The very first step for anyone planning a trip to Dubai is to decide which kind of visa to use. At the start, I wanted to get one of those 30 days Dubai visa that are available to most. It seemed to be the choice used most often and at a good price. But after thinking about what I wanted to do and what my goals were, I went for a 60-day visa. This is why I chose to take the longer route and it ended up being among my best travel choices ever.
Giving Myself Time to Truly Experience Dubai
A complete visit to Dubai can’t be done in just days or even weeks. Even though it is common to try to fit many sights into a trip, I didn’t want everything to feel rushed. I had read about travelers trying to visit the Burj Khalifa, go dune bashing in the desert, shop in traditional souks, and take day trips to Abu Dhabi-all within a span of two or three weeks. That’s not how I like to travel.
A 60-day visa allowed me to take my time. I enjoyed walking through the city in a relaxed way, spent plenty of time exploring the Al Fahidi Historical District and also visited the lesser-known places The Yard and Al Qudra Lakes.
Avoiding the Stress of Visa Extensions
I chose to study in the US partially because it is not easy to lengthen shorter American visas. Travelers visiting with short 30-day visas often seek to extend or change their visa close to the end of their trip. I found the 60-day visa to be very convenient and it allowed me to avoid that trouble.
Checking into the details of the 30 days Dubai visa revealed that I had to submit my passport scan, my picture, proof I would have a place to stay, flight departure tickets and sometimes the personal details of a guarantor. I did not feel like adding another round of paperwork to get another holiday or return to the country. With a 60-day visa, all those worries were eliminated. It gave me peace of mind knowing I wouldn’t have to face last-minute visa stress while traveling.
More Time to Connect With People
One of the things I value most when traveling is connecting with locals and fellow travelers. During short trips, conversations often feel rushed or surface-level. Staying in Dubai for 60 days allowed me to form meaningful relationships, meet people from different cultures, and even join community events.
I met fellow travelers during weekly markets in Al Seef, joined a yoga session at Kite Beach, and took Arabic language classes offered at a local cultural center. These interactions added immense value to my trip-something that would have been difficult to achieve on a shorter visa.
Room for Spontaneity:
Longer stays allow room for spontaneity-something I didn’t want to miss. On a 30-day visa, every day tends to be scheduled to ensure you “fit everything in.” But I wanted a travel experience that allowed flexibility. There were days when I simply lounged at the beach, explored neighborhoods like Jumeirah on foot, or just enjoyed reading a book at a café in Downtown Dubai. These were the moments that made my trip feel more like a temporary lifestyle than a packed itinerary. One aspect of my 60-day trip to Dubai that I will always cherish is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the present.
Financial Planning Was Easier Than Expected:
One might think that staying longer would naturally mean spending more. However, in several instances, I discovered the opposite to be true. Because I wasn’t rushing through every attraction or eating out constantly, I managed my budget more effectively.
I found deals on long-stay accommodations, got discounts on public transportation, and cooked several meals myself in my Airbnb apartment. In contrast, a short-term stay can often mean paying more for convenience and speed. So if cost is your concern, a longer stay might still work out-especially if you plan ahead.
Comparing to a 30-Day Stay
I am aware that I would have missed out on a lot of experiences if I had opted for a shorter stay. Based on my research on 30 days Dubai visa requirements, I might have spent more time preparing documents and stressing over deadlines than actually enjoying the trip.
Don’t get me wrong-the 30-day visa is great for many travelers, especially those visiting for work, short holidays, or family events. But if your goal is to dive deep into the culture, explore beyond the usual, and avoid the stress of extending your stay, then a 60-day visa offers undeniable advantages.
Opportunities for Day Trips and Nearby Exploration
Another big plus of staying 60 days was having the flexibility to explore beyond Dubai. I traveled to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and even Musandam, Oman, for a quick weekend escape. If I were on a 30-day schedule, I likely wouldn’t have prioritized these excursions. But the extended timeframe gave me the chance to plan trips, enjoy them fully, and return without feeling like I was losing valuable time in Dubai.
Making It Count
In the end, my decision to opt for a 60-day visa came down to the kind of travel experience I wanted. I wasn’t just looking to “see” Dubai I wanted to experience it from different angles, build a rhythm, and create memories without the pressure of a countdown.
The process of applying was smooth, especially since I had previously gone through the 30 days Dubai visa requirements when helping a friend apply. The only real difference was that this time, I gave myself more time-and it made all the difference.
Conclusion
Choosing a 60-day visa over a shorter option like the 30-day one was the best decision I made for my trip. It offered freedom, flexibility, and a more immersive experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. If you’re someone who enjoys slow travel and deeper cultural engagement, I’d definitely recommend considering the longer option.
That said, understanding 30 days Dubai visa requirements is still valuable, especially if you’re helping someone plan a shorter trip or looking for future travel flexibility. But if you’re thinking of staying longer and truly living the Dubai experience-60 days is the way to go.