Sri Krishna
Changes in Visa Procedures Provide Greater Flexibility for Visitors
The UAE has recently reintroduced the three-month visit visa, offering visitors the opportunity for an extended stay in the country. This development comes as part of the changes implemented in visa procedures over the past year, providing greater flexibility and options for travelers. Previously, the UAE offered two types of entry permits: a leisure visa, valid for three months, and a tourist visa, valid for 30 days. However, with the reintroduction of the three-month visit visa, visitors can now enjoy a longer duration of stay within the country.
Table of Contents
- Changes in Visa Procedures Provide Greater Flexibility for Visitors
- Visa Options and Benefits
- Availability and Application Process
- Visa Fees and Extension
Visa Options and Benefits
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide, explained the visa options available to visitors. The UAE now offers two main types of entry permits: the tourist visa or leisure visa, and the visit visa. The tourist visa allows for a stay of either 30 or 60 days, while the visit visa grants visitors a longer duration of 90 days. This extended visit visa complements the existing tourist visa options, providing travelers with greater flexibility in planning their itineraries during their stay in the UAE.
The 30-day and 60-day tourist visas have long been popular among visitors seeking shorter stays in the UAE. These visas have allowed ample time to explore the country’s iconic landmarks and indulge in world-class shopping and dining experiences. With the reintroduction of the three-month visit visa, visitors now have the option to spend an extended period of time in the UAE, providing an opportunity to immerse themselves further in the culture and experiences the country has to offer.
Availability and Application Process
According to industry experts, the reintroduced three-month visit visa is available to anyone and is valid for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Tourism LLC, noted that there is currently limited awareness among residents regarding this visa option. However, individuals who are interested in an extended stay are typically family members of UAE residents. For instance, parents visiting their children studying in their home country or relatives of UAE residents wanting to spend more time together.
To apply for the three-month visit visa, the required documents include a recent passport-size colored photograph and a copy of the passport. The processing time for this visa typically takes up to five working days, although there are instances where it can be obtained in as little as two days. It is important to consult with travel experts or agencies for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process and any potential extensions.
Visa Fees and Extension
The fee for the 90-day visit visa varies depending on the issuing travel expert, starting at Dh1,500 and potentially reaching up to Dh2,000. The exact details regarding the extension process have not been announced yet since the visa was introduced only recently. However, with the provision to extend the visa within the country, visitors have the opportunity to prolong their stay at an additional cost, offering increased convenience and flexibility.
Overall, the reintroduction of the three-month visit visa in the UAE presents a significant development in visa procedures. It expands the options available to visitors, allowing them to enjoy a longer duration in the country and engage in a broader range of activities and experiences. With the appropriate documentation and proper application process, travelers can take advantage of this extended visit visa and make the most of their time exploring the UAE’s diverse offerings.
Please Subscribe Us to get updated with Qatar News, Saudi News, Kuwait News, Health News, UAE News, Iqama, Visa, Jobs, Banking and More.
