Dubai: As someone who is planning to stay for the entirety of Expo 2020 Dubai, you might be wondering how you can ensure that your visa will be in place at all times. Alternatively, you might still be outside the UAE but plan to attend the event and stay for six months. Regardless of your situation, if you want to ensure that your tourist visa is valid for the entire season of six months, here’s how you can do it.
1. Applying for an extendable 90-day tourist visa
UAE tourist visas are available for 30 or 90 days, and more recently for five years.
You can extend a 90-day tourist visa for another 90 days if you apply for one. This is how you do it.
How do you apply for a tourist visa?
- Airlines
In order for your visa to be arranged by an airline, you must satisfy a certain set of conditions. Flying with them is one of those conditions. During the booking process, you can also ask about applications for a visa.
- Tourist visas through agencies and hotels
Hotels and licensed travel agents in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you, provided they coordinate the purchase of the ticket and the reservation of the hotel.
Travel agencies in your country can also provide information on UAE tour packages that are offered in collaboration with local tour operators.
- Through UAE-based family and friends
UAE residents (friends or relatives) can apply on your behalf according to the VisitDubai website.
How can I extend the visa?
According to Sirajudeen Ummer of Dubai-based First Gate Business Services, the visa can be extended by submitting the necessary documentation and paying the fee.
Sirajudeen Ummer, a Public Relations Officer with First Gate Business Services in Dubai
The documents required for a visa change within the country:
- Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
- Passport-size photo
- Copies of old tourist visas/canceled visas
- On arrival, nationalities will only require a copy of their passport and a photograph if they entered the UAE through the on-arrival facility.
- If the visa application was made by a relative or friend, they may need to submit a copy of their residence visa page and UID number.
2. Long-term, multiple-entry tourist visa for five years
The United Arab Emirates has recently opened a new visa option for tourists planning to visit on a regular basis. On its website, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) provides information about the five-year multiple-entry tourist visas for all nationalities.
Is a UAE-based sponsor required for the visa?
In accordance with the information provided at the time the visa was announced, an individual or organization based in the UAE is not required to sponsor the visa. A tourist can apply for a visa on their own behalf.
What is the maximum duration of stay on the visa?
Tourists are allowed to stay for 90 days on each visit, according to the announcement. The stay can be extended for another 90 days. Using this visa, you are permitted to remain during the entire Expo season.
How to apply for the five-year tourist visa
Go to http://www.ica.gov.ae – the ICA website
Click on the main module on the website called ‘E-channel Services’.
Select the ‘Public services’ option.
You will need to select the service that says Visa – multi-trip / tourist long-term (5 years) for all nationalities/visa issuance.
Complete the application form with your passport details and personal information.
The following documents should be attached:
- Colored photograph
- Passport Copy
- Medical Insurance copy
Statements of your bank account showing a balance of at least $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies for the past six months.
Review your application.
The final step is to make the payment. The application fee is 650 dirhams.
Cost
The visa cost is around 720 dirhams for 90 days.
You will have to pay Dh600 every time you renew before the end of the first one.
Note: Once you have received a visa for travel to the UAE, you will need to check the PCR test and vaccination requirements before you book a ticket.