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Can I Travel to Dubai With US Refugee Travel Document?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a refugee residing in the United States and planning to travel to Dubai, you may be wondering if your US Refugee Travel Document is valid for entry into the city. In this article, we will explore the requirements and restrictions you need to be aware of before embarking on your journey.

Understanding the US Refugee Travel Document

The US Refugee Travel Document, also known as Form I-571, is issued to refugees and asylees in the United States. It serves as a valid form of identification for international travel when returning to the US. However, its acceptance and validity in other countries depend on their individual immigration policies.

Entry Requirements for Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As such, it has specific entry requirements that apply to all travelers, including those with a US Refugee Travel Document.

1. Visa Requirement:

Before traveling to Dubai, it is essential to check if you require a visa.

The UAE offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for citizens of many countries. However, refugees with a US Refugee Travel Document may need to obtain a visa before their trip. Contacting the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence is highly recommended.

2. Validity of Your Travel Document:

Dubai requires all visitors’ passports or travel documents to have at least six months’ validity remaining from the date of entry. This rule applies regardless of whether you hold a refugee travel document or any other type of passport.

Tips for Smooth Entry into Dubai

To ensure a smooth entry into Dubai with your US Refugee Travel Document, consider the following:

  • Check Visa Requirements: Research and confirm if you require a visa for your specific nationality and travel purpose. Apply early to avoid any last-minute complications.
  • Passport Validity: Ensure that your travel document has at least six months’ validity remaining beyond your intended stay in Dubai.
  • Transit Stops: If you have any layovers or transit stops in other countries, familiarize yourself with their entry requirements as well. Some countries may have additional visa requirements or restrictions.
  • Contact UAE Authorities: Reach out to the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence for accurate and up-to-date information regarding entry requirements and visa procedures.

While the US Refugee Travel Document is a recognized travel document for returning to the United States, it is crucial to research and understand Dubai’s specific entry requirements before planning your trip. Check if you need a visa, ensure your travel document’s validity, and contact the appropriate authorities for guidance. By being well-prepared, you can make your journey to Dubai a smooth and enjoyable experience.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into traveling to Dubai with a US Refugee Travel Document. Safe travels!

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

  • a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
  • a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
  • a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

  • a colored photo
  • a copy of the passport
  • medical Insurance
  • bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
  • tour programme
  • a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

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Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

  • Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
  • Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
  • Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
  • Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

  • Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
  • Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
  • Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
  • Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

visa free travel with refugee travel documents

  • Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • Countries that DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document
  • European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document
  • List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • List of countries that issue travel documents

How to Apply for a Visa

Please note that the information below changes regularly. For example, the UK leaving the EU may change the ability to travel visa-free to European countries. Therefore, you should always check the visa requirements of your country of destination before you travel.

This question comes up when you are considering travelling to one of the European or Schengen Countries or another country. Once you have obtained refugee status, you may wonder where you can travel without the need for a visa.

If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees , you can travel visa-free to a lot of countries. Different countries have their own travel restrictions and require you to have a visa even for short term visits like tourism, even if you have a Refugee Travel Document.

When you are travelling, you will need to make sure that you carry your valid UK residence permit confirming your refugee status together with the Refugee Travel Document.

refugee travel document uae

N OTE: This list is subject to changes at any time . We recommend double-checking information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of your country of destination before making any travel arrangements or you can start an application with IaM and we can check for you. IaM is not liable for any immigration or other difficulties you may encounter based on the information on this page.

For countries with official sources, there will be a hyperlink, which will be highlighted in orange and underlined. You can click on it to view more information.

Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina  
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Kazakhstan  
  • Norway * (1951 Convention travel documents issued by Malta, Ireland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland have visa-free access to Norway )
  • Philippines
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • Thailand*  (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Turkey   (unless for official visit)
  • United Kingdom

Countries that do not require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • Liechtenstein 
  • Netherlands* (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Tunisia * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Vatican city

European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document:

European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document:.

  • Liechtenstein
  • Monaco* (To be confirmed after Brexit)
  • Netherlands* (Depending on your nationality)

List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • UAE – Dubai
  • Qatar – Doha

List of countries that issue travel documents:

  • Netherlands *
  • Republic of Ireland
  • United States of America

All the above countries issue refugee travel documents in one form or another. They allow you to leave the country that issued them and return with the same documents. Some countries allow you to travel to other countries without the need for a visa. Whereas, you may need to obtain a visa for other countries. These arrangements are usually due to agreements between countries.

Please note that in some instances, you may lose your refugee status if you travel to the country from which you sought refuge. You will need to check with the country that issued your travel documents.

refugee travel document uae

Getting a Travel Visa

A travel visa is an official document, usually stamped or affixed into the bearer’s passport, that grants the right to legally enter, remain within, or leave a foreign country. A  Schengen visa , for example, allows you to travel to any of the  Schengen countries  as well as other  non-Schengen countries  that allow travellers to enter their countries with a Schengen visa.

Travellers without a valid travel visa will be refused entry into a country. And, if the individual enters the country through illegal means and is later discovered, may be punished and deported.

Each country has their own processes for applying for a visa. Generally, you will need to fill in an application form and submit any requirements that the consulate or embassy asks for, and some even require you to appear for an interview .

There are many factors that could add to your visa being approved or rejected by the consulate, and many find the process of applying for a visa stressful for this reason. You can choose to do this on your own, or get a service like IaM to help you either make the application or check the application that you filled out yourself.

If you want to make your own visa application to any of the Schengen countries , check out our blog posts for our detailed guides:

refugee travel document uae

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Do you have a refugee travel document and plan on travelling? Comment below.

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51 Responses

refugee travel document uae

Great article Very informative Just one suggestion in title if you can add UK

refugee travel document uae

Hello, Can I still travel to these countries visa free with a refugee travel document after brexit? Thanks

refugee travel document uae

We are in the process of updating this post. Check with the embassy first to know where you want to go.

refugee travel document uae

The French embassy has been ignoring my email enquiries and their visa centre as well. I am stuck and do not know if I can still travel to France visa free with my refugee blue travel documents with Brexit. Has anyone travelled during this year 2021? did you need to apply for a Schengen visa or did you travel visa free? That would help a lot if someone could share their experience. Many thanks

refugee travel document uae

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

refugee travel document uae

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

refugee travel document uae

Hi all, I am currently stck in Georgia that entered the UK red list and in need for a buffer place to spend the ten days before flying back to the UK. I would appreciate any suggestions for a visa free destination.

Hi. You can check the UK amber list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-uks-amber-travel-list/ ) or green list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-new-countries-on-the-green-list/ ).

refugee travel document uae

What type of visa do I need to visit a Switzerland for about 2 weeks to visit a friend. And can I travel to Switzerland from Sudan . I live in the uk and I have a refugee travel document. I’m traveling to Sudan in few days then if possible will travel to Switzerland.

You will need a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland to visit a friend. You can check the list above if you are required to apply for this visa.

refugee travel document uae

Hi , I have a Uganda travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Read the blog post above.

refugee travel document uae

Can I still travel to Malta with a refugee travel document from the UK without a visa? I have contacted the relevant embassies but have not had any replies yet.

Hi. We have updated our list. You can check which countries you can travel to visa-free.

refugee travel document uae

Hi CHesca , thanks alot for this information so i have read that Malta does not require visa for Blue refuggee TravelDocument . just some one stuck in Istanbul and have to go to malta to do the 10 days there . thanks

You’re welcome. Glad to help.

refugee travel document uae

Hi , I have a Japanese travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Check the list above or contact the embassy for more info.

refugee travel document uae

Hi , thank you for this helpful article but can you please confirm about Turkey and Tunisia as I can see them in countries DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention. do you have any link to show this new update I checked Turkish official website and I think they still ask Refugee travel document holders to apply for visa. please let me know!

many thanks

You can check with the embassy to be sure if you will need a visa or not.

refugee travel document uae

I,m a refugee in Namibia. I have acceptance status and my traveling document. I would like to visit Canada or Austria. Please how will I get the Visa.

Hi. You can start your application with us here: For Austria: https://immigrationandmigration.com/schengen-visas/ For Canada: https://immigrationandmigration.com/canada-visas/

refugee travel document uae

Hi, I been in Portugal in June 21, could I still travel to Portugal with my travel document from UK? Thank you very much.

Check the article above.

refugee travel document uae

Hi I live in the UK having travel documents. Can I travel to paris without visa please let me know Thanks

You can check the list above for France.

refugee travel document uae

Hi Juan, can I check if your comment means you travelled to Portugal in June 2021 visa free? I have a flight to Portugal tomorrow and I was under the impression that I could travel without a visa with the same travel document mentioned in the article. Thanks

refugee travel document uae

I would also be interested in this question in regards Portugal.

refugee travel document uae

Has anyone with refugee travel document indeed travelled to USA WITHOUT a visa or do we actually need a visa to get in?

According to our list, USA requires a visa.

refugee travel document uae

My first inquiry: HI, my UK Refugee Travel Documents will expire in 14/11/2021 (that is bit less than 3 months from now). Can I still use it to travel to Europe (Greece or Lithuania)?

My second inquiry: about a week ago I contacted Lithuania (by email) asking if I could visit Lithuania using my Refugee Travel Document (above) visa-free. They confirmed that I COULD! However, in the list above Lithuania is under the “Countries that REQUIRE visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention”. Can you explain how this works please?

You need to make sure that your travel document is valid if you plan to travel. As we have put up in the notice, these restrictions can change at any time so we recommend you check with the embassy.

refugee travel document uae

I hold a UN Convention Refugee Travel Document issued in the UK, and I am preparing to visit a country that does not require visa from me. I wonder if I need to present my Biographic Residency Permit Card (BRP) at the custom alonsige the travel document?

Yes you will need that to enter the UK.

refugee travel document uae

I have refugee uganda refugee i need to visit canda how will i go there please help me.

refugee travel document uae

Hello, I have a blue passport (1951) issued by Belgium, I live with in Brussels, I would like to go to south Africa, I would like to know if I need or apply for a visa to go there some days of vacation?.. Thanks

You can check our list above and/or check with the embassy to be sure.

refugee travel document uae

Just been to the Portugal Consulate, Refugees now need a Visa to travel to Portugal.

Hi Baba, is this with the 1951 travel document??

Is this with travel document and valid biometric card?

refugee travel document uae

Hi I have Uk travel document (black) I want travel Eastern Europe do I need visa or just buy ticket and travel also if not which country accept it ?

Check the list above.

Do I Require visa with UK travel Document and biometric card for Portugal? I am Albanian citizen, but I reside in the UK.

Hi Eduart, Albanian citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal or any Schengen countries.

refugee travel document uae

You forgot to mention Canada in your list of countries that issue travel documents. Here’s the details about how to get a Canadian travel document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-non-canadians.html

refugee travel document uae

Hi, Anyone been able to travel to Italy recently? I tried to go from Birmingham to Milan with Ryanair and they denied me boarding even though I printed embassy website and consulate email confirming that visa is not required. Ryanair’s handling agent at Birmingham Airport, Swissport use IATA TravelCentre to check for visas

refugee travel document uae

Hi I am a Zimbabwean national who holds a UK refugee travel document and I just wanted to check if South Africa definitely does not require a visa as the last time a friend travelled there about ten years ago they did require one. At that time it did state that we needed one on their website but this is no longer stated so am guessing this has changed. Checked with the embassy but referred me to vfs global.

Regarding my earlier enquiry just got an email from VFS global South Africa desk and the agent stated that a visa would need to be applied for prior to travel if I hold a UK refugee travel document as a Zimbabwean national.

refugee travel document uae

Hi , I have a uk travel document the Convention of 28 july 1951 and i wanted to check if i need a visa to travel to belguim. Thanks

refugee travel document uae

Belgium is listed above in one of the countries that you need a visa. Check out how to apply for a Belgium visa .

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What is a Refugee Travel Document?

Home » What is a Refugee Travel Document?

July 5, 2021

refugee travel document explainer

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Refugee Travel Documents to persons with refugee or asylum status (and in some cases to lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent residence through refugee or asylum status).

Who Needs a Refugee Travel Document

You must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States if you:

  • Have refugee or asylum status but are not a lawful permanent resident (green card holder); or
  • Are a derivative asylee or refugee.

If you do not obtain a travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

Lawful permanent residents who obtained their status through refugee or asylum status may also apply for a travel document. Although permanent residents can generally enter the United States with the green card (after an absence of less than one year), a travel document may be needed to enter other countries. In this way, the travel document is much like a passport.

An asylum “applicant” cannot obtain a Refugee Travel Document. Instead, asylum applicants may apply for an Advance Parole Document . Advance Parole allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . You should file a Form I-131 before you leave the United States and expect processing times of approximately three months. However, it may take longer. Expedited processing may be available for your situation.

Should you need to leave the United States before USCIS grants the travel document or you want to apply outside the United States, please consult with an immigration attorney .

Mistakes on your Form I-131 can cause costly delays or a denial.

Period of validity.

A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to one year. During this time you can use the document multiple times.

USCIS will not renew your travel document. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new one with Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Traveling to the Country of Persecution

Traveling back to the country where you experienced past persecution or claim a fear of future persecution is highly discouraged.

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Issuance of a residence permit for humanitarian cases

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Travel Requirements for the UAE - Tourist Visa

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Tourist visa, travel requirements for the uae.

A tourist wishing to visit the UAE can apply for a tourist visa through the electronic channels of official and private agencies, after fulfilling the requirements for obtaining the entry visa. You can learn about the requirements for entering the UAE and the procedures regarding COVID-19 tests through the websites of the airlines, which are kept up-to-date.

Government Portals to Apply for a Tourist Visa

You can submit an application for a tourist visa, as well as all types of entry visas to the UAE, electronically through government portals.

  • Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
  • General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs

National Airlines

You can apply for a visit visa through national airlines and authorised airlines in the UAE.

  • Etihad Airways Visa Services
  • Emirates Visa Services
  • Flydubai Visa Services
  • Air Arabia Visa Services

You can apply for a visit visa through one of the hotels in the UAE, adhering to the visa requirements.

Travel Agencies

You can apply for a visit visa through travel agencies in the UAE.

Embassies and Consulates

UAE embassies and consulates allow you to apply for a tourist visa.

Categories Exempt from Tourist Visa

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not need a visa to enter the UAE. They can enter the country after presenting their passport issued by one of the GCC countries. Citizens of a few countries can travel to the UAE and obtain an entry visa upon arrival, and the duration of stay according to this visa is up to 30 days. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa that allows for a stay of up to 90 days upon arrival.

  • Visa on arrival

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14 Jun 2024 12:15:27 PM

refugee travel document uae

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IMAGES

  1. 37 Printable Refugee Travel Document Forms and Templates

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  2. Travel Document Application

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  3. Refugee Travel Document FAQ

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  4. Países sin visado para los documentos de viaje de los refugiados en

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  5. Refugee Travel Document Explained

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  6. Commonly Used Immigration Documents

    refugee travel document uae

VIDEO

  1. The UAE Condemns Israels Attack On The Gaza Refugee Camp

  2. भिजिट भिषा वा आफन्तलाई यूएई ल्याउने प्रक्रिया र चाहिने कागजातहरु

  3. How to travel to uae during this pandemic/covid19

  4. مخيم 5 نجوم لللاجئين السوريين في الأردن

  5. UAE Travel Rules for Residents And Visit Visa

  6. New visa rules for the UAE, government announce flexibility?

COMMENTS

  1. Can I Travel to Dubai With US Refugee Travel Document?

    If you are a refugee residing in the United States and planning to travel to Dubai, you may be wondering if your US Refugee Travel Document is valid for entry into the city. In this article, we will explore the requirements and restrictions you need to be aware of before embarking on your journey.

  2. Tourist visa | The Official Portal of the UAE Government

    A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

  3. Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel ...

    If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, you can travel visa-free to a lot of countries.

  4. Refugee travel documents | UNHCR US

    These documents should: protect refugees against refoulement, or forced return to the country they fled from. facilitate their return to their countries of asylum. be easily renewed at embassies. provide refugees access to complementary pathway and family reunification.

  5. Refugee travel document - Wikipedia

    A refugee travel document (also called a 1951 Convention travel document or Geneva passport) is a travel document issued to a refugee by the state which they normally reside in, allowing them to travel outside that state and to return there.

  6. Refugee Travel Document Explained - Asylee/Refugee | CitizenPath

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Refugee Travel Documents to persons with refugee or asylum status (and in some cases to lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent residence through refugee or asylum status).

  7. Note on Travel Documents for Refugees | UNHCR

    It is particularly important for a refugee to be able to travel outside the country of his normal residence. Such travel, for example in order to take advantage of opportunities for education, training or employment, may be an essential prerequisite for a durable solution to his problems.

  8. Issuance of a residence permit for humanitarian cases

    Description. Based on the applicant's humanitarian situation, the foreigner is given a residence permit for a year that may be renewed if a guarantor or host is available. Requirments. Service Steps. Fees. Terms And Conditions. Service Availability Channels. Expected Completion Time. Additional Information. Related Services. Service Centers.

  9. How do I get a refugee travel document? - USCIS

    To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www.uscis.gov. Follow the instructions on the form carefully. For further information please visit our Web site or call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. How long is a Refugee Travel Document ...

  10. Travel Requirements for the UAE - Tourist Visa

    79799634. Government Portals to Apply for a Tourist Visa You can submit an application for a tourist visa, as well as all types of entry visas to the UAE, electronically through government portals....