The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a new multi-entry visit visa offering greater flexibility for foreign nationals looking to visit family and friends.
This new initiative, which does not require a local sponsor or guarantor, is expected to significantly benefit expatriate communities, particularly Pakistanis, who often face challenges when applying for family and personal visit visas.
The new visa system introduces flexible stay options of 30, 60, or 90 days, enabling individuals to travel without the usual sponsorship hurdles. This change is seen as a game-changer for families seeking to reunite or friends hoping to spend quality time in the UAE.
The visa is designed to simplify the process and make visiting loved ones in the UAE more accessible than ever before.
Who can apply?
The new multi-entry visit visa is open to foreign nationals wishing to visit close relatives, including parents, children, siblings, or spouses. To apply, individuals must provide proof of their relationship through valid documents such as marriage or birth certificates.
Additionally, the visa is available for friends, but only those who have a legitimate reason for their visit, such as attending important events or spending time with close associates. This development has been hailed as a welcome initiative by expatriate communities, especially Pakistanis, for whom visiting family in the UAE has often been fraught with paperwork and sponsorship requirements.
Check here application process
Applications for the multi-entry visit visa can be submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, mobile app, or at service centers across the UAE. The process is relatively straightforward, with the following documents required:
- A valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Employment or business documentation, such as a salary certificate, partnership contract, or business license.
Visa fees and charges
The UAE’s new visit visa comes with varying fee structures depending on the duration of stay:
- 30-day visa: AED 300 (approximately Rs 22,755)
- 60-day visa: AED 500 (approximately Rs 37,925)
- 90-day visa: AED 700 (approximately Rs 53,095)
In addition to the visa fees, applicants must pay a refundable deposit of AED 2,000 (around Rs 151,700) as financial security. Minor administrative charges are also applicable, and applicants must secure mandatory medical insurance, which costs between AED 40 and AED 90 (approximately Rs 3,034 to Rs 6,825), depending on the visa’s duration.
This new initiative by the UAE government is poised to strengthen family ties and promote more personal visits, especially for expatriates who previously faced the inconvenience of requiring a local sponsor. For many, the ability to visit family without the need for a sponsor will bring relief and facilitate smoother travel plans.
The new visa system is particularly relevant for Pakistani nationals who often require local sponsors for visits to their families in the UAE.
By eliminating this requirement, the UAE government has made the process more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that citizens and residents can reunite with their families more easily.
Experts believe that this will not only help Pakistani expatriates but also offer benefits to other expatriate communities in the UAE, promoting social connectivity and stronger community bonds.
Expected benefits for expatriates
This new visa scheme will undoubtedly make it easier for Pakistani expatriates to maintain personal connections, as well as participate in family celebrations, such as weddings, births, and other significant milestones. With this development, the UAE continues to enhance its reputation as a hub for expatriates seeking opportunities and a better quality of life.
The introduction of this visa is also expected to have economic benefits, as it promotes tourism and facilitates longer visits, which may positively impact sectors such as hospitality, retail, and leisure.
