For most of us, the United Arab Emirates means Dubai, the city of palm-shaped islands, iconic skyscrapers, village-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and palatial beach resorts. But beyond the shopping capital that wallows in decadence and luxury, awaits a diverse mosaic of six more emirates, each with its own character and allure.
While the UAE capital Abu Dhabi is the hub of leisure, sport and culture, Sharjah does art and heritage best. To have a glimpse of the pre-oil days, make a beeline to the ancient villages of Umm al-Quwain and Ajman. The most pristine of the Emirates, Ras al-Khaimah, which is known for its Arabian Gulf beaches snuggles against the mighty Hajar Mountains and is a major attraction among tourists vacationing in the UAE. Meanwhile, Fujairah, the only emirate with a coastline, is a hub of water sports hub.
UAE visas
Here are a few simple steps by which one can obtain UAE visas without much of a hassle.
The UAE government has visas under several categories for tourists. The right application procedures and the simplest ways to obtain visas make the process much easier than ever.
e-visas for visitors
e-visas can be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. They can be applied through private institutions, friends or through relatives settled in the Emirates. The authorities have given the green signal for bringing in the relatives of those who have been working in Dubai and elsewhere in the UAE. The only stipulation is that those being brought in should establish their relationship with those who sponsor their visit.
Natives, as well as citizens of GCC countries, have been granted permission to bring domestics, under this visa rule. The new e-visa rule makes it easy for visa seekers to apply for them online without having to go through the laborious application process under various immigration centers around the Emirates.
Apart from this, visas can also be applied for through UAE-MOI, the SmartApp of UAE’s Ministry of Interior. The ministry provides visas under two categories – one, for 30 days, and the other, for 90 days. Domestics can avail of visas from native, as well as GCC sponsors. The Ministry of Interior guidelines are clear on all that needs to be submitted while applying for visas, like for example, how much needs to be paid for each visa, the time taken for visa processing, how and where to remit the fees, the necessary documents to be produced and all other conditions to be fulfilled. If the applicant fulfils all the conditions, the ministry mails the visa to the address provided by the sponsor.
Things to remember
The rules stipulate that applicants who wish to avail of the services of e-portals, websites and smart services for visas, should register their names sufficiently early through the websites.
Visas through eChannels
Visas can also be obtained from the eChannels of the Dept of Naturalization and Residency. Even those typing centers, which have been registered under the Ministry of Interior’s Smart Gate Service, come under the eChannel portal. Visa formalities can be completed even without accessing the Immigration Dept’s Consumer Service Centers.
Who can apply for visit, domestic visas?
Natives: Visas applications can be completed via sponsorships.
Foreigners living in the UAE: Applications for issue of fresh visas, renewing and cancellations can be done through the services of the Immigration Dept.
GCC citizens: Visa applications can be submitted through their sponsorships.
Foreigners in GCC countries: They can apply for e-visas set apart for visitors. But the rules stipulate that these visitors have to apply for visas before coming into the Emirates. Visitors are cautioned against setting out before the visas are obtained. If they are accompanied by close relatives or other kin, they need to travel along with the one who applies for the visas.
Those who apply for dependent visas will not be allowed to travel alone.
Visitors: Visas under the visit category can be applied through e-portals, subject to conditions.
Dependent visas
Relatives, blood relations and close friends in the UAE are allowed to apply for 30-day or 90-day visas. To avail of this, they have to remit a fixed amount with the Immigration Dept and this security amount will be released once the visitor leaves the emirate.
Visa procedures
Visa forms are to be typed out from govt-recognized typing centers. These forms are then to be submitted to the immigration department.
A copy of the visa is to be sent to the visitor before he sets out. The original visa will have to be submitted to the visa department of the respective airport from where the visitor comes, 48 hours before departure.
Tourist visas
The home ministry has made it possible for visitors from any part of the world to come in and enjoy their stay in the Emirates and this service can be had on the strength of tourist visas. This visa allows tourists a 30-day stay in the country. Select airlines, airline handlers, hotels and travel and tourism agencies can apply for these visas. The visa fee is to be remitted by tourism agencies, which are authorized to do so.
Airlines authorized to provide visas
Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia have been given the authority to provide tourist visas. Apart from the airline firms, recognized tourism firms have also been authorized to provide tourist visas. If tourists apply for visas from authorized hotels, it’s been stipulated that air tickets and hotel bookings too have to be made via those hotels.
The rules further say that visitors need to familiarize themselves with tourism and sight-seeing possibilities by accessing such details from domestic travel and tourism agencies and local guides. The respective UAE embassies and consulates abroad can also provide details of travel and visas to tourists desirous of visiting the country.
Tourist visas and period of stay
If you are coming in on a 30-day visa, the period of stay can be extended for another 10 days. This allows a visitor a 40-day stay.One can also avail of a 14-day service visa.
If you are a travel and tourism personnel on a 30-day tourist visa, you can apply for a visa extension for another 30 days.
There are multi-entry visas for those engaged in carrying on business with the UAE. The validity of the visa is from the date of issue to six months. But even on this visa, a one-time stay cannot go beyond 30 days.
96-hr transit visa
Want to halt in the Emirates en route to another destination? Here’s a visa for you. It’s the airline concerned which provides tourists with this 96-hour transit visa. You may even extend the visa to 14 days. Your status as stated in the passport is a crucial factor in deciding whether you are to be issued such a visa or not. Once issued a visa, you can go around. The rule once again stipulates that you exit the country by the airline previously booked.
Rates differ
The fee for visas varies according to the category issued. The website of the immigration department of each Emirate provides detailed information as well as regular updates on visas and other procedures.
Fine for overstaying
Visitors are to exit the country before the visas expire. Defaulters will have to pay a fine on arrival at the airport. The fine will go up depending on the number of days overstayed.
