UAE Introduces Multi-Entry Visit Visa for Family, Friends

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new multi-entry visit visa designed to facilitate visits for family and friends without the need for a local sponsor. This initiative aims to simplify the visa application process and strengthen social ties by allowing expatriates to host their loved ones more easily.

Key Features of the Multi-Entry Visit Visa:

• Eligibility: The visa is available to individuals visiting close relatives, including parents, children, siblings, or spouses. Friends are also eligible but must provide valid reasons for their visit, such as attending key events or spending time with close associates.
• Duration and Flexibility: Visitors can stay for up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend their stay for an additional 90 days, allowing for up to 180 days per year. The visa allows for multiple entries, enabling visitors to leave and re-enter the UAE as needed during the visa's validity period.
• Application Process: Applicants can apply via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, mobile app, or service centers in the UAE. Required documents include a valid passport (minimum six months validity), two recent passport-sized photographs, supporting financial documentation, and employment or business-related proof (e.g., salary certificate, partnership contract, or business license).
• Fees and Charges: The visa fees are structured as follows:
  • 30-day visa: AED 300
  • 60-day visa: AED 500
  • 90-day visa: AED 700

A refundable deposit of AED 2,000 is required as financial security, alongside minor administrative charges. Applicants must also secure medical insurance, which costs AED 40 to AED 90 depending on the visa duration.

Benefits:

• Simplified Process: Eliminating the need for a local sponsor streamlines the application process, making it more accessible for those looking to maintain connections with family and friends in the UAE.
• Enhanced Flexibility: The multi-entry feature allows greater freedom for travelers, making it easier for them to visit the country multiple times during the visa’s validity.
• Support for Expatriates: This development marks a step forward in enhancing the UAE’s accessibility for expatriates seeking to reconnect with loved ones, fostering easier family reunions and personal visits.

This initiative reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering stronger social connections and supporting expatriate communities by simplifying the process for family and friends to visit the country.