UAE Adds 4 New Visit Visa Types, Updates Existing Rules

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced new regulations adding four purposes for visit visas while updating durations, conditions, and rules for several existing visas. The move aims to attract talent, entrepreneurs, and specialists in technology, artificial intelligence, entertainment, and tourism.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the changes reflect extensive studies and forward-looking assessments of residency and foreign affairs trends, alongside regular feedback from customers through ICP’s engagement platforms. The updates are intended to enhance community security, economic diversification, and the UAE’s global competitiveness.

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New Visit Visa Purposes

The decision introduces the following four new visa purposes:

• AI Specialist Visa: For individuals in artificial intelligence, valid for single or multiple trips, requiring a sponsor letter from a UAE-based technology establishment.

• Entertainment Visa: For foreigners visiting temporarily for entertainment purposes.

• Event Visa: For festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, sports, cultural, religious, educational, or similar activities. The sponsor must be a public or private entity, with a letter detailing the event.

• Cruise and Tourism Visa: For tourists arriving via cruise ships or pleasure boats, with a licensed establishment as the host and a detailed itinerary.

Updated Regulations for Existing Visas

• Truck Drivers: Visa granted for single or multiple trips, with sponsorship from shipping or transportation companies, financial guarantees, and health insurance.

• Visiting Friends or Relatives: Monthly income requirements vary by relationship: Dh4,000 for first-degree relatives, Dh8,000 for second/third-degree relatives, and Dh15,000 for friends.

• Business Exploration Visa: Applicants must demonstrate financial solvency or professional activity outside the UAE.

• Humanitarian Cases: Visa duration set at one year, with possible extensions for individuals from countries affected by war, disasters, or unrest. The authority may waive sponsorship, financial solvency, or kinship requirements in some cases.

• Foreign Widow or Divorcee Residency: Residence allowed without a sponsor for widows or divorcees, with conditions on custody, housing, and financial solvency. Residency may be issued within six months of a spouse’s death or divorce and can be extended under valid circumstances.

The decision also provides a detailed schedule of visa durations and extension authorities to ensure transparency and facilitate visa issuance according to client needs.

ICP emphasized that the changes aim to improve the quality of life, support trade and tourism, and bolster the UAE’s technology and economic sectors.