Ministry of Interior starts issuing visit visas online

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior has announced that it’s now receiving applications for short-term visit visas, either via its website (www.moi.gov.ae) or through its smartphone app. These include entry permits for 14-days and 30-days, as well as multiple entry visit visas for stays of up to 180 days. The permits are issued electronically after applicants fill the e-form and submit the required documents online. TYPES OF VISAS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 30 day short-term visit visa sponsored by public sector and free zones: The applicant must submit a formal letter from the sponsor in the UAE, stating the reasons for the applicant’s visit, along with the sponsored person’s personal data (name, nationality and occupation) and proof of health insurance. The attachments must also include a copy of the sponsored person’s passport, with a validity of not less than six months. The e-form should be attached with a bank security deposit of AED 1,000, which will be returned upon departure. Short-term 30 day tourist visit visa for single entry sponsored by GCC citizen: Applicants will need to attach the passport copy of the sponsor and the sponsored person, valid for no less than six months. They must pay an application fee of AED 100 and issuance fees of AED 100. For multiple entries applications, the application fees is AED 100 and the issuance amount is AED 400. Short-term 30 day tourist visit visa for single entry sponsored by resident: The applicant will need to attach a copy of a certified marriage contract, or certified birth certificate for children, and a certified tenancy contract or electricity bill (for a 90 days visit only), with a bank security deposit of AED 1,000, proof of health insurance, passport copy of the sponsored person valid for no less than six months, along with a copy of the sponsor’s passport. ‘Mission visa’ or entry service permit (sometimes referred to as a 14-day non-renewable stay): Applicant will need to attach a copy of sponsor company’s trade license, along with the approved “private sector” signatures, stamp and card, and a formal visa application letter for the “public sector”. The entry service permit, which is non-renewable, is valid for 14 days from the date of issue and the duration of stay is exclusive of arrival and departure days. Multiple-entry ‘six-month’ visas for property owner, converted to residence through ownership of freehold property: E-form is submitted along with the sponsor’s passport copy, valid for no less than six months and proof of ownership (title on property). They must also pay an application fee of AED 100 and AED 1000 for the issuance application. Multiple-entry 30-day tourist visa via cruise ships: Applicants should attach a copy of the sponsor’s passport, valid for no less than six months. The application will be submitted via the tourism companies with an application fee of AED 100 and an issuance fee of AED 100. Multiple entry visit visas for a stay of up to 180 days : Documents to be submitted include a copy of the sponsor’s passport, a trade license, a proof of the company’s signature, stamp and seal and the representative’s card. The applicant should also pay a fee of AED 1000 and an issuance fee of AED 2000. Entry permit for individuals to attend exhibitions, festivals and conferences for period of 30 days: Required documents include a letter from the competent authorities on holding the exhibition, festival or conference and the date; and payment of AED 1000 as a guarantee which is refunded upon departure.