Introduction

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) itself and affiliated Directorates of Residency and Foreigners Affairs within every emirate determine the laws and regulations that govern the visa and permit system. According to article 2(c), obtaining a valid visa or entry permit is one of the conditions for non-residents of the UAE to gain entry into one of the states within the nation. Unless, you are a citizen of any members of the GCC, for, in that case, free movement across the territories of the members of GCC is permitted. The GCC countries are:
1. Bahrain, 
2. Kuwait, 
3. Oman, 
4. Qatar, 
5. Saudi Arabia, 
6. and the United Arab Emirates.
A special situation exists for the Citizens of India:

Indian citizens with a regular passport and one of the following:

- a visit visa or a green card issued by the United States,
- a resident visa issued by the United Kingdom,
- or a residence visa issued by the European Union

Can get a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days, as long as the visa or green card is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.

For information on all other countries

Visa or Entry permit?

Getting a visa prior to travelling to the UAE or upon entry is a requisite for travelling into the beautiful country but in case one is unfortunate enough to not get a visa, He will require an entry permit prior to arriving in the UAE which has to be sponsored by an eligible entity, those being – 
1. An Emirati citizen
2. A UAE based airline
3. A UAE based hotel or travel agent
4. Companies in the private sector or free zones
5. A government entity
6. An expatriate citizen with a valid residency permit in the UAE.

What kind of entry permit do you require?

The type of entry permit you'll require is determined by the reason for your visit. It might be used for:

1. Tourism
2. Visit
3. Transit
4. Work.

The validity of entry permits is strictly dependent upon the nature of the permit and can normally range from 14 days to 2 months, and sometimes even more.
There are 2 ways to apply for entry permits (similar to visas):  

1. Online
2. Offline

1. Online:

● The eChannels portal: Travelers can apply for services relating to entry permits to the country based on their category and manage their permits once they have been issued by registering on this portal through their email ids.

● The website of GDRFA - Dubai: The website of the General directorate of residency and foreign affairs allows visitors, options of/to 

a. Issue an entry permit
b. Cancellation of entry permit
c. Extension of entry permit
d. And replacement of a lost/damaged entry permit.
Dubai's GDRFA has launched a new website, Amer.ae, where Dubai citizens and expatriates may apply for entry permits and residence visas for their families. On arrival, visitors can request for a visa extension.

● Mobile Applications: The UAE government has recognized the need for modern technological integrations and streamlining of processes related to tourism, hence even issuance of visas and entry permits can be managed from a cell phone. Via –

a) GDRFA Dubai‬ on Google Play and App Store‬‬
b) ICA eChannels on Google Play and App Store
c) Dubai Now on Google Play and App Store

                        
2. Offline: 

a. Typing centers: Offline permit applications are accepted at licensed typing centers, where they are typed and processed by the respective emirate's GDRFA. The sponsor will be notified of the approval and receive the original entry permit after it has been approved.

b. Amer centres: The Dubai government has stipulated that; all entry permit-related operations must be completed at one of Dubai's Amer centres. Locate an Amer center here.    
Things to keep in mind.

1. Cost of Entry permit - The fee for an Entry Permit is AED 500. (Charges may vary according to the visa type). The Entry Permit fee must be paid by the person sponsoring. Entry Permits can be extended twice for a total of 30 days each time. AED 600 is charged for each renewal. After a 10-day grace period, over-stayers are fined AED 100 per day. 

2. Applicants for entry permits must possess a valid passport that is valid for at least six months.

3.  A visa ban prevents an individual from entering the nation or taking on new employment. Visitors must not have been deported or barred from entering the UAE, in which case special permission is required to re-enter.

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