UAE Visa rule modifications 2008

UAE government has issued a revamped price structure to apply for visas and introduced 16 new types of visa to enter the UAE. The new rules are effective from July 29, 2008. However, the rules related to visa or their costs are subject to change and it is advisable to contact the nearest embassy for the updated information.

Entry Permit on Arrival

The following passport holders can get free entry permit on arrival valid for 30 days:

The citizens of GCC countries, i.e., Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, entering the UAE with valid passports

Resident visa holders of AGCC country (certain designations only)

Passport holders of 34 countries i.e.,

This permit is renewable for 30 more days for a fee of AED 610. The citizens of 34 countries will be exempt from the refundable deposit and health insurance rules.

Entry Visit Visa

The residents can apply for a 30-day or 90-day non-renewable visit visa only for their spouse or blood relatives of 1st or 2nd degree. The visit visa holders can enter the UAE once within 2 months from the date of issue. Applicants will also have to pay the AED 1000 refundable deposit and show proof of health insurance.

Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visas that too at the discretion of the authorities. Documents proving kinship or marriage must be submitted, along with a valid reason for the required visit visa.

A foreign wife of a citizen of a GCC country can only obtain a visit visa if she holds a residence visa in the home country of her husband.

60-day visit visas are renewable twice, allowing for a total permitted stay of 180 days, can be obtained for domestic helpers who accompany citizens of GCC countries. Residents in GCC countries and their domestic helpers can obtain a 30-day visit visa, renewable once for a similar period.

Fees: Short Entry Visit Visa (30 Days)                             AED 600

          Long Entry Visit Visa (90 Days)                              AED 1100

          Entry Visa for GCC State Residents                                  AED 100

         Renewal of GCC State Residents                                       AED 500

         Entry Visa for GCC State Resident's Companions               AED 100

         Renewal of GCC State Residents Companions' Visa           AED 200

Tourism Entry Visa

People of all nationalities can now enter the UAE on a tourist visa. Tourist visas for 30 days, renewable once for a similar period, can only be applied for through a licensed hotel, travel or tourism agency. Tourists must be covered by health insurance. The tour company, hotel or travel agency must pay AED 1000 refundable deposit for each tourist coming to the UAE.

Fees: Tourism Entry Visa                    AED 100

          Renewal of Tourism Visa           AED 600

Entry Visa for Study

These are issued for 60 days and can be renewed twice for a similar period, for a maximum stay of 180 days. Students must be registered in one of the universities in the UAE and must obtain health insurance. Additionally, a refundable deposit of AED 1000 must also be paid.

Fees: Entry Visa for Study                            AED 1100

          Renewal of Study Visa                        AED 600

Multiple Entry Visa

Business travelers who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here can obtain a multiple entry visa. This is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. However, each visit must not exceed 14 days.

Fees: Multiple Entry Visa                     AED 2100

Entry Visa for Medical Treatment

Those wishing to undergo treatment must obtain a visit visa for treatment purposes. These visas cost Dh1000 for 90-day duration. They can be renewed once for a similar period for Dh610.

Fees: Entry Visa for Medical Treatment         AED 1000

          Renewal of Medical Treatment Visa     AED 600

Entry Visa for Expos & Conferences

Those visiting to attend conferences, exhibitions or festivals can obtain a 30-day visa for. It is not renewable.

Fees: Entry Visa for Expos & Conferences    AED 200

Visa for Guests of the Government

This is a special visa granted by UAE diplomats abroad free of charge. It can only be granted for a period of up to 90 days.

Special Mission Entry Visa

This is issued for a non-renewable 14-day period and is collected by the visitor upon arrival. It is issued to businessmen and tourists sponsored by a company or commercial establishment, or a hotel licensed to operate in the UAE.

Fees: Special Mission Entry Visa                   AED220

Mission Visa

This is a newly added type of visa for the purpose of temporary work in the country. It is issued for a maximum of 180 days with a combined fee of Dh1800. It is issued initially for three months and can be renewed for another three months. The visa is issued in conjunction with the Labour Ministry's Temporary Work Permits. An applicant must obtain the permit from the Labour Ministry to get the visa.

Fees: Mission Visa                    AED 600

         Renewal of Mission Visa    AED 1200

Transit Visa

It is issued to travelers transiting through UAE airports. It is issued for 96 hours and must be sponsored by an airline operating in the UAE. The visitor must have a valid ticket for onward flight.

Fees: Transit Visa                     AED 100

Residence visa

A residence visa is required for those who intend to enter the UAE to live indefinitely with a person who is already a resident. It is issued to the immediate kin of a resident for three years for a fee of AED 300. The residence permit becomes invalid if the resident remains out of the UAE for more than six months at a time.

Parents of residents can obtain residence visas after special approval. These have a renewable validity of one year. A refundable deposit of AED 5000 has to be paid for each parent, however.

Fees: Residence Visa of Immediate Family             AED 300

          Residence Visa of Parents (Annual)                AED 100

Investor Visa

These are issued to expatriate investors in partnership with locals. The foreign investor must hold a minimum stake of AED 70,000 in the share capital. Like the residence visa, it is issued for three years.

Fees: Investor Visa                                               AED 300

Employment Visa

Employment visa or permit is issued by the Immigration Department to a foreign national who wishes to work for a company in the UAE upon the approval of the Ministry of Labour. It allows the holder to enter the UAE once for a period of 30 days and is valid for two months from the date of issue. When the employee has entered the country on the basis of the employment visa, the sponsoring company will arrange to complete the formalities of stamping his residence.

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