UAE discontinues 3-month visit visas

The UAE has ceased issuing three-month visit visas, according to a call centre executive from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Instead, visitors can obtain 30- or 60-day visas, which can be issued by travel agencies. The three-month visit visa was previously available but has been discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in Dubai, visitors who are first-degree relatives of residents can still obtain a 90-day entry permit.Several agents have reported that the issuance of long-term leisure visas has been temporarily suspended. Firoz Maliyakkal, founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels, stated that the demand for this visa was slightly increasing due to the upcoming winter months. Visitors who wish to stay in the country for an extended period have various options available to them. The UAE provides a range of visa options for individuals seeking employment opportunities. These visas allow holders to enter the UAE and search for suitable job opportunities that match their skills and expertise. The job exploration visa is available in three options, with durations of 60, 90, and 120 days, and does not require a guarantor or host. The visa permits a single entry into the country.The fees for a job exploration visa vary depending on the duration of the visa. For a 60-day visa, the fee is Dh200, for a 90-day visa, the fee is Dh300, and for a 120-day visa, the fee is Dh400. In addition to the fee, visitors must provide a financial guarantee of a security deposit of Dh1,000. The job exploration visa can be applied for through digital channels such as the official website or smart application of GDRFA and ICP, as well as at Amer centres throughout the country.

The 5-year multiple-entry visa allows visitors to enter the UAE multiple times through self-sponsorship, with a 90-day stay permitted during each visit. Visa holders can extend their stay for an additional 90 days without leaving the country, making it easier for families to spend extended periods of time together. Applicants for the multiple entry visa must submit supporting documents, including a six-month bank statement. The Green Visa is issued for three categories: Investor/partner, high-level skilled worker, and self-employment. Those interested in obtaining the Green visa can apply through digital channels, customer happiness centre, or at Amer Service Centre with the required documents.

The search for investment opportunities visa is a single-entry visa that allows investors to discover business opportunities and potentially find new partners or clients in the UAE. This visa is available for 60, 90, and 120 days and can be applied for on the official portal of ICP. Unlike other visas, a guarantor or host is not required for this visa.