UAE visa update: Entry permit rules changed

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customers and Ports Security has changed the way visitors can apply for entry permit extensions in the country.

According to reports in Arabic newspaper Emarat Al Youm visitors can now apply for visit extensions directly through the government website or smartphone application.

It comes as the authority increasing looks to digitise operations, making the process more user-friendly. The authority has also recently joined Tik Tok and Snapchat

UAE entry permit extensions

People applying for an updated entry permits online or via the app could be given the extension in less than 48 hours, as long as the correct criteria is met.

The 24hr service would hugely simplify the process of extending visit visas, but it depends on the type of entry permit issued.

Granted extensions are valid for 30 days and can be issued twice. The cost of an extension is AED610.

For GCC residents, an application for a 30-day extension costs Dh260 and must be accompanied by a passport copy, according to the Emarat Al Youm report.

There are three instances in which an entry permit extension may be longer than a month:

• Student permits may be granted a 90-day extension for AED610
• Entry permits for people accompanying GCC citizens may be extended for 60 days for AED260
• Healthcare permits can be for 90 days for a fee of AED510

The duration of a visit visa will be dependent of the purpose of the trip, but must not be longer than one year said the report.

Exceptions will be granted by the head of the authority in extreme circumstances.

The UAE has been the way in which it issues visas and entry permits. Last week Arabian Business reported that the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has issued 151,600 Golden Visas since 2019.

This week, the UAE revealed a new online tool to help users understand if they are eligible to receive a Golden Visa.