The UAE has announced that a new visa on arrival will begin in the country on 14th January for short-term stays to create more convenient travel conditions for foreign nationals that meet the requirements. The decision boosts the nation’s tourism and business growth agenda and complements its effort to streamline immigration at the airports for the select passenger group.
If you’re heading to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other emirates for a short visit, it is now more important than ever to become aware of the exact eligibility rules, as well as document requirements. Stricter digital checks at airports across UAE, particularly at busy flights.
UAE’s New 14-Day Visa-on-Arrival
Under the visa-on-arrival program, the UAE has allowed eligible passengers to enter the UAE without worrying about obtaining the regular visa from their home country’s embassy before traveling. The visitors are given a temporary entry permit of 14 days once they have been approved at immigration.
The visa primarily offers tourists, business travelers, family visitors and short term transit passengers. The authorities have made this process simple to from time to time have waiting periods and encourage spontaneous journeys to the UAE.
Unlike regular tourist visas, which are applied through air lines or travel agencies, this visa entry permit is applied for directly at the UAE immigrations at the airport.
Who is eligible to obtain UAE Visa-on-Arrival?
The eligibility is based mainly on your nationality and type of your passport. Visas can be granted on the spot for citizens of approved countries, upon their arrival at the UAE airports.
Widely adopted entry arrangements for travelers from countries that fall under a specified list that includes the United States, United Kingdom, Schengen states, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, may also apply.
Immigration isn’t granted for granted, though. The UAE Border authorities reserve the right to ask for more supporting documents for entry.
Essential Passport Information Rules
You have to have your passport for at least 6 months from when you arrive in the UAE. Passports which have been damaged or handwritten or have a missing page(s) could cause rejection at immigration itself.
It is also important that the information contained in the passports matches what is written on the airline tickets or a visa document presented to the agent of the airline company and the hotel at which the traveler intends to stay. Automated immigration systems can slow down if they contain any minor spelling errors.
When travelling with dual nationality, it is advisable to use the nationality attached to your travel and supporting visas contract.
Documents Required at UAE Immigration
Though it’s referred to as “visa-on-arrival,” applicants will still be required to show supporting documents when Immigration officials ask for them.
They might require a confirmed return ticket, booking for a hotel on the return flight, enough funds and travel insurance. It may also be necessary to provide the visitor with a copy of the visitor’s tenancy agreement or Emirates ID with those who are staying with their family.
Foreign residence permits must be valid for at least six months determined by the rules, and the travellers must ensure they remain legal for their needs.
Can a 14-day Visa be extended?
Many times, the 14-day visa arranged on arrival can be extended within the UAE by making the necessary payments of immigration fees. But permits for extensions are subject to nationalities and immigration history.
Those seeking extensions of their visas to visit the country should look into the matter before the expiration of their entry visas, to ensure they are not hit by fines for having overstayed their visas. After a visitor surpasses the legal stay period, immigration fines grow by the day in the UAE.
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Common Mistakes Travelers Should Avoid
A common mistake by visitors is assuming that they may board the plane with a yes and can come into the UAE. The final admission is always on the basis of immigration clearance at the time of their arrival.
Collected documents include “expired” residence permits from the US, UK or Schengen countries. It is very important to check the expiration dates prior to travel.
Passengers also have been warned against using simply printed screenshots. An immigration process is likely to run much faster with digital and physical copies of documents to support their immigration application.
FAQs
Who can get a visa-on-arrival for UAE for 14 days?
The eligibility is based on the nationality or valid visa/residence documents of the selected countries including the USA, UK, the Schengen countries, Canada and Australia.
For how long is the UAE visa on arrival valid?
All of those who enter the UAE on the visa will be permitted to stay for a maximum of 14 days from the date of entry.
Is UAE 14-day visas possible to be extended?
Indeed, many of those traveling to the UAE can renew their visas upon their arrival in the country, as long as they have immigration approval, and will be charged extra fees.
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