Keep two things apart: a document returned before the official submission, and the refusal of the visa itself by the UAE authorities. The first is usually solved by correcting the document; the second is the official authority's decision. The texts in this article come from the visa section of the Royal Golden site and from the UAE's official pages, checked on 24 October 2026.
Reasons a document is returned before submission
In Royal Golden's visa section, if a document is not accepted, one of these reasons is given to you:
- the image is not clear;
- the document is incomplete or cut off;
- the document sent is not the one requested;
- the document has expired or is not valid long enough;
- the document's information does not match the information entered;
- the photo does not meet the requirements (white background, clear face);
- another reason, with the specialist's explanation.
Prevention
- Take the scan with a scanner app and in good light; all four corners of the document should show.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months; this is one of GDRFA's official conditions.
- Write the name and date of birth on the form exactly as in the passport.
- The photo should be in colour, recent and with a white background, with no shadows, hat or sunglasses.
- For Iranian nationals, upload the national card too; GDRFA asks for it from Iranian nationals.
If the visa itself is refused
- The final decision on approving or refusing a visa rests with the UAE's legal authorities, and no company can guarantee the issue of a visa or entry into the country.
- The authorities do not always give the reason for a refusal.
- According to Royal Golden's visa section, after an official refusal the non-refundable fees announced transparently in advance are settled under the contract and the law, and your legal rights are preserved where the company is at fault or the services are not provided.
After an official refusal
- Review the application's information and documents again; sometimes a small error in the details turns up.
- If you have a history of overstaying in the UAE, be aware of it; the ICP sets a daily fine for it and it may show in later applications.
- Before applying again, ask the case specialist whether a change in your situation, such as new documents, would help.
This article is general information and not legal advice.
Sources
- The visa section of the Royal Golden site, the reasons documents are returned and "Visa refusals and delays: what you should know" (checked on 24 October 2026)
- GDRFA Dubai, issuance of a single-entry tourist visa — https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/f9e586fe-0642-11ec-0320-0050569629e8 (checked on 24 October 2026)
- ICP UAE, issuance of a visa — https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e60 (checked on 24 October 2026)