As the UAE fully bounces back from the immobilising impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, here’s a rundown of the four types of visitor visas – recently relaxed to capitalise on the strong pent-up demand for travelling.
Before we get to the types of visit visas, here’s some context about the UAE’s tourism recovery.
The first half of 2022 already raked in more than $5 billion in tourism revenues, with hotel occupancy up more than 40 percent compared to last year.
In the same period, over 7 million international visitors travelled to Dubai, or a 183 percent growth over the first six months of 2021. This was only slightly lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Tourism is a critical element in the UAE’s wider goal to diversify its income sources away from oil.
Here is a list of the four types of UAE visitor visas:
Short-term, single entry
This visa is valid for 30 days, and can only be extended twice for a total of 50 days. It costs AED505, and the extension is AED810 per application.
Short-term, multiple entry
This visa is also valid for 30 days, but can be used to cross the border multiple times. It can be extended twice for validity to reach up to 80 days in total. It costs AED805, and the extension is AED810 per application.
Long-term, single entry
The long-term leisure visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry. It costs AED950. It can be extended twice, with same extension fees as the short-term visas.
Long-term, multiple entry
This visa is valid for 90 days. It costs AED1855, and can be extended twice. Extension fees are AED810 per application.
Refundable deposits, overstaying fines
The UAE’s visa authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, said there is a refundable deposit for visa applications for first-degree relatives at AED1020, and AED2020 for second-degree family members.
Overstaying fines cost AED100 per day plus AED200 for an out pass.
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