Visa Updates: 7 Recent Changes to UAE Visas You Must Need to Know

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented the Advanced Visa System in October 2022, which resulted in several changes to the country’s visa procedures. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) implemented the Advanced Visa System, which was one of the most significant residency and entry permit reforms in the UAE.

Since the implementation of the Advanced Visa System, there have been several updates to the UAE’s visit visa system. The most recent change is an increase in service fees for issuing Emirates ID, visit, and residency visas in the UAE.

As you may know that the Travelobiz team has been posting updates on a regular basis, but we understand that the recent influx of new updates may be confusing for travellers. To provide a clear understanding of the UAE’s new changes, we decided to compile all of the most recent updates and present them in a single article.

UAE Visa Updates

From new fees to the suspension of in-country extensions, multiple procedures have been revised. Below is a comprehensive list of the 6 recent updates announced by the UAE immigration regarding changes to the visa processes.

1. UAE Stopped Issuing 90-Day Visit Visas
2. Increase In Service Fees for Visas & Emirates IDs
3. UAE Suspends Visa Extensions From Within Country
4. Overstay Fines and Outpass Requirement
5. UAE Resumes Issuing 60-day Tourist Visas
6. UAE 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa
7. Entry Permit to Visit Relatives or Friends

1. UAE Stopped Issuing 90-Day Visit Visas

The UAE has suspended the issuance of 90-day (3-month) visit visas to international visitors. It is important to note, however, that travel agents have confirmed that a 90-day stay can still be granted under certain conditions. These specific circumstances may include factors such as the traveller’s occupation or nationality, as well as other pertinent information.

With the suspension of 90-day visit visas, travellers to UAE now only have the option of 30-day or 60-day visit visas which can be obtained at prices between Dh400 and Dh450.

It is important to note here that travellers with Visit Visas still have the option to extend their stay for an additional month at a cost of around Dh900.

2. Increase In Service Fees for Visas & Emirates IDs

Another important development for visitors to the UAE is that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has increased the fee for issuing Visit Visas, Emirates IDs, and all other services by 100 AED.

An ICP representative confirmed that “as per the new updates, there are additional fees of 100 AED for all services provided by the ICP.”

This means that visitors should expect to pay an additional 100 AED for services such as issuing Visit Visas, Emirates IDs, and other related services. Individuals planning to travel to the UAE should take these new fees into account and budget accordingly.

Updated ICP Fees for Visit Visas & Emirates IDs:

Emirates ID, which will now cost 370 AED instead of 270 AED, and the fee for a one-month visit visa, has also been raised to 370 AED.

3. UAE Suspends Visa Extensions From Within Country

The suspension of within-country visa extensions is another change to the UAE’s visa policies that may have a significant impact on travellers. This means that travellers with visit visas, including those with Dubai permits, can only extend their visas by leaving the country.

This policy change comes after the UAE temporarily relaxed the rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the facility has been revoked now that the country has returned to normalcy.

Travellers should keep this in mind when planning trips to the UAE; they may need to make an extra trip to renew their visas.

4.  Overstay Fines and Outpass Requirement

Following the suspension of within-country visa extensions, the UAE has implemented a new policy that requires travellers who overstay their visa to pay fines for each additional day past the expiration date and to obtain an out pass or leave permit from the airport or immigration office at land borders in order to exit the country.

Travellers who have exceeded their visa validity must now obtain an Outpass or leave permit at the airport or immigration offices at land borders, according to the GDRFA in Dubai.

According to travel industry experts, a new process has been implemented that requires visitors who have overstayed their visas to pay a fee of Dh200 to Dh300 and obtain a permit in order to leave the UAE.

5. UAE Resumes Issuing 60-day Tourist Visas

The UAE resumed the issuance of 60-day tourist visas in October 2022, as part of the Advanced Visa System, a comprehensive set of reforms announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) on October 3rd.

Following the suspension of 90-day visit visas, the only visit visas available for those wishing to visit the country are 30 days and 60 days.

This is a major change as the country’s travel industry returns to normal and visitors can plan longer stays in the UAE.

6. UAE 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa

The 5-year multiple-entry visa allows tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on their own and stay for up to 90 days per visit.

The visa holder has the option of staying in the country for an additional 90 days without leaving. According to authorities, the purpose of this visa is to allow families from outside the UAE to spend more time with their loved ones in the country.

Applicants must provide supporting documents such as a bank statement for the last six months with a balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies, proof of UAE health insurance, a copy of the flight ticket, and proof of residence, such as an invitation letter when applying for this multiple entry visa.

7. Entry Permit to Visit Relatives or Friends

A visitor can apply for an entry permit for visiting relatives or friends if they have a relative or friend who is a UAE citizen or resident. This permit does not require the visitor to go through a travel agency; instead, the visitor’s relative or friend can sponsor the entry by paying a Dhs 1000 refundable deposit.

This permit, according to a UAE travel agent, allows for a more streamlined process for visiting loved ones without the need for a sponsor or host.  This reform makes it easier for family and friends to visit each other in the UAE.

These changes are expected to improve the process of visiting the UAE and travellers should be aware of these updates when planning their trip.