0 Comments
Planning a trip to Dubai in the under-18 category without parents and a legal guardian? If the answer is yes, then booking a visa is not enough to finalise your entry into the UAE. Before applying for the Dubai eVisa application, you must understand the Dubai Visa for Minors guidelines. Additionally, airlines offer a separate “Unaccompanied Minor (UM) requirements” application for children travellers. The airline's Unaccompanied Minor (UM) form may be required when a child is travelling alone. Requirements vary by airline and should be checked before the flight. Additionally, other documents such as the children's birth certificates, pre-approved visa, parental consent and other supporting documents depending on the nationality, age and other factors.
Whether your kids are travelling to Dubai as tourists, for a school trip, to meet family, or for other work. Ensure that you have all required documents for hassle-free entry into Dubai. If your kids are travelling for the first time and don’t know the required documents, then this guide is for you. This guide will cover in detail the Dubai travel rules for minors & children travelling alone.
To ensure the safety of kids' Dubai journeys, airlines have some rules. Additionally, some airlines offer special airport lounge and other services for kids. These facilities provide proper safety during the entire journey. Here is a quick overview table of Dubai travel rules for minors, shown below:
| Requirement | What Parents Should Know |
| UAE/Dubai Visa | Depends on nationality and visa eligibility |
| Passport | A valid passport is required |
| Parental Consent | Required when travelling without parents |
| Birth Certificate | Requested to establish parent/guardian relationship |
| Airline UM Service | Depends on the child's age and airline |
| Return/Onward Ticket | May be required depending on visa/travel conditions |
| Accommodation Details | Keep booking/contact details available |
| Airport Pickup | An authorised adult may be required |
Yes, minors must meet the UAE’s entry requirements when travelling to Dubai. Whether they need a pre-approved visa depends on their nationality and whether their passport is eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.
If a visa is required, the minor must obtain an approved visa before travelling. The passport should generally be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
| Category | Age Group | Core Rules & Requirements |
| Infants & Toddlers | Under 2 years | Cannot travel alone. Must travel with an adult over 18. Requires an individual passport and visa. |
| Unaccompanied Minors (UM) | 5 to 11 years | Can travel alone only by booking the airline's official Unaccompanied Minor service. Requires a full passport, visa, and parental NOC. |
| Young Passengers | 12 to 15 years | Can fly alone on adult tickets without mandatory airline escorts, but are not permitted to escort younger children (under 12). Legal minor entry paperwork still applies. |
| Standard Minors | Under 18 years | Must hold their own valid passport and a separate visa. A signed, notarised parental authorisation form (NOC) |
Yes, a minor can travel to Dubai without parents, but they must follow strict document requirements. Additionally, the document requirements depend on nationality; they may be eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.
Dubai Travel Rules for Different Age Groups
| Child's Age | Travelling Alone | What to Check |
| Under 5 | Usually highly restricted | Airline policy |
| 5–11 | May require UM service | Airline-specific rules |
| 12–15 | Rules vary by airline | UM/young traveller policy |
| 16–17 | May travel independently with conditions | Airline + immigration requirements |
While applying for UAE visa requirements for minors online, you must have some important documents. Here is a checklist of some of the documents outlined below:
Child's Passport: Must have a separate valid passport with 6 months of validity from the date of arrival.
Photograph: Child's recent passport-size photo with a clean background.
Valid Birth Certificate: A birth certificate or other proof of the parent-child relationship may be requested in certain circumstances, such as when names differ.
Parents' Details: Clean copy of parents' (mother and father) details. Legal custody document (required if parents are divorced), including the signed NOC from parents.
Proof of Travel: Confirmed return tickets and accommodation proof.
When a child is travelling alone, the airline may require an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) form and details of the authorised person meeting the child at the destination.. In this form, fill in the required details, including the authorised guardian pickup details.
Apply for a Dubai visa for minors in a few steps at Onlinedubaivisa.com. You may have to choose your visa type, fill in the form with the required details, submit documents such as a passport copy and a recent passport-size photocopy, and make your payment.
Once your payment is approved, you will receive the Visa tracking number at your registered email address.
Read Also: UAE visa status check by passport number online
When it comes to UAE visa requirements for minors, airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways provide Unaccompanied Minor (UM) services for teenagers. Here are some of Emirates Unaccompanied Minor policies outlined below:
Follow the smart tips below to send your child to Dubai alone:
Here are some common mistakes that you may have to avoid while a minor travels to Dubai alone.
Parents who are sending their child to Dubai for any purpose. On those terms, to ensure their safety and hassle-free entry into Dubai, they must ensure that all documents and visa application processes are correct. Additionally, before applying, they must read the strict guidelines of Dubai eVisa for Minors. Additionally, do confirm the registration as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) to ensure the safest journey.
Choose onlinedubaivisa.com to get the fastest minor Dubai visa for children without any rejection or delay. When you choose us, we provide 24/7 customer support service. Our representatives help you with proper document guidance and ensure your entry is seamless.
A minor must have a valid separate passport with 6 months of validity, parents' consent including their passport copy, birth certificate (if applicable), unaccompanied minor service booking details, and no objection clearance with signatures of both parents and others.
A child's UAE entry status depends on their nationality and immigration status. If the child is travelling as a UAE resident or dependent, different rules may apply. Check the applicable UAE entry requirements before travel.
Yes, children can travel to Dubai alone within certain UAE restrictions. Children aged 0 to 5 years are restricted from travelling alone; children aged 6 to 12 years are allowed to travel alone by using the Unaccompanied Minor service of an airline; children above 12 years can travel, but paperwork is also required.
It depends on the airline's policy; some airlines require the UM service for 14-year-olds. Some airlines count 14-year-olds as “Young Passengers”, so UM service is provided as optional.
When filling out the form for unaccompanied minor (UM) services, parents have the option of child pickup. They have to enter all details, including name, individual photo and a valid government-issued photo ID at the airport arrival desk.
parental consent letter may be required or recommended when a minor travels without a parent or legal guardian. Requirements can vary by airline, nationality and travel circumstances. It is proof of authorisation for minors to travel solo to Dubai and prevents any delays from the immigration authorities.
A Minor must have a valid passport, an approved Dubai Visa, a birth certificate, a signed NOC from parents, and airline unaccompanied minor documents with details of the pick-up person at the airport arrival desk.
Absolutely, but to travel to Dubai with a relative, a minor must have signed, notarised parental consent, a certified birth certificate and passport copies of parents (mother and father).
www.onlinedubaivisa.com is a site operated by Travejar Tourism LLC, a travel agency registered in Dubai under number 1835447. Commercial License Number: 1115447 issued on Nov 9th 2022.
