Deposit and insurance mandatory for all types of UAE visas
"Applicants for visit visas could obtain them within 10 minutes for no extra charges," said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department.
"Others may have to wait for not more than 90 minutes for security checks."
Speaking on the eve of the introduction of the new rules, Brigadier Al Minhali said a Dh1,000-refundable deposit and proof of health insurance will be mandatory for all visas
"Sixteen types of visas have been created, including visas for medical treatment and education, to stamp out illegal stay in the country," he said. "Documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor, including address in home country."
He confirmed staff were ready, the software was in place and visas have been printed. "The system will be up and running smoothly," Brigadier Al Minhali said.
Visit visa
Residents can apply for a 30-day or 90-day visit visa, both of which are non-renewable, for their spouse or blood relatives of 1st or 2nd degree only. These visas will cost Dh610 and Dh1,110 respectively.
Holders can enter the country once within two months from the date of issue. Applicants will also have to pay the Dh1,000 refundable deposit and show proof of health insurance.
Holders can enter the country once within two months from the date of issue. Applicants will also have to pay the Dh1,000 refundable deposit and show proof of health insurance.
Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visas. Those visas may or may not be granted, depending on individual cases.
Documents proving kinship or marriage must be submitted, along with a valid reason for the required visit visa.
Residents in GCC countries and their domestic helpers can obtain a 30-day visit visa, renewable once for a similar period.
Exemption: Free entry
The UAE will not charge 34 nationalities for entry visas, and the free entry permit valid for 30 days on arrival will remain unchanged. This permit is renewable for 30 more days for a fee of Dh500. These visitors will be exempt from the refundable deposit and health insurance rules.
The 34 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.