What is the entry permit/visa to enter the UAE and where you can apply for?
Do I need an entry permit/visa to enter the UAE?
GCC citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the UAE. It is possible for some other nationalities to get an entry visa on arrival while others are required to apply for a visa beforehand.
Visa-free entry
Citizens of GCC countries do not need an entry visa or permit or sponsorship by a citizen or resident in the UAE. They must just present their GCC country passport or national ID card when they want to enter the UAE.
Visa on arrival
A 30-day visa on arrival
Citizens of GCC countries do not need to pursue the visa process to enter the UAE and can get a visa upon arrival for 30 days with a 10-day extra time in order to extend their visa.
A 90-day visa on arrival
Citizens of GCC countries do not need to pursue the visa process to enter the UAE and can get a visa upon arrival for 90 days:
Pre-planned entry permits
Anyone who cannot take advantage of the privilege of a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival will need an entry permit before arrival into the UAE and someone to sponsor him/her.
What type of entry permit do you require?
The entry permit you require is dependent on the objective of your entry. It could be for:
1.tourism
2.visit
3.transit
4.work.
Required documents for an entry permit
It is necessary to meet some requirements for an entry permit:
1.You require a sponsor to ask for your entry permit. The sponsor could be:
1.an Emirati citizen
2.an expatriate resident possessing a valid residency permit in the UAE
3.a UAE-based airline
4.a UAE-based hotel or tour agent
5.a government entity
6.companies that belong to the private sector or are located in free zones.
2. Future visitors applying for entry permits are needed to have a real passport, valid for at least six months.
3. A visa ban prevents a person from entering the country or occupying a new job. Prospective visitors must not have been expelled from or prevented from entering the UAE in which case, he requires to acquire special authorization to re-enter.
Entry permit and visa policies
The visa and permit system operates based on rules and laws established by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) and its officially connected Directorates of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in each state.
Before you make an application for a visa or an entry permit, it is necessary to check if you are qualified for a visa-free entry or to obtain a visa on arrival or if you require an e-Visa before travel or an entry permit pre-planned by a sponsor based in the UAE.
Validity of entry permits
The validity of entry permits and the specified period of time within which the visitor should enter the country is dependent on the type of permit granted. The visit visas, tourist visas and/or employment visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Still, entry permits for GCC residents are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
The validity of 96-hour transit visas is just 14 days from the date of issuance. Multiple entry visas and temporary work permits are valid for different lengths of time.
The validity of the visa can be easily checked on eChannels platform of the ICA or on the website of Dubai GDRFA.
How to apply for the UAE entry permit?
It is possible for applicants to apply for entry permits via both the websites of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). and via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of the individual emirate. Still, while ICA provides just online channels, GDRFA provides both online and offline channels.
1.Applying online
1.The eChannels portal
Via the eChannels portal, people and companies registered in the UAE are able to apply for a new visa or visa extension. It is necessary for people and companies to register themselves first so as to be able to apply for visas. Pay attention to this point that eVisa can be utilized at the entry port in the UAE while there is no need to deposit the original visa in the entry port prior to the arrival of the sponsor.
2. GDRFA – Dubai website
Websites of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai are another option that can make applying online possible.
GDRFA of Dubai offers one extra website Amer.ae, via which Dubai citizens and residents can apply for entry permits and residence visas for their families. Visitors can apply for a renewal of visas on arrival.
3.Mobile apps
It is also possible to make a UAE entry permit and residence visa application via:
the ICA UAE eChannels that is available for both Apple and Android
the GDRFA Dubai app that is available for both Apple and Android.
3.Applying offline
1.Typing centers
The licensed typing centers are allowed to process offline visa applications. Upon confirmation, the sponsor will get a message about the confirmation and the original entry permit.
2.Amer centers
Dubai Government states that all entry permit and visa transactions must be conducted via its Amer centers.
Entry permit to see family or friends
A person whose relative or friend is a UAE citizen or resident can apply for an entry permit. He/she does not need any sponsor or host.
Entry permit for a short work assignment
People who have a short-term work mission such as probation testing or project-based assignment, and are sponsored by the employer are allowed to apply for the entry permit for a short-term work assignment. The relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident is only allowed to apply for this entry permit.
It is necessary to meet these requirements:
a temporary work contract, or
a letter from the employer explaining the visit goal
Evidence of health and well-being to work.
Entry permit for study and education
The entry permit for study and teaching is mainly designed for those participating in teaching and study courses or taking part in internship programs. The government, private entities and authorized universities or educational or research institutions can be the sponsor of this entry permit.
It is necessary to meet requirements such as a letter from the entity, illuminating the particulars of the study or teaching or internship program and its length of time.
Residence permit for humanitarian issues
Residence permits to the UAE will be granted for the following humanitarian cases:
A woman who is a resident and lost his husband who has been a citizen of the UAE and has one or more children is qualified for a residence permit.
Parents or children of a UAE citizen who hold a passport from another country.
Spouses and children of Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state citizens who hold a passport from another country.
UAE entry permit renewal
It is possible to extend all kinds of visit visas and entry permits thirty (30) days twice, upon renewal while there is no need to exit the UAE.
Before the initial extension terminates, applicants are authorized to apply for a second extension for AED 600 each time. Those people who illegally stay in the UAE after the expiration of their visa time, and don’t extend their permits will be penalized AED 100 for each day they are staying longer than the allowed time, beginning 10 days after the permit terminates.
Still, the new rule for renewal does not include the following groups:
residents of GCC countries who enter the UAE as visitors or tourist
residents coming along with GCC citizens
those on particular entry permits
those on 96-hour permits for particular assignments.
It is illicit to work on a visit or tourist visa
Visitors and tourists should know that it is illicit to work in the UAE while holding a visit or tourist visa. Based on the UAE’s labor and residency rules, a person is not authorized to work if he has not been granted a work permit and a work visa. Violators may be subjected to penalties and deportation.
Need professional and detailed consultation?
Here at Coverdale, our professional, experienced and competent consultants are ready to provide you with the latest information about visa entry and permits in the UAE. They are aware of the last changes in visa and immigration and honestly and clearly convey these changes and information. Coverdale is also prepared to be with you from the initial stages of visa application up to the last stage which is visa issuance for the applicants.