UAE Visit Visa Guide, Process, and Document Required to Apply

UAE is a well-known tourist destination famous for its modern architecture, vibrant culture, luxurious shopping centres, iconic skyscrapers, and diverse attractions. However, if you plan a UAE trip, it is essential to obtain a UAE tourist visa. 

A UAE tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for a specified period, usually ranging from 30 days to 90 days. Depending on your country of origin, you can apply for a visa online or through an agency. 

At the beginning of 2026, the UAE Government announced some changes to the UAE visit visa. Let's discuss them in detail, understand the UAE visit visa process, the UAE visit visa processing time, and other crucial details.

What are UAE Visit Visas?

UAE visit visas allow the visa holder to stay in the UAE for a specific purpose. Generally, the UAE visit visa is issued to individuals who wish to visit friends, relatives, or business associates in the UAE. It allows the holder to stay in the UAE for 30 or 60 days and is frequently used by people visiting the country for a short span. 

However, since 2023, you are also eligible to apply for 90-day visit visas under exceptional circumstances, such as getting medical treatment or job exploration.
Given below are the major types of UAE visit visas and entry permits –

Given below are the major types of UAE visit visas and entry permits –

• UAE tourist visas
• Patients and their companion entry permits
• Transit visas
• Short-term visas
• Multi-entry visas and more

New UAE Special Visit Visa for AI Specialists, Cruise Workers, Humanitarian Permits, and More 

Recently, in January 2026, new amendments to the UAE visit visa have been announced. The new steps have simplified entry and sponsorship rules:

Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders 
Starting this year (2026), Indian citizens are qualified for a UAE visa on arrival. However, they must hold a valid visa or residence permit from any one of nine approved countries, which now includes the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

The UAE has also introduced new visa categories for experts in artificial intelligence, events, entertainment, and the cruise industry. This move is expected to boost the economy by attracting top talent across the globe. 

Along with this, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced new amendments to existing visa regulations. These updates primarily affect humanitarian residence permits, introduce new sponsorship rules for relatives and friends, expand residency options for widows and divorcees, revise business visitor visas, and update regulations for truck driver visas.

Four New Specialised Visit Visas 

The ICP has introduced the following visit visa categories in the UAE: 

1. AI Specialist Visa - It is designed for professionals in artificial intelligence. Available for both single or multiple entries, this visa requires sponsorship by a licensed tech company or entity.

2. Cruise Tourism Visa - It’s a multiple-entry visa for tourists arriving on cruise ships or leisure boats. For this, you need an approved travel itinerary. 

3. Event Visa - This visa is intended for professionals, enthusiasts, and visitors entering the UAE to attend 

• Festivals
• Exhibitions
• Conferences
• Seminars
• Cultural or religious events
• Sports activities
• Educational programs
• Business or economic events and more

4. Entertainment Visa - This is for foreigners visiting the UAE for leisure or participation in commercial gaming and entertainment activities. To be eligible for this, you may require sponsorship from a licensed organization. 

Latest Amendments in the Existing UAE Visit Visa Rules 

Let’s now take a look at the major changes in existing visit visas —

Humanitarian Residency Permit

The UAE now offers humanitarian residence permits for one year to people from countries affected by war or natural disasters. The permit can be obtained without a sponsor. It may be extended, renewed, or suspended by the authorities, but it’s automatically cancelled if the permit holder leaves the UAE.

Residency for Widows and Divorcees

This latest visit visa amendment has also supported widows and divorcees, allowing them to obtain residency visas without a sponsor. Applications must be made within six months of a husband’s death or divorce. 

If the husband were a citizen, residency would be granted even without children. For foreign husbands, residency is allowed only if the woman has custody of her children. In case of custody disputes, it can only be resolved by a competent committee. Furthermore, permits can be extended for valid reasons.

Visa for Relatives and Friends

With this amendment, short-term visit visa changes have also been facilitated for friends and relatives of residents. Now, sponsorship is permitted based on the resident’s monthly income.

Income Requirements

• First-degree relative: Sponsor’s monthly income must be at least AED 4,000
• Second- or third-degree relative: Sponsor’s monthly salary must be at least AED 8,000
• Friend: The minimum monthly salary must be AED 15,000

Business Exploration Visa

The revised rules for business exploration visas introduce some key changes. To apply, applicants must show financial solvency based on the type of business they want to pursue. They can qualify if they run the activity through an overseas company or are recognized professionals exploring business opportunities in the UAE.

Truck Driver Visa Amendments 

Truck drivers can now get a visa for single or multiple trips, sponsored by a licensed shipping or transport company. Furthermore, several important conditions must be met to secure the visa, such as the driver having health insurance coverage, satisfying the stipulated financial guarantee requirements, and paying the applicable fee. 

What is the UAE Visit Visa Process?

Generally, the UAE visit visa process includes the following steps – 

• As mentioned, several types of UAE visit visas are available. The foremost step in the UAE visit visa process is determining the types of visa that you need, including tourist and transit visas.
• Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as coloured photos, bank statements, medical insurance, travel itinerary, and more. Note that the requirement of documents differs as per the visa type.
• Once you qualify for the criteria, apply for the visa online through airlines, agencies & hotels, and other channels. The UAE visit visa process varies depending on the country you are living in. The process typically involves filling out an online application form, paying the visa fee, and submitting your passport and other required documents.
• The processing time for a UAE visit visa, often extending to a few days, varies as per the visa type.
• Once your visa has been approved, it will be sent either by email or courier service.

Note: The exact process may vary as per your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. It is advisable to connect with an agency or hotel to know more about the specifics for your case. 

Documentation Required for UAE Visit Visa Process

Given below is the list of documents required for the UAE visit visa process – 

1. UAE Visit Visa for Jobseekers

• Attested qualification certificate
• A coloured photo
• A valid copy of the applicant's passport

2. UAE Visit Visa to Explore Investment Opportunities

• Attested qualification certificate
• A coloured photo
• A valid copy of the applicant's passport

3. Entry Permits for Patients and their Companion

• A copy of the patient's passport and their companion
• Health insurance for the patient and the companion
• Financial security
• A letter from the registered hospital mentioning the reasons for the visit

4. Multi Entry 5-Year Tourist Visa

• A valid copy of the passport
• A coloured photo
• Medical insurance
• Travel itinerary
• Flight tickets
• Latest six months' bank statements with a balance of USD 4,000 or equivalent in other currencies

How to Apply for UAE Visit Visa?

1. UAE Visit Visa and Entry Permits

You can apply for a UAE visit visa and entry permits via any of the following channels – 

• GDRFA- Dubai official website
• eChannels portal
• Dubai Now mobile application
• ICP App mobile application
• Typing centres registered by ICP or GDRFA (offline process)

2. For GCC Residents

GCC residents have to apply for the eVisa online and must obtain the same before entering the UAE. Given below are the channels through which GCC residents can apply for the visa – 

• GDRFA Dubai – Entry permit for residents in the GCC countries
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP UAE) – Issue entry permit for residents in GCC 

3. UAE Tourist Visas

You can apply for tourist visas through any of the following platforms – 

• Airlines: To arrange a visa through an airline, there are specific requirements that must be met. One of these requirements is that you must travel with the specific airline. To get the latest and specific details, you should check with UAE-based airlines regarding their visa types, services, requirements, and conditions. Some popular airlines offering the mentioned services are Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, and Emirates Airlines.
• Agencies and Hotels: Travel agents and hotels within the UAE can arrange the tourist visa on your behalf, provided you book a flight ticket through them or make a hotel reservation with a designated hotel. Additionally, you can contact travel agencies in your home country for tour packages that include the UAE and are provided in partnership with a local tour operator.

What is UAE Visit Visa Processing Time?

The UAE visit visa processing time depends on various factors such as your country of origin and the time of year. On average, it can take between 3 to 4 working days for a visit visa to be processed. However, during peak travel seasons, the processing time can stretch longer. 

It's recommended to check with the relevant authorities for up-to-date information and to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates so that you have sufficient time for your visa to be processed. Furthermore, it is recommended to be prepared with the required documents in advance to avoid delays. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Other Insurance Products

Medical Insurance UAE | Best Health Insurance in UAE | Maternity Insurance UAE | UAE Health Insurance Check | Health Insurance Cost | Family Health Insurance | Travel Insurance Dubai | Home Insurance Dubai | Group Medical Insurance | Business Insurance Dubai | Contents Insurance Dubai | Workers Compensation Insurance | Cheap Car Insurance Dubai | Top Car Insurance Companies in UAE