Over 50,000 Pages of News and Information on the UAE
VISAS AND IMMIGRATION
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Foreign Embassies and Consulates in the UAE
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This website contains over 50,000 pages of news and information on the UAE and has been regularly updated for 15 years. If you want to check for recent changes to visa regulations it is worth checking our VISA NEWS ARCHIVE. Please also use the extensive links in the MAIN NEWS ARCHIVE. For more general travel information please check out the TRAVEL section or the BUSINESS section using in text links or the navigation bars.
Here is a link to download a visa application form. You will find other links to UAE Embassies and Consulates here. You may also need to contact your own nationality Embassy or Consulate within the UAE to seek additional advice.
Many people consult this page in order to find information on how to apply for a visa to enter the UAE. The good news is that the UAE authorities have taken many steps to make this process as straightforward as possible. Apart from the fact that citizens of 39 countries (i.e. GCC nationals plus nationals of listed countries) do not require visas prior to arrival at a UAE airport, there are efficient systems in place to facilitate visitors not falling into one of the above categories. If you are coming to work in the UAE you will require a visa that can only be obtained on your behalf by your employer or sponsor.
As noted above, the kind of visa that you require for entry into the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Please read the following notes carefully. You may also find information on this subject in our news archive. Regulations do change from time to time and, whilst we do endeavour to keep up to date with these note, please do not rely uon them for complete accuracy. You should also check with your airline and regional UAE embassy or consulate.
- If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE
- The following categories of visitors may receive their visit visa at the airport, upon arrival.
1. AGCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.
2. National citizens of the following countries:
UK(with the right of abode in UK), France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE. It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.
- If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf.
Valid sponsors may be as follows:-
a - Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for other 30 days)
b - Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
c - Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.
d - Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidlines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.
Entry Service Permit
An Entry Service Permit applies to the following categories and their families accompanying them: company manager’s representatives, sales managers, account auditors, delegations from companies or establishments to carry out a commercial activity in the UAE, consultants requested by companies operating in the UAE that are required to carry out an urgent task.
This visa is valid for use within 14 days from the date of issue. The duration of stay is 14 days from date of entry, exclusive of arrival and departure days. It is non-renewable.
In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and flight details, and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport which should be valid for at least three months. This type of entry permit will only be issued as urgent at a fee of AED 220.
The Entry Service Permit holder may enter and depart the UAE through any airport.
Visit Visa
The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in UAE, those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits. It requires the sponsorship of any UAE resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable AED 2,000 guarantee from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives is imposed.
This visa is valid for entry within two months from its date of issue.
The Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and is renewable for a total stay of up to 90 days. A fee of AED 500 is charged for this renewal.
In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and arrival details and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport, which must be valid for at least three months. There is a fee of AED 100 for obtaining a visit visa. There is also a fee of AED 10 for visa delivery service by DNATA. Hotels, hotel apartments, tour operators, travel agents and airlines may not levy supplementary charges or processing fees in excess of AED 50/- for arranging visas for visitors.
The Visit Visa holder may enter and leave the country through any port of entry in the UAE.
Tourist Visa
A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a Tourist Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from: East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus.
The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30 day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries. The fee is AED 100. There is also a fee of AED 10 for visa delivery service by DNATA. Hotels, hotel apartments, tour operators, travel agents and airlines may not levy supplementary charges or processing fees in excess of AED 50/- for arranging visas for visitors.
Multiple Entry Visas
Multiple-entry Visas are issued to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local company, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1,000.
The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while in the country. The visa is stamped on the passport.
Transit Visa
Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours and meeting the certain conditions mentioned below are eligible for obtaining a 96-hour transit visa. These conditions are as follow:
Airlines sponsored only (prior arrangements maybe required)
Applications should have confirmed onward booking to the 3rd destination
For transit passengers or those holding special permits, or for visit or mission, the passport or the document must be valid for at least three months
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for the 96 hours visa on arrival:
Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen.
The transit visas for passengers arriving at Dubai International Airport can be arranged by Emirates Airline for its passengers or by Marhaba Services for those travelling on other airlines. Marhaba Services Tel: 00971 4 2162657; 2164629
email: marhaba@emirates.co
German Citizens
The German citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for a one or two year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay of visa holders should not exceed three months a year. The visa fee is AED 1,500
US Citizens
The US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassies in the US for one to ten year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months a visit
UAE Visa Requirements For CANADIAN Citizens
(The Requirements may be changed in the future)
I. Visas Issued from the UAE Embassy in Ottawa:
1) Visa Application to be correctly and fully completed (typed).
2) Clear and recent passport size photo.
3) Passport copy (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at
departure).
4) Complete the Attachment to the Visa Aplication & the Application Form.
5) Money order, Certified Cheque or Draft Cheque with the correct
amount in Canadian Currency needs to be made payble to the UAE
Embassy, Ottawa.
6) The Amount paid is non-refundable in case of a visa refusal.
7) The Visa application (with all requirements), the Self-Addressed
Prepaid Return Envelop and the money Order need to be sent by
courier to the UAE Embassy, attention Visa Section.
8) The complete Visa Application needs to be sent to the UAE
Embassy 15 working days before the departure date.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications need to be mailed to the following
address:
UAE Embassy
Visa Section
125 Boteler Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 0A4
The Visa Section will accept applications by mail.
II. Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways in Canada are able to
issue the following Visas Canadian Citizens:
* Visit Visas.
* Touristic Visas.
* Transit Visas.
III. Please find below the Emirates and Etihad Info:
1) Emirates Airlines
90 Sheppard Ave.East, Suite 101
Toronto
ON M2N 3A1
Tel: 416-221-0039
www.emirates.com
2) Etihad Airways
25 York Street, Suite 608
Toronto, Ontario
Tel: 416-221-4744
www.etihadairways.com
IV. Travel Agencies and Hotels in the UAE will be able to issue the following visas to Canadian Citizens:
* Visit Visas.
* Touristic Visas.
V. Visas Fees:
Multiple Entry Visa 1000$ (Valid for 6 months, maximum stay in UAE 14 days each visit)
Long term Visa 500$ (Valid for 3 months, not renewable)
Short term Visa 250$ (Valid for 30 days, not renewable)
We suggest that you enquire from your airline whether you require a visa to be issued in your passport prior to flying to the UAE and you also check with your nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate.You may download a visa application form here but this is subject to change and you should check with your UAE Embassy or Consulate whether this is acceptable.Your application on a valid form must be submitted to your nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate.
Some additional links are provided below:
Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Immigration Services.
The UAE Naturalisation and Residency Administration of the Ministry of the Interior in Dubai also runs a website.
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IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS in the UAE
Abu Dhabi
Saeed bin Tahnoon St.
Abu Dhabi
Tel: 02 4462244
Al Ain
Aditaba Road, near Dubai Islamic Bank, opposite Carrefour supermarket.
Tel: 03 7625555
Dubai
Department of Naturalization and Residency, Trade Centre Road, near Bur Dubai Police Station
Tel: 04 3980000
Sharjah
Department for Naturalization and Residence, near General Post Office
Tel: 06 5726777
Umm al-Qaiwain
Tel: 06 7666419
Ajman
Tel: 06 7422255
Ra's as-Khaimah
Tel: 07 2273333
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Additional Information
AGCC Citizens
Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa to enter the UAE.
AGCC Residents
AGCC expatriate residents who meet certain conditions may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.
Citizens of Western Europe and Pacific Rim
Citizens of the following countries will be granted a free of charge Entry Visit visa upon arrival in the UAE:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City
Entry Service Permit
An Entry Service Permit applies to the following categories and their families accompanying them: company manager’s representatives, sales managers, account auditors, delegations from companies or establishments to carry out a commercial activity in the UAE. This visa is also available for nationalities authorized to obtain a tourist visa.
Visit Visas
The Visit Visa for tourists is applicable for 60 days and is used especially for those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits.
It requires the sponsorship of any UAE citizen/resident or company/hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable AED 2,000 guarantee from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives is required.
This visa is valid for entry within two months from its date of issue.
The Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and is renewable for a total stay of up to 90 days. A fee of AED 500 is charged for this renewal.
Tourist Visas
A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a Tourist Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from East and West Europe who are not entitled to be issued with a visa on arrival as well as visitors and tourists from Thailand, South Africa and China.
The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30 day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries.
Multiple-Entry Visas
Multiple-entry Visas are available for business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local establishments, and who frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1,000.
The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while in the country. The visa would be stamped on the passport.
Visa rules as per the Ministerial Decision No. 322 for the Year 2008
1. 90 Days Long-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsor or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
Proof of family relationship (kinship)
Traveler insurance
* Fees:
AED 1110 e-DNRD Fees: fees.
AED 1120 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable uponv departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable.
2. 30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor.
Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached
Proof of family relationship.
Traveler insurance.
* Fees :
AED 610 e-DNRD fees.
AED 620 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable
3. 30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Companies)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor.
Copy of the establishment card.
Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 610 e-DNRD fees.
AED 620 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable
4. 90 Days Long-term Visit Visa (Companies)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor.
Copy of the establishment card.
Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 1100 e-DNRD fees
AED 1120 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable
5. Student Visa: sponsor must be one of the licensed Universities or Educational Institutions in the UAE (recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education)
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Copy of the establishment card
Copy of the trade license
Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 1110 e-DNRD fees.
AED 1120 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
6. Medical Treatment: Medical Establishments (Public and Private) approved by the Ministry of Health or Health Authority
E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Copy of the establishment card
Medical certificate attested by MOH or Health Authority
Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 1110 e-DNRD fees
AED 1120 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.
Valid for 60 days from the arrival date and can be renewed twice, 60 days each:
AED 610 e-service fees.
AED 620 e-form fees
7. Exhibitions/Festivals/ Conferences: for Governmental and Private Establishments
E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped)
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Copy of the establishment card
Copy of the trade license
Letter by the concerned entity announcing the exhibition, festival, or conference.
Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 210 e-DNRD fees
AED 220 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person
- Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
- Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable
8. (33) Countries Upon Arrival
* Required documents:
Original passport
Free of charge
Special notes: renewal shall be once and for a similar period (30 days).
Fees:
AED 620 e-form fees
Service is provided through all air, land, and sea ports.
9. Tourist Visa for all Nationalities (Tourist companies):
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Traveler insurance
Fees:
AED 210 e-DNRD fees
AED 220 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person
Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable
Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and renewable for the similar period (30 days), upon payment of a fees of AED 620.
Service is provided through the eDNRD eServices.
10. Escorts of GCC nationals
To be issued to escort of GCC nationals (domestic helpers), for 60 days.
* Required documents:
Original passport of the sponsoredv person
Valid residency visa.
Fees:
AED 165 e-form fees.
Special notes:
Renewable twice and for a similar period (60 days each time).
Renewal fees :AED 320
Service is provided through all UAE entry points
11. GCC nationals (Resident)
To be issued to GCC resident nationals and those who accompany them
* Required documents:
Original passport of the sponsored person
Valid residency visa
Proof of employment in the country of residence
Fees:
AED 165 e-form fees.
Special notes:
Valid for 30 days and renewable once for a similar period (30 days).
Renewal fees AED 620 (e-form fees)
12. Mission Visa
To be issued to businessmen and highly qualified professionals.
* Required documents:
Clear passport copy of the sponsor
Health insurance
Fees:
320 e-form fees
AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsoredv person
Special notes:
Valid for 14 days from the issue date and non-renewable.
Valid for 16 days from arrival date and non-renewable.
13. Transit Visa
* Required documents:
Original valid passport
Entry form for 96 hours
A valid ticket for onward flight
Fees:
AED 165 e-DNRD fees
AED 165 E-form fees
Special Notes:
Valid for 96 hours from the arrival date provided that the duration between the two trips is no less than 8 hours.
Hotel reservation is needed.
This service is provided through UAE entry points.