Travelers planning a visit to the UAE should be aware of the latest visa requirements and policies to ensure smooth entry and avoid disruptions during their stay.
90-Day Tourist Visa for UK, US, and Canadian Citizens
Citizens of the UK, US, and Canada now receive a multi-entry, 90-day tourist visa on arrival in the UAE. This new policy, which took effect in late August, allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This replaces the previous system that granted up to 30 days per visit, with the option to extend by re-entering the country.
Upon arrival, travelers will have their passports stamped with a multiple-entry visa that is valid for six months from the date of issue. If a visitor stays continuously for 90 days, they must leave the UAE for at least 90 days before re-entering. It is essential for travelers to ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Documentation Required for Visit Visas
To apply for a UAE visit visa, travelers must submit the necessary documentation to demonstrate their legitimate travel plans. This includes:
- Valid Return Tickets: Travelers must provide evidence of a return flight.
- Hotel Bookings: Confirmed hotel reservations are essential. Fake bookings or discrepancies between flight and hotel dates can lead to visa rejections.
- For Family Visits: Those visiting family members in the UAE must submit the Emirates ID and tenancy contract of the family member sponsoring the visit.
Travel agents also caution travelers about submitting “dummy” bookings. Authorities closely scrutinize travel documents, and any false information can result in visa denial.
Visa Renewal and Delays
Some travelers have faced delays in obtaining visit visas, particularly those who travel to neighboring countries like Oman for visa renewals. The visa processing time has stretched from days to weeks, causing frustration for many who plan to re-enter the UAE. In some cases, travelers have been advised to return to their home country before reapplying for a visa to avoid complications.
Rules for Jobseekers and Family Visa Sponsorships
The UAE has introduced a 60-day, multi-entry jobseeker visa for skilled professionals. This visa requires a sponsor or host and a distinct set of documents. Visitors seeking to enter on a tourist visa with the intention of finding a job could face difficulties if they do not meet the specific visa criteria.
Family members can sponsor their relatives, including parents and blood relations, but they must meet the necessary salary and job requirements set by UAE authorities.
Minimum Cash Requirement for Visit Visa Holders
To prevent misuse of the tourist visa and ensure that visitors have the financial means to support their stay, Dubai airport authorities have implemented stricter rules. Travelers may be asked to provide proof of having at least AED 3,000 (approximately $816) in cash or available credit. This measure aims to prevent visitors from overstaying their visas or seeking employment without proper documentation.
Warning from the Pakistan Embassy
The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a warning for its citizens traveling to the UAE. The embassy advised Pakistanis not to travel on visit visas without the required documentation. Failure to comply with the visa rules could result in travelers being sent back home. The embassy also cautioned against using tourist visas as a means to seek employment without a concrete job offer in place.
Conclusion
Travelers planning to visit the UAE should be mindful of the latest visa policies and documentation requirements. By ensuring all necessary documents are accurate and complete, visitors can avoid delays and enjoy a hassle-free stay in the UAE.
