UAE halts three-month visit visas, these are your new entry options

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has discontinued the issuance of three-month visit visas.

An executive from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) call centre has confirmed to Khaleej Times that three-month visas are no longer an option for visitors to the UAE.

According to the call centre executive, “The three-month entry permit was available a few months ago, but not anymore. Visitors to the UAE can now opt for either 30- or 60-day visas.” Furthermore, the executive noted that travel agencies can issue these alternative  durations.

Khaleej Times they gathered further confirmation from travel agents, who reported that the option to request a three-month visit visa is currently unavailable on the portal they use to issue permits.

It’s worth noting that the three-month visit visa had been temporarily discontinued during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 60-day option being introduced as a replacement. However, the three-month scheme was reinstated as a leisure visa in May.

In Dubai, a 90-day visa is being issued to visitors who are first-degree relatives of UAE residents. Amer, a service provider, confirmed this, stating that residents can bring their parents or relatives on the three-month scheme.

However, several agents have now reported that the issuance of three-month visit visas has been temporarily suspended. Firoz Maliyakkal, founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels, explained, “As per the information we have received, the issuance of long-term leisure visas has been stopped temporarily. The demand for this visa increased slightly due to the winter months ahead.”

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For those seeking extended stays in the UAE, there are various other visa options available, including:

Job Exploration Visa: This visa allows individuals to enter the UAE to search for employment opportunities without requiring a guarantor or host. It is available for 60, 90, and 120 days with a single-entry permit. Fees range from Dh200 for 60 days to Dh400 for 120 days, with a Dh1,000 security deposit.

5-Year Multiple Entry Visa: This visa permits multiple entries into the UAE through self-sponsorship, allowing a 90-day stay during each visit. Visa holders can extend their stay for 90 days without leaving the country.

Green Visa: Issued for three categories – Investor/partner, high-level skilled worker, and self-employment; the Green Visa requires applicants to submit supporting documents, including a six-month bank statement.

Search for Investment Opportunities Visa (Single Entry): Designed for investors seeking business opportunities in the UAE, this visa is available for 60, 90, and 120 days. It enables the issuance of a single-entry visa without requiring a guarantor or host.