Big News Update for UAE Residents and Tourists

Issuance of Entry Permits:

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced that it has resumed issuing entry permits into the country, commencing today, 24th September 2020. However, work permits are still on hold at this stage and hopefully will be started in the last 3 months of year 2020.

What is Entry Permit?

Entry permit UAE is a document that allows the foreigners to enter and stay in the UAE legally for a certain period of time. You are not allowed to work on entry permit until you transfer it to residency. In simple words, the entry permit is your visit and tourist visa through which you can enter UAE.

Earlier it was only Dubai Government issuing visit/tourist visas which is now opened across UAE including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman etc. 

Requirements for an entry permit:

You need a sponsor to apply for your entry permit. The sponsor could be:

 

1.     An Emirati citizen

2.     An expatriate resident with valid residency permit in the UAE

3.     A UAE-based airline

4.     A UAE-based hotel or tour agent

5.     A government entity

6.     UAE companies in the private sector or free zones.

Required Document:

·       Passport copy

·       White background photo

·       National ID (if asked)

 

Visit/Tourist Visa Cost:

Below are the visit or tourist visa prices which may slightly vary from one travel agency to another, so before applying, check the price with more than 1 travel agent.

 

·       30 Days Visa: 450 AED

·       90 Days Visa: 1100 AED

How to get Work Visa (Residence):

As we mentioned above and the authorities also cleared it that work permits are still on hold but if you still want to get your work visa (employment visa) you can apply it once you landed in UAE on visit or tourist visa as UAE is issuing residency visas inside UAE.

 

To know more about the entry permits and residence visas, you can read this guide or this guide.

Sharjah Lift Travel Restrictions:

Another good news that comes last night is about travel restrictions that is now lifted by the Government of Sharjah.

Following the opening of airports to international and UAE-based airlines, Sharjah airport said passengers flying to Sharjah do not need to have prior approval.However, all of its passengers to have a negative PCR test certificate taken not more than 96 hours [4 days] prior to arrival or departure. Abu Dhabi also does not require an approval.

Link: Check Visit Visa Status
Link: Check Visit/Tourist Visa Price
Link: Check Overstay Fine Online
Link: Check Visit Visa Entry Date