The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, each with its charm and opportunities. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, the UAE has something for everyone, from world-class attractions to thriving commercial hubs. To make it easier for people to travel to the country, the UAE offers a range of visa options depending on the purpose and length of your stay. One of the most popular choices for short-term visitors is the visit visa. In this article, we will take a closer look at the UAE visit visa, the different types available, how to apply, and what you need to qualify.
UAE Visit Visa
A visit visa to the UAE is different from a tourist visa. While a tourist visa is mainly intended for sightseeing and leisure activities, a visit visa is designed for people traveling to the UAE for other short-term purposes — such as business meetings, attending short courses, or visiting family. Depending on your needs, the visit visa can be issued for either 30 or 90 days, with the option of a single-entry or multiple-entry permit.
The UAE visit visa is flexible and caters to a variety of travel purposes, including:
- Visiting family members who live in the UAE
- Attending business meetings, and conferences, or exploring new business opportunities
- Enrolling in short-term educational courses, workshops, or training programs
- Seeking medical consultations or treatments at the UAE’s renowned healthcare facilities
- Exploring employment opportunities or attending job interviews
- Experiencing the country’s famous landmarks, culture, and leisure attractions
- Making a stopover in the UAE while traveling to another destination
Also read How to Extend a Visit Visa in the UAE
Types of Visit Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers several types of visit visas to suit the different needs of travelers. Each visa is designed for a specific purpose, making it easier for visitors to choose the right option based on their plans. Some of the main types include:
- Jobseeker Visit Visa: for individuals who want to explore job opportunities in the UAE
- Investment Exploration Visa: for those interested in checking out investment or business prospects
- Medical Treatment Visa: for visitors coming to the UAE to seek medical care or consultations
- eVisa for GCC Residents: for residents of GCC countries who wish to visit the UAE for short stays.
UAE Jobseeker Visit Visa:
The UAE offers a jobseeker visit visa that enables foreigners to enter the country and search for employment without needing a host or sponsor. This visa is available for single-entry trips and can be issued for 60, 90, or 120 days. Below, you’ll find the eligibility requirements and necessary steps to apply.
Eligibility Criteria for the Jobseeker Visit Visa
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for a jobseeker visit visa:
- Professional Level: Applicants should be categorized within the first, second, or third skill levels according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) job classification.
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must be Arecent graduates (within the last two years) from one of the top 500 universities globally, as recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Additionally, all applicants must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Satisfy the financial guarantee requirements stipulated for the visa.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for a jobseeker visit visa, the following documents are necessary:
- Colored Photograph: A recent passport-sized colored photo.
- Passport Copy: A valid copy of the applicant’s passport.
- Qualification Certificate: An attested copy of the degree certificate verifying your educational qualifications.
UAE Visit Visa to Explore Investment Opportunities
The UAE offers a visit visa specifically designed for individuals interested in exploring investment opportunities within the country without needing a sponsor or host. This visa facilitates easy access for potential investors and entrepreneurs to assess business prospects. Applicants can opt for a single-entry visa, valid for 60, 90, or 120 days.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this investment-focused visit visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must demonstrate financial stability.
- Must be an established professional in the relevant business sector in their home country.
- A prescribed financial guarantee must be met to ensure the applicant’s commitment and stability.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents as part of the visa application process:
- Colored Photograph: A recent passport-sized colored photo.
- Passport Copy: A valid copy of the applicant’s passport.
- Qualification Certificate: An attested copy of any relevant qualification certificates.
UAE eVisa for GCC Residents
GCC residents and their companions who plan to visit the UAE must apply for an eVisa online before their arrival. The eVisa is initially valid for 30 days and can easily be extended for another 30 days if needed.
How to Apply for an eVisa
To get an eVisa, GCC residents and their companions need to:
- Apply Online: Fill out and submit the eVisa application through the UAE’s official visa portal.
- Before You Travel: Make sure you have the approved visa in hand before heading to the UAE.
Notes and Conditions
- Visa Delivery: The eVisa will be sent to your registered email address once your application is approved.
- Travel Requirements: Applications for GCC expatriate residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens will not be approved if the sponsor is not traveling along with them.
Validity
- GCC Residents: The entry permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and allows a stay of 30 days from the date of entry. This visa can be extended once for another 30 days.
- Companions of GCC Citizens: The entry permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and allows a stay of 60 days from the date of entry. This visa can also be extended once for another 60 days.
Entry Restrictions
- If the GCC residence visa is expired or canceled upon arrival, entry will not be granted.
- If the profession of the GCC resident has changed after the issuance of the entry permit, the holder will not be granted entry.
Residency and Passport Validity
- The GCC residency must be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date.
- The passport of GCC residents must also be valid for at least 3 months from the arrival date.
UAE Entry Permits for Medical Treatment and Patient Companions
The UAE offers special entry permits for foreign patients who are traveling to the country for medical treatment, as well as for their companions. These permits are sponsored by approved medical establishments in the UAE and are designed to make it easier for patients to receive the care they need with the support of their loved ones.
In Dubai:
In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) issues entry permits for medical treatment, with sponsorship provided by both public and private medical establishments. Patients have the option to apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry permit, depending on the nature and duration of their treatment.
Documents Required for a Patient Entry Permit:
To apply, patients need to provide the following:
- A copy of their passport
- A letter from the registered hospital explaining the reason for the medical visit
- Valid health insurance coverage
- Proof of financial means or a financial guarantee.
Conditions for Medical Treatment Entry Permits:
- The sponsoring hospital must be a licensed and registered medical facility in the UAE.
- In Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, entry permits for medical treatment are handled by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) through the eChannels platform. This includes services for patients visiting Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Patient Companion Entry Permit
Companions of patients receiving medical treatment in the UAE can also apply for an entry permit. This allows them to stay with and support the patient during their treatment. These permits can be extended once, but only if a certified medical report confirms that the companion’s continued presence is necessary.
How to Apply for a Visit Visa to the UAE
Getting a visit visa for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a simple process, often completed online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
First, figure out which type of visit visa is best for your trip, based on your purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.). Visit visas typically come in two durations: 30 days or 90 days, and you can choose between a single-entry or multiple-entry permit.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
You’ll need to collect the necessary documents for your visa application. These usually include:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity from your entry date)
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of your travel plans (including a confirmed return ticket)
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE
- Evidence of financial means to support your stay
- Travel insurance that covers COVID-19
Step 3: Apply Online
You can apply for most UAE visit visas online through several platforms:
- Official UAE Government Portal: Apply directly through the UAE’s immigration website.
- Airlines: Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, and Air Arabia offer visa services for their passengers.
- Travel Agencies: Trusted travel agencies can handle the visa application process for you.
- Hotels: Some hotels offer visa services if you book a stay with them.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form carefully, making sure to provide accurate personal information, trip details, and, in some cases, answers to questions about your health and past travel history.
Step 5: Submit and Pay the Visa Fee
Once you have completed the form, submit it along with all the required documents. You’ll also need to pay a visa fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and how quickly you need it processed. Payments can typically be made online during the application process.
Step 6: Track Your Application
After submission, you can track the status of your application online through the platform you used to apply. Processing times can vary, but most visas are processed within a few days.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive it electronically via email. Be sure to print out a copy to present at the airport and upon arrival in the UAE.
Conclusion
Getting a UAE Visit Visa is a relatively smooth process, especially with online application options and fast approvals. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, family, or business, being informed about your visa options will help ensure a stress-free visit.
