Abu Dhabi: The new visa regulations take effect across the country on Tuesday and we give you answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can single women travelling to the UAE as tourists get visas?
Yes, they can obtain a 30-day tourist visa, renewable only once for a similar period. They must be sponsored by hotels, or tourist agencies.
Regarding transit visas, what are the rules? Should a passenger transiting through the UAE apply for a 96-hour transit visa once he arrives in Dubai or should he do that before he begins the journey?
For instance, my friend wants to visit me while travelling from the US to India. She has one day in hand and wants to apply for a transit visa for Dubai in September. How can she do that?
The Emirates office in the US tells her they cannot help her with a transit visa because her return ticket was issued from India. So basically, what are the rules?
A transit visa is issued to travellers 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 an onward flight. It must be arranged by the airline as the traveller books the ticket. There is a charge of Dh100.
Does the new rule also have two options for a visa change: either the person has to exit for a visa change or pay the fee to process the visa change while inside the UAE?
Yes, a visit visa may still be converted to a work visa, but residency departments may decide otherwise to prevent misuse of this facility. Applicants may be asked to go back to their home country and wait for a work visa, which will be authorised by the Ministry of Labour.
Regarding exiting to Kish when you want to change your visa to another company, most companies release your passport at the airport. What will be the situation from 29th, is it true that people will have to exit to their home of origin?
Yes, authorities will stop short trips to neighbouring countries to change visit visas commonly known as 'visa runs'. Visitors wishing to apply for a new visit visa after the expiry of their visa, must go back to their home countries. But officials have not spoken of any time-frame as to how long they will have to stay abroad before they can apply for a new visa.
If someone lives in the UK, and their daughter lives in Dubai and is having a baby, and he along with his spouse is coming on holiday at this time, is a visa required?
Britons are among people from 34 countries who are allowed to obtain a visa on arrival free of charge. The visa will be for 30 days and can be renewed for a similar period for Dh610. If you are not British, your daughter can still sponsor you on a 30-day or 90-day visit visa.
Medical insurance for visitors: Who and where do they have to get medical insurance and for how many months. Is it from the date of application or from the date of arrival?
Visitors to the UAE on all types of visas must obtain health insurance for the entire period of their visit. This insurance can be obtained from companies operating in the UAE or abroad.
My sister and her family (Indian nationals) are transiting through the UAE in November. They will be on a transit visa. They will leave the UAE within 24 hours. They would like to come back to the UAE on a visit visa within 15 days. Is there any difficulty in this? Is it allowed?
No, the visa can be obtained any time provided that a valid reason is given.
What will happen if somebody wants to renew a visit visa?
Visit visas for 30 days or 90 days will no longer be renewed. Visitors have to leave for their country and may come back on another visa if they meet requirements.
What happened to the Mission visa? Is it still available?
Yes, it is unchanged.
Will I need to pay a deposit for a visit visa for blood relatives?
Yes, a Dh1,000 refundable deposit is applicable for all visas.
How do you get a tourist visa; what are the requirements and procedures?
Please refer to the types of visas.
Who pays and who doesn't pay for visit visas/visa on arrival?
Exempt countries are Britain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
