UAE is an ideal tourist destination for more than one reason.
Yes, the world-class infrastructure and golden job opportunities attract students, businessmen, and families from GCC countries and all over the world to this glittering boomtown.
But so do political stability and safety.
And while GCC citizens do not require a visa to get into the UAE, there are some other nationalities that need a visa, granted either on arrival or in advance if you want to visit the country on a temporary basis.
The entry visas and their prescribed period are classified according to different perimeters, but the most important thing is the purpose of your visit.
What should you do before visiting the UAE?
Before you visit the UAE, you must not forget to check your visa requirements. Nonstandard passport holders may have different entry requirements. As per The United Arab Emirates’ Government portal information and services, Indian citizens holding…
- a normal passport,
- a green card…
…or visit visa issued by the US,
- a residence visa from the UK,
- Or a residence visa from the EU,
…can acquire a visa on arrival for a stay of 14 days (maximum), on condition that the green card or visas are valid for a period of at least six months, starting from the date of arrival in UAE.
Types of visit visa in the UAE
UAE grants many types of single-entry and multiple-entry visas if you want to visit the country for a specific and temporary purpose.
These visit visas include the following categories;
- Tourism
- Visiting a relative
- Exploring business opportunities
- Exploring job opportunities
- Attending to a mission
- Studying
- Training
- Getting Medical Treatment
- Transiting through the country.
The duration of your stay is determined by two factors. One, your purpose of arrival to the UAE; and two, the criteria of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Tourism
- If you wish to tour around the UAE, know that ICP grants a 30-day or 60-day entry visa to visitors for this very purpose.
- The host within the UAE should be an establishment working in the tourism field. Also, financial guarantees and prescribed fees are provided.
- With a multiple-entry visa, you can enter the UAE for more than one time over a period of five years.
- In this condition, there is no need for a host or guarantor. However, the tourist can only stay in the country for not more than 180 days (provided that the applicant has a health insurance policy, a return flight ticket, proof of residence, and a $4000 bank balance.)
Visiting A Relative
- If you are planning to visit someone (such as a friend or relative) in the UAE, you can get a visa.
- The visitor should have a justification of visit, proof of kinship, and enter the country within 60 days, starting from the date when the entry permit was issued.
- The visitor should leave the country before the permit expires.
Exploring Job Opportunities
- A person cannot work in the UAE without a work permit, in agreement with the UAE Labour Law.
- This work permit is issued according to some procedures that are designated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- As a foreigner, you can acquire a visit visa if you want to explore job opportunities.
- However, you must stay for the prescribed period, plus you won’t need a host or guarantor in the country.
Exploring Business Opportunities
- If you are a foreign businessman seeking to establish a business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other UAE city, you can acquire a visa.
- The Emirates encourages investment opportunities, which is why a one-trip visa is issued to anyone exploring business opportunities in the UAE, for a certain period of time.
Studying And Training
- International students who have enrolled in the higher education institutions, colleges and universities in the UAE, can get a visa for study or training.
- This visit visa grants single entry only for studying and training, and the host should be a licensed educational or research institution.
Getting Medical Treatment
- A medical visa for single or multiple entries is granted to a visitor on the condition that the host is a licensed health facility in the country.
- Under the medical institution’s sponsorship, the patient and his/her escorts can enter the UAE.
- However, the companions must produce a certified medical report if they want to extend their entry permit.
