The last two weeks have seen a flurry of UAE visa news, with the country’s authorities announcing sweeping changes to how tourist visas are handled.
On the flip side, the application process for UAE residents to obtain a Schengen visa has also changed, with delays increasing as demand rises for the EU visa.
Arabian Business has compiled all of the latest announcements here, with everything you need to know about the latest visa rules.
Here’s a roundup of the most recent UAE visa news and announcements:
- Schengen visa: UAE residents face delays as EU visa demand rises
- Schengen visa: UAE residents travelling to EU now no longer need visa stamps
- New UAE visa: Overstaying tourists to face absconding charges, fines, blacklist
- UAE announces major visa change for all nationalities
- UK visa: UAE residents can now receive British visa in just 15 days
- UAE changes visa rules for those living abroad
Schengen visa: UAE residents face delays as EU visa demand rises
The demand for Schengen visa has reportedly increased as UAE residents plan their holidays during Eid
UAE residents who have applied for a Schengen visa for travelling to the EU “may have to wait another month,” for an appointment the Schengen Visa Info reported on Monday, due to increasing demand.
The report said that data has shown that there are “barely any available appointments left for February even though the processing time in different embassies and consulates has decreased.”
The report further added that these delays have caused problems for UAE residents who need an EU visa “as they have been unable to finalise their holidays for the Eid breaks“.
Schengen visa applications
Moreover, travel agencies in the UAE have reportedly said that they receive about 20 requests per week and have also noted that it takes “around a month for Schengen visa applications to be processed.”
All UAE residents who do not hold a UAE passport as well as those who are not part of the Schengen visa-exempt categories, must have a Schengen visa when travelling to the EU.
The EU visa, which is a short-stay visa, permits holders to travel to the member states of the Schengen area, for up to 90 days for tourism.
UAE residents applying for an EU visa must submit a fully completed application form, their valid passport, two photos, and proof of residence permits in UAE, which must be valid for at least another three months after the intended date of departure for the area, the report said.
In addition, UAE residents must also submit proof that they have reserved a flight ticket, proof that they have secured a place to stay in Schengen, proof of sufficient financial means, and proof of having purchased EU travel insurance, while applying for a Schengen visa.
Schengen visa: UAE residents travelling to EU now no longer need visa stamps
Applicants can now apply and receive a Schengen visa digitally
The European Union (EU) has approved a new strategy to move the physical Schengen visa applications and stickers to a digital system, according to a report by Schengen Visa Info.
According to the Parliament of the EU, the report on the digitalisation of visa procedures in the Schengen area was adopted with 34 votes in favour, five against, and 20 abstentions.
The approval of the new digital visa process follows the EU parliament’s efforts to “speed up the process, reduce the efforts and costs required to make an application,” thus promoting security.
Speaking to Arabian Business, a spokesperson from VFS Global said: “We are fully aware the EU’s plans to digitise the visa application process, and as external service provider to virtually all EU and Schengen governments, VFS Global looks forward to work with these governments to support them on their transformation journey.”
Digitalisation of the Schengen visa
In addition, the parliament stressed that the digitalisation of the visa application process would also ensure consistent practices throughout the EU, according to the report.
“By digitalising the visa application process for the Schengen area, the proposal aims to reduce the costs and efforts required to make an application, while ensuring harmonious practises throughout Europe and improving its security,” the EU parliament statement reads.
Going forward, visa applications would be processed through a “single online platform” that would allow applicants know which country will receive their application.
The report added that the decision to approve the report which seeks to streamline visa application procedures was welcomed by rapporteur Matjaž Nemec who said after the vote that the digitalisation of the process would help people to see the bloc as a single geographical entity.
“We want to deliver a modern, user-friendly digital solution for EU visa applications, along with simplified application procedures. Replacing the visa sticker with a digital visa would also reduce security risks posed by physical stickers, and a unified system would help people see the EU as a single geographical entity,” Nemec stressed.
The system will also see language options in the new system, Nemec said, as well as “safeguards for persons lacking in digital literacy and those with disabilities.”
Additionally, the members of the EU parliament also want to make sure that visa applications do not get refused if they are submitted from the same IP address, which is possible due to poor internet connectivity in the area.
MEPs also argue that IP addresses should be processed or collected as part of the visa application, the report said, adding that the EU Parliament is now expected to announce the interinstitutional negotiations on the file. “If there are no objections, negotiations on the final details can begin.”
New UAE visa: Overstaying tourists to face absconding charges, fines, blacklist
Those who overstay their visa expiration could further be blacklisted and banned from entering the UAE or any GCC
Tourists in the UAE who overstay their visit visas could face an absconding case against them, filed by travel agencies and tour operators, a travel agent confirmed to Arabian Business on Monday.
Those who overstay their visa expiration could further be blacklisted and banned from entering the UAE or any GCC if they do not exit after their visas expire.
The new rules for visa charges and fines follow sweeping visa changes last week.
Moreover, they could face a fine starting at AED5,000. Prices can vary according to the emirate’s jurisdiction.
Tourists who arrive in Dubai, have a grace period of 10 days after their visa’s expiry, however they must ensure that the exit the country from Dubai itself.
Absconding cases are charged when a tourist overstays their visa, as the travel agency faces trouble from the governing authority, the agent said.
UAE announces major visa change for all nationalities
The rules and regulations are subject to change without notice, the UAE ICP reportedly said
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has launched a new service through its smart services, which allows visitors to extend the validity of all types of visas issued to them for 60 days.
However, this service can be availed only once, a report by Gulf Today said, citing the ICP. “They can do this only before entering the country,” ICP said.
The fee to extend a visa validity is reportedly priced at AED200, including AED100 for the smart services, AED50 for the application form and AED50 for the authority and the electronic services offered to customers.
New UAE visa reforms
To extend the visa validity, the applicant’s passport must be valid for not less than three months, and he/she should not be in UAE for the entry permit to be issued, the ICP said, adding that applicants can extend the validity through the authority’s official website and its smart application via the UAE PASS or username.
A confirmation email for extending a visa will be sent to the registered ID, the ICP said.
Applicants can also approach customer happiness centres and ICP-approved typing centres to avail the service.
In case the application is found to have missing or incomplete data, the request will be declined electronically 30 days after returning it, if the applicant does not complete the required details during this period.
“Furthermore, it will be declined, if it is returned three times due to incomplete data or documents. The fees and financial guarantees (if any) are refundable, if the request is declined,” the report said.
“The fees are refunded through the credit card within a period not exceeding six months from the date of submitting the application, or refunded through the procedures applicable to recover the fees by cheque or bank transfer to banks located within the country only and for a period not exceeding 5 years,” the ICP said, adding that the rules and regulations are subject to change without notice.
UK visa: UAE residents can now receive British visa in just 15 days
Following an earlier processing time of over 7 weeks, residents are relieved as the UK visa process time is slashed
UAE residents can now get a UK visa in just 15 days, as the processing time has been slashed by relevant authorities.
“The processing time for UK visas has reverted to the 15 working days standard, and the turnaround time for priority and super priority visas have likewise normalised,” a VFS spokesperson told Arabian Business.
Last year, UAE residents faced delays, long processing times and other inconveniences for travel to the UK which led to the cancellation of plans. Another factor that affected travel to the UK include a passenger cap by London Heathrow Airport which only allowed 10,000 passengers per day.
UK visa processing times
VFS has now clarified in a statement that the processing time for UK visas for UAE residents will now be the standard 15 days, priority and super priority services have also reverted back to normal.
The ease of Covid restrictions as well as increase in capacity and discounted airfares have led to an increase in travel.
In December, Arabian Business reported that Emirates ramped up its operations to Gatwick Airport in London with the addition of a third daily A380 flight.
The additional frequency will offer enhanced capacity with more than 1,000 seats to and from Gatwick, London to Dubai, every day.
Emirates currently serves the UK with 119 weekly flights across seven UK hubs including: six times daily to London Heathrow; three times daily to London Gatwick; daily service to London Stansted; three times daily to Manchester; double daily service to Birmingham; daily flights to Newcastle; and a daily service to Glasgow.
UAE changes visa rules for those living abroad
Residents living outside the UAE for over six months will need to apply for a re-entry permit
UAE residence visa holders can now apply for a re-entry permit, if they are outside the country for over six months. Residents will have to specify the reason for staying outside and provide proof as well.
The service can be accessed by residents via the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website, under the ‘smart services’ page.
Residents can also apply for a re-entry permit via smart service centres or typing centres.
On completing the process, the applicant will then have to wait until the ICP sends back an approval email for re-entry. This could take about five working days.
Residence visa is cancelled automatically, if the holder has been outside the country for over 180 days. However, Golden Visa holders are exempt from this.
Recent visa reforms in the UAE
The new re-entry permit system follows the latest slew of changes set up by the UAE government. Recently, Arabian Business also reported that the fee for issuing a visa and Emirates ID increased by AED100.
In addition, visit visas can no longer be extended in the UAE, and will require the holder to exit the country and arrive back with a new visa.
Residence visas are linked to the holder’s Emirates ID as well, and will no longer require a visa sticker in their passport.
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