How to Get a Tourist or Visit Visa on Arrival in Abu Dhabi | ExpatWoman.com
 

How to Get a Tourist or Visit Visa on Arrival in Abu Dhabi

If you're wondering about the requirements of obtaining a visit visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi, here's some useful information.

Posted on

23 June 2014

Last updated on 28 May 2017
How to Get a Tourist or Visit Visa on Arrival in Abu Dhabi

A visa to enter the UAE comprises of three elements: the visitor’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and its planned duration. Getting a visit visa can be more complicated if your visitor does not have a passport belonging to one of either the GCC countries or from a country that receives free visa upon arrival.

 

GCC citizens require an e-visa before UAE visit:

GCC residents can now apply for their entry visas to the UAE through an online portal called ‘Fawri’. The Fawri service aims to expedite passenger movement across the UAE’s entry points and streamline the visa process for passengers before they arrive in the country.

The service, which is accessible through the ministry’s website www.moi.gov.ae and smart app, allows those residing in other GCC countries and those accompanying them, such as domestic helpers, to get their UAE entry permits (visas) via the various ports across the country. Other countries forming the GCC include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Citizens who will receive a visa upon arrival:

The citizens of these countries will be issued a free-of-charge entry visa upon arrival to Abu Dhabi International Airport:

Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican State.

Citizens from all other countries applying for a visa

Any citizen from a country not on the above list must apply for a visa prior to their visit. These visas can come in the form of Tourist, Transit or Visit Visa.

1. Applying through travel agencies, hotels or airlines

How to apply:

• Etihad Airways
Any visitor flying with Etihad Airways can apply for a visa online through the Etihad Airways Website

• Travel agency or hotel
If the visitor’s trip is booked through a travel agency they should often be able to arrange your visa for you. Those staying in hotels (3/4/5 stars) can apply for a visa on behalf of the guest who has booked to stay with them. However, not all hotels offer this service so it is important to check with the hotel before applying. This service does not apply to those staying in hotel apartments.

• Apply for visas in advance
Make sure that if you are applying for a visa through any airline, hotel or travel agency that you leave enough time for the visa to be approved before your departure date. These organisations will not take responsibility if the visa is declined at the airport.

2. Applying through your nearest UAE embassy

If a citizen cannot obtain a visa via the alternative methods they will need to apply for one at the nearest UAE embassy.

3. Obtaining a visit visa via a company or person in the UAE

Those who can sponsor a visitor:

• Companies in the UAE
• UAE national (can sponsor friends or acquaintances)
• Expatriate resident earning more than AED 4000 per month or AED 3000 plus accommodation (this sponsorship applies only to first or second degree family members)

This type of visa last 30 days (short term) or 90 days (long term). No extensions are permitted beyond this point.

Visa Fees:

• Short term visa: AED 620 application fee + typing fees
• Long term visa: AED 1120 application fee+ typing fees. A deposit of AED 1000 to be paid, which can be reimbursed after your relative has left the country.

Procedure:

1. Applicants must send a copy of their passports and all required documents to their UAE sponsor who will then forward the visa application to the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs - Abu Dhabi), which will issue the visa.

Documents required:

• UAE Company sponsor

  • Photocopy of the visitor's passport
  • Visit Visa Application form, completed and signed by the sponsoring company.
  • Photocopy of the trade license of the company
  • A Guarantee letter from the company stating its responsibility of the visitor during his visit.

• UAE National

  • Typed Application form
  • A copy of the sponsor’s passport & family member's passport
  • 1 photo of the family member (may be required)
  • Marriage contract attested from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or UAE Embassy (for sponsoring a wife or husband)
  • Attested birth certificates (for sponsoring children)
  • Relationship proof attested from the Embassy (in case relationship cannot be proved from family names in sponsor and relative's passport)
  • Attested work contract if the sponsor is working in a private company or a salary certificate if working in government.
  • Traveller Insurance.
  • Required paperwork includes proof of kinship
  • 30-day or 90-day health insurance for the visa beneficiary
  • Refundable financial guarantee of AED 1,000

Citizens who will be denied a visa to Abu Dhabi

All Israelis and any visitors whose passports have an Israeli stamp will be denied a visa into the country.

Duration of stay:

GCC nationals can usually stay for as long a duration as they wish. British citizens are issued a 60 day visa and then can apply for a further two months. DNRD (Dubai Immigration Department or Dubai Naturalisation and Residence Department) issue the visa, stamping it for 30 days (but it is valid for 60 days) and can be renewed for a further 30 days by paying a fee. To extend the stay, the visa must be renewed before the 60th day. If the visitor overstays their visit, they must pay a fine per day that they overstay plus charges for an out pass.

* Remember to contact the nearest UAE embassy before applying for a visit visa as visa regulations can change so it is necessary to stay up to date with the current information. Visa updates can also be found at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. *