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Latest Updates on UAE Visa Policy: Guidelines, Requirements, and Changes

UAE's visa policy, what all you need to know

By Emma CumminsPublished 11 months ago 3 min read

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides multiple visa choices to accommodate tourists, businesspeople, students, and expatriates. This guide gives an overview of various visa categories, eligibility requirements, and the application procedure. Regardless of the duration, whether brief trips or extended stays, comprehending UAE visa regulations guarantees a hassle-free travel or moving experience.

Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are issued to those individuals who can’t get a visa on arrival or enter visa-free into the UAE. A tourist visa is extendable to all individual travelers from across the world. Female children under the age of 18 years are not eligible to obtain a visa of this type unless travelling with either of their parents.

Children under the age of 18 who are travelling with adults are also given free visas to visit during the stay period July 15 to September 15 every year, thanks to a Cabinet decision signed in July 2018.

Business Visa

A business visa is meant to enable foreigners to apply for a long term visa for themselves and their families. Its aim is to create a business-friendly climate that would help the economy of the UAE prosper.

Any citizen of any country with entrepreneurial experience can apply for a business visa. Anyone who has ever owned a business and intends to do so again in the UAE qualifies as a qualified entrepreneur.

Transit Visa

A single-entry visa that will be given to people who will spend more than 8 hours within the UAE as part of airport transit is a transit visa. It is an e-visa, thus to be applied for prior to being in the country. The UAE offers two types of transit visas: one that is free for 48 hours and another for 96 hours. Only UAE-based airlines can provide transit visas, which must be completed and granted before entering the UAE. You’ll need a transit visa if you’re not one of the nationalities eligible for visa on arrival or visa-free entrance to the UAE.

Student Visa

Expat students who are above 18 years old and staying in the UAE receive a student visa. Students with excellent grades may receive a five-year visa. A student visa is issued to those students who are going to attend universities or colleges in the UAE.

Employment Visa

If you plan to stay in the UAE for more than a few months, you need a Residence Visa. If you want to work there, you also need a work permit. To get one, you must first find a company that will hire you and then begin the process of getting an employment visa and work permit.

Golden Visa UAE

In 2019, the UAE introduced a new system for long-term residency permits. Foreigners can now live, work, and study in the UAE without having to obtain a national sponsor, and they are allowed to own 100% of their businesses on the mainland of the UAE. These visas will be issued for either 5 or 10 years and automatically renewed. In simple words, The Golden Visa system provides long-term residency from 5 to 10 years for the following groups: investors, entrepreneurs, talents like researchers and medical doctors and exceptional students, scientists and professionals in the fields of science and knowledge.

Visa Exemptions

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They can enter the UAE by presenting their passport issued by their GCC country.

Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from certain countries doesn’t require visa

Indian passport holders with a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa doesn’t requires UAE visa

Application Process

The application process for a UAE visa may include the following steps:

Document Preparation: Gather the required documents, such as a copy of your passport, a valid travel document, and passport photos.

Medical Screening: Undergo a medical examination to prove your fitness.

Emirates ID Application: Visit an ID center to provide your biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs.

Visa Application: Submit your application online or through a mobile app.

Visa Approval: Wait for your application to be approved.

Visa Delivery: Receive your approved visa via email or on the app.

Requirements for UAE Visa

Passport: A valid passport or travel document that’s been issued within the last 10 years.

Passport Photo: A recent color passport photo with a white background.

Ticket: A confirmed return ticket

Health Insurance: Valid health insurance

Financial Proof: Proof that you have enough money to cover your stay.

Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form.

To get your visa earliest possible visit : Travomint

airlinesasiabudget travelfemale travelstudent traveltravel advice

About the Creator

Emma Cummins

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