UAE Visa and Passport

Obtaining a UAE visa and for its seven emirates requires that one’ passport is valid for at least 2-6 months before ones arrives in the country. For UAE visa the immigration authority rules entry visas are required for all nationals with the exception of British citizens born in Britain and the nationals of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council member countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia), Western Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino and Liechtenstein), USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

1. Tourist Visa:
With this type of UAE visa maximum stay of thirty (30) days only is allowed, without any provision of extension, valid for two months from the date of issue and good for Single entry only. Eligible countries are: Russia, All CIS Nationals, South Africa, Thailand, China, South American Countries and Islands of the West Indies.

2. Transit Visa:
With this type of UAE visa maximum stay of fourteen days only is allowed, without any provision of extension, valid for fourteen days from the date of issue and good for single entry only. Eligible countries are: All Asian, African and Middle East nationals other than those listed under Tourist Visa category.

A Visit Visa can be sponsored by
1. A UAE resident
2. A company or
3. A Hotel licensed to operate within the UAE.
Visit visas for close family members as well as for others, can be obtained if the concerned sponsor fits into the stipulated salary bracket of basic Dhs.4000 (without accommodation) and Dhs 3000 (with accommodation). However all rules are subject to change without notice.

1. The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to visit Dubai, for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits.
2. You have to enter UAE within two months from its date of issue.
3. The Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and is renewable for another extra month with a fee of Dhs 500 charged for this renewal.
4. A Visit Visa further entitles its holder to change his status to that of residence or employment provided certain conditions are met.
5. A penalty charge of Dhs 100 per day is imposed on visitors who overstay.
6. Essential Documents to be submitted by sponsor to the Immigration Dept. for obtaining visit visa:
a. Passport of sponsor (original and photocopy)
b. Passport photocopy (clear version) of the first few pages of the visitor's passport, Sworn affidavit (from respective consulate if necessary)
c. Application form (to be filled in Arabic) along with a payment of Dhs 100.
d. The sponsor will also require the visitor's date of arrival and arrival details.

It is a special type of visa, which applies to passengers passing through UAE airports. The passenger can obtain a visa for up to 96 hours. The travel document will be stamped with an entry seal. The visa is only valid if the passenger is traveling onwards from Dubai to another destination and not returning to the country of original departure. This visa can be sponsored by any airline operating in the UAE. Emirates Airlines charges Dhs 51 or $14 for stopover visa upto 96 hours.

On landing a job in the UAE, the employment visa for the employee is usually arranged by his employers. The formalities for procuring the same are fulfilled by them. This employment visa entitles him to be a resident in the UAE for a period of 3 years (can be renewed thereafter). This visa also enables him to sponsor his wife and children for residence provided he earns Dhs 4000 without accommodation or Dhs 3000 with accommodation. The employee can also come on visit and convert it to employment or residence visa on fulfillment of certain conditions.