UAE Unveils Four New Visit Visa Categories, Introduces Changes to Entry Permits

The UAE has introduced four new visit visa categories, targeting specialists in Artificial Intelligence, entertainment, events, cruise ships, and luxury yachts.

 

The changes form part of key amendments and additions to entry visa regulations announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The updated rules aim to “reinforce the UAE’s approach of openness to the world and its efforts to attract talent, expertise, and entrepreneurs in the fields of technology -- particularly artificial intelligence -- as well as entertainment and tourism.” Each visa category will have clear schedules specifying authorised stay durations and the conditions for extensions.

 

New UAE Visit Visas

Authorities unveiled four categories of entry permits:

 

For specialists in AI: Issued as single or multiple-entry permits for a defined period, conditional on a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity specialised in technology.

For entertainment: Granted to foreigners entering the country temporarily for entertainment activities.

For events: Issued for temporary stays to attend festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, or economic, cultural, sports, religious, community, and educational events. The sponsor or host must be a public or private sector entity, with a letter submitted detailing the event and its duration.

For tourism: Multiple-entry permits are available for cruise ship and yacht passengers stopping in the UAE. The sponsor or host must be a licensed facility operating in this sector.

 

Humanitarian Residence Permit

The humanitarian residence permit will be valid for one year, with renewal possible by decision of the ICP under specific conditions. The Authority can continue granting visas to foreigners from countries affected by wars, disasters, or unrest without requiring a guarantor or host.

 

Residency can be renewed or cancelled based on reports from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. Permits become void if the holder leaves the UAE.

 

Citizens or foreigners bringing relatives under humanitarian circumstances may be exempt from financial solvency and kinship requirements in certain cases, as determined by the Director General of the Authority, while following financial and technical regulations.

 

Widows, Divorcees

Other changes include one-year residence permits for foreign widows and divorcees, renewable for another year.

 

If the husband was Emirati: Residency can be granted within six months of death or divorce, even without children.

 

If the husband was foreign: Residency may be given if the widow or divorcee has custody of children, applies within six months of death or divorce, and was sponsored by the husband at that time. She may also sponsor her children’s residency under her name.

 

In custody disputes, decisions will be made by a competent committee. Financial solvency and adequate housing are required in all cases, with possible extensions if valid reasons exist.

 

Relatives, Friends

Residents sponsoring relatives or friends must meet income thresholds. To bring immediate family, a minimum monthly salary of Dh4,000 is required; for second- or third-degree relatives, Dh8,000; and for friends, Dh15,000.

 

Business Exploration Visa

Applicants must now show financial solvency matching the activity they intend to pursue, or prove engagement in the business through an existing establishment abroad, or professional practice.

 

Truck Drivers’ Visa

Truck drivers may obtain single or multiple-entry visas, provided their guarantor is a freight or goods transport company, the financial guarantee and fees are fulfilled, and valid health insurance is in place. 

 

For any enquiries please fill out this form, or contact info@thelawreporters.com and  Follow  The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels