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The new regulation applies to dependants under 18 travelling between 15th July and 15th September every year
24 July 2018
| Last updated on 14 January 2020
The UAE Cabinet have approved a new regulation to boost tourism during the off-peak summer months, with a decision to exempt accompanying dependents of foreign tourists from visa fees. The exemption will occur annually from 15th July to 15th September.
By allowing children under the age of 18 to be immune from visa charges, the UAE are encouraging more families to travel to the country throughout the summer. This follows the news that the UAE has been among the slowest growing markets for inbound international visitor spending in the Middle East and Africa in 2018, so far.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Dubai Tourist Attractions You Must Visit
Therefore visa fee concessions for infants, children and teenagers are believed to inspire a new wave of visitors to the UAE, as travellers are set to save a considerable amount. Especially as tourist visa fees for a family of four currently cost up to AED 3,750!
How else are the UAE boosting tourism?
Transit passenger entry fee exemption
The tourist visa fee exemption isn’t the only recent announcement for travellers coming into the Emirates, as earlier this year the UAE declared that transit passengers will be granted an exemption from entry fees for the first 48 hours. Tourists, also, have a further option to extend their transit visa for up to 96 hours for a fee of AED 50.
VAT refund system for tourists
The UAE have further announced that there will be a new value added tax (VAT) refund system for tourists to benefit from, which is expected to come into effect later this year.
SEE ALSO: How UAE tourists can claim back VAT
Reduction of tourism fees at hotels
Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ajman also plan to reduce tourism fees at hotels –in a bid to boost the tourism sector and therefore, the UAE’s economy.
