visa Center.

Extensions, Grace Periods & Overstay Risks for Minors

• Many tourist/visit visas can be extended (e.g., additional 30–60 days) inside the UAE, subject to 2026 rules.

• After expiry, a grace period may apply (varies by category).

• Overstay fines apply even for minors and can complicate future travel. Extend or exit before expiry.

Common Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Avoid Them)

• Applying with a newborn photo that doesn’t meet specs (background, shadows).

• Forgetting consent letters when one parent isn’t traveling.

• Mismatch in names/dates between birth certificate and passports.

• Booking bassinets late—request immediately after ticket purchase.

• Relying on parent’s on-arrival while the baby actually needs pre-approval.

• Cutting it too close—apply at least a week in advance.

Why Apply with Dubai Visa Center (Safety, Speed, Support)

• Secure, guided application tailored for minors.

• Fast processing with real-time tracking.

• Document checks to reduce rework/rejection risk.

• 24/7 support for families (status, corrections, re-submissions).

👉 Apply your child’s Dubai visa now via Dubai Visa Center for a smooth, stress-free trip.

Final Call to Action: Apply Your Child’s Dubai Visa Online

Make your family trip seamless from takeoff to touchdown.
👉 Apply Dubai Visa for your infant (and the whole family) through Dubai Visa Center—fast, secure, and parent-friendly.