UAE Visa Rules in 2023
It is important for all UAE visa holders to be aware of the New UAE Visa Rules in 2023.
You can stay informed about the UAE visa rules for entry permits which have been changed since the beginning of 2023.
The latest UAE entry permits are updated and provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Interior.
UAE Visa Rules
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a constantly evolving destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. To ensure a seamless travel experience, it is crucial to stay informed about the new visa rules in the Emirates.
To explore the key changes we provide highlights of the new UAE visa rules with essential information to navigate the visa process effectively.
The UAE has recently implemented new visa rules that have significant implications for visitors and residents. Let’s delve into these changes in detail to understand what you need to know.
New Entry Permit Requirements
You must have a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds according to the new requirements for entry permits.
Entry permits in the UAE serve various purposes, including finalizing residence visa procedures, medical treatment, tourism, missions, transit, family visits, business, or job exploration.
You can get an entry permit for UAE, commonly known as a visit visa, tourist visa, or transit visa, which comes with specific validity periods.
Entry Permit for residence visa procedures
- Normal visas and green residence visas (lasting 1 to 5 years) have a validity of 2 months.
- Golden visas offer a 6-month validity with multiple entries.
Entry Permit for short visits based on specific purposes
- These permits are also referred to as visit visas, tourist visas, or transit visas.
- Validity can range from 2 days (transit visa) to 5 years (Multiple Entry Long Term Tourist Visa).
The entity sponsoring the individual’s entry into the UAE can handle the entry permit application, whether it’s a private company, a public organization, a relative, a UAE-based airline, or a hotel.
It’s important to note that overstaying fines in the UAE have been standardized at AED 50 per day for visit, tourist, and residence visas, calculated 10 days after the visa expiry.
To check your visa validity, you can use your passport number to check the UAE Visa Status online which involves the eChannels platform of the ICA and Dubai GDRFA website.
According to the new rules, the 60-day visit visa does not require hosts or sponsors and it varies from nationality and the purpose of the visit.
Emirates allows single or multiple entries for the same period and is renewable.
- Job Exploration Visa
- Business Entry Visa
- Multi-entry Tourist Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Freelancer Visa
Updated Entry Visa Rules in UAE
The UAE has introduced several new entry visas in 2023 that do not require a host or sponsor.
These visas offer flexibility in duration, can be for single or multiple entries, and are renewable for the same period. They are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The new entry visas include:
Job Exploration Visa
This visa allows young professionals to explore job opportunities in the UAE without a sponsor. Eligibility criteria include being in a specific skill level, being a graduate of a top 500 university, and holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Business Entry Visa
Designed for investors and entrepreneurs, this visa allows individuals to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE without a sponsor.
Multi-entry Tourist Visa
A new five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced, allowing self-sponsored visits for up to 90 days per visit. This visa is suitable for frequent visitors who wish to explore the UAE for tourism purposes.
Retirement Visa
The UAE has introduced a retirement visa for individuals aged 55 and above, offering them the opportunity to retire in the country. Eligible applicants must meet specific financial criteria and have valid health insurance.
Freelancer Visa
The UAE now offers a freelancer visa, allowing self-employed individuals to live and work in the country. This visa is aimed at professionals in various fields, such as technology, media, and arts.
UAE Visit Visas Rules
- Visitors can now extend 90-day visit visas by up to 90 days. However, they must exit and re-enter the UAE to apply for the extension. Visa extension from within the UAE is not permitted.
- Fees for 30 to 60-day tourist visas have increased by AED 100. For example, a one-month visa now costs AED 370, up from AED 270.
- A new 5-year multi-entry tourist visa allows self-sponsored visits for up to 90 days per entry. Ideal for frequent visitors, the visa is renewable for the same period.
- Visitors must cancel unused visas within 30 days to avoid the rejection of future applications. Cancellation fees of up to AED 300 apply. Alternatively, visitors can extend their entry by two months for AED 200.
- Overstaying visit visas incur fines of AED 50 per day, with a 10-day grace period. However, no fines apply if unable to exit due to airport closures or flight cancellations. To depart, obtain an outpass for AED 200-300.
UAE Visa Extensions and Renewals
One notable change in the UAE visa rules for 2023 is the streamlined process for visa extensions and renewals. The UAE government has implemented measures to simplify these procedures, providing convenience and flexibility for individuals seeking to extend their stay in the country.
This change aims to facilitate a hassle-free experience for residents, enabling them to focus on their personal and professional commitments without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Visitors on 90-day visit visas can now extend their stay for up to 90 days. However, they must leave the UAE and reapply for the extension.
Updated UAE Visa Prices
Fees for UAE and Dubai visas, including 30 and 60-day tourist visas, have increased by AED 100. For example, the fee for a one-month visit visa issued by the ICA has risen from AED 270 to AED 370.
| Type of Visa | Duration | Prices with Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Visit Visa | 60 days | Obtainable online or through travel agents. |
| Work Visa | Varies | Skill levels are defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Amortization. |
| Visitor Visa | Varies | Long-term Visa requires maintaining a bank balance of US$4,000 for six months. |
| Green Visa | 5 years | Individuals can also sponsor their first-degree relatives. |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | People should fall in the first skill set level or the second skill set level to submit an application. |
Impact of New UAE Visa Rules for Expats
The new UAE Visa Rules affect ex-pats living in the country in the following ways.
- Expats can now sponsor their unmarried daughters until the age of 25 instead of 18.
- Expats over the age of 65 can renew their residence visas for 5 years instead of 2 years.
- Highly skilled ex-pats can get 5-year residence visas instead of 2-3 years.
Impact of new UAE Visa Rules on Family and Residency Visa
The 2023 UAE Visa Rules impact family sponsorship and residence visas as follows.
- Expats can sponsor their parents for 5 years instead of 2 years.
- Sons can sponsor their parents if they earn at least AED 20,000 per month. Daughters can also sponsor parents if they earn the same amount.
- Unmarried daughters can stay in the UAE under their father’s sponsorship until the age of 25 instead of 18.
Updated Fines for UAE Visa
- Expats who overstay their visas for up to 6 months will face a fine of AED 125 per day instead of AED 100.
- Expats who overstay their visas for over 6 months can face imprisonment and/or deportation.
- Visa violators will face entry bans of 1-3 years.
UAE Unused Visit Visa
Tourists with unused visit visas must cancel them within the specified period, typically 30 days for a 30-day visit visa. Failure to cancel the visa may result in the rejection of visa applications.
A cancellation fee of up to AED 300 applies. Alternatively, tourists can extend their entry into the country by two months for a fee of AED 200.
UAE Visa Stamping Rule Updated
The UAE government has made changes to the visa stamping process. Residence visas will no longer be stamped in passports but will be replaced by the Emirates ID.
This change eliminates the need to collect passports for stamping. UAE citizens can now submit a single application to obtain both their Emirates ID and residency visa, making the process more efficient. A smart service fee of AED 100 has been added to the cost of visas and Emirates ID applications.
Residency Visa Updates
The UAE has also introduced new updates regarding residency visas in 2023. These updates aim to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. By offering more options and benefits, the UAE seeks to foster economic growth and promote innovation in various sectors.
The revised residency visa rules provide enhanced opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive in the dynamic environment of the UAE.
UAE Visit Visa Duration
In response to the growing interest in visiting the UAE, the visa rules for tourists have been revised to accommodate longer stays. In 2023, visitors can enjoy extended durations for their visit visas, allowing them to explore the country’s rich culture, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes in their leisure tourism.
E-Visa System Enhancements in Emirates
To facilitate a more efficient and user-friendly visa application process, the UAE has introduced enhancements to its e-visa system.
These improvements aim to streamline the application process, reducing waiting times, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. By embracing technological advancements, the UAE is committed to providing a seamless digital experience for individuals applying for visas.
UAE Residency Visas Updates
New visas for job seekers, entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers, retirees, and the children of Emirati women aim to boost economic growth. Each has specific eligibility criteria, documentation, and fees.
- Visa extensions and renewals now have streamlined procedures to facilitate hassle-free experiences for residents. This enables them to focus on personal and professional responsibilities.
- Updates provide more options and benefits for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive in the UAE.
UAE Visa Regulations for Special Categories
- The UAE government has implemented specific visa regulations for various special categories, including students, retirees, and medical tourists.
- These tailored visa rules cater to the unique needs and requirements of these groups, ensuring that they can access the UAE’s world-class education, healthcare, and lifestyle offerings conveniently and with ease.
- It’s important to note that each of these new visas has its own eligibility requirements, documentation, and fees. These new visa rules in UAE aim to provide more flexibility and opportunities for individuals visiting or residing in the Emirates.
- Whether you are a tourist, job seeker, investor, retiree, or freelancer, these changes offer a range of options to suit different needs and aspirations.
Penalties for Overstaying on Visit Visa in UAE
Overstaying a visit visa in the UAE can result in penalties and legal consequences. The specific penalties and fines for overstaying depend on the duration of the overstay.
It is essential to adhere to the duration mentioned on the visa and leave the country before it expires to avoid any overstaying issues.
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules regarding visa durations and seek guidance from relevant authorities to avoid penalties.
Fee for Overstay with New UAE Visa Rules
Foreign nationals overstaying their visa must obtain an outpass or leave permit before departing from the UAE. The out pass can be obtained at the airport, land borders, or the Al Awir Immigration office, with a fee ranging from AED 200 to 300.
Overstayers are also subject to fines of AED 50 per day, with a 10-day grace period for visit visa holders. However, visitors unable to leave due to airport closures or flight cancellations will not face fines.
Avoid Overstaying Penalties Under New UAE Visa Rules
To avoid overstaying issues under the new rules, individuals should closely monitor their visa expiration date and plan their stay accordingly.
It is important to leave the UAE before the visa expires or initiate the visa extension process if an extension is needed.
Staying informed about the visa rules, seeking professional advice, and complying with the regulations will help individuals avoid any overstaying problems.
UAE Visit Visa on Arrival Regulation
Under the new visa rules, GCC residents and top-tier foreigners and visitors can obtain a visit visa on arrival. It is for 14-day stays, and the green card holders are valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.
Then you can check your visa status online for updates and it’s advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or seek professional advice to ensure a smooth process.
By staying informed about the new visa rules in the UAE, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
