Dubai tourist visas for all nationalities

DNRD Director Major-General Mohammad Ahmed Al Marri, speaking at a Press conference on the new visa rules, said travel agencies and hotels would be able to apply for tourist visas for clients of all nationalities.

Travel agency sources had stated the current application system did not allow certain nationalities, such as people from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, to apply.

Meanwhile, visitors to Dubai, who are nationals of a selected 33 nationalities, including England, America and Australia, are still provided visas upon entry. However, their visa will be for 30 days where it was previously 60 days.

A raft of changes to visit visas, provided upon sponsorship, will also come into effect from July 29. The short-term visit visa, for a stay of 30 days, or long-term visit visa, for a stay of 90 days, is intended to be used primarily for immediate family members.

A six-month multiple entry visa will be available with each stay stretching to only 14 days.

People visiting Dubai for a festival, exhibition or conference can apply for a visa for the specific purpose or event.

An education visa for students of short-term courses is also now an option.

Expatriate patients seeking treatment in Dubai can apply for a medical treatment visa, sponsored by their Dubai hospital.

The new visit visa rules are aimed at preventing visa misuse which leads to illegal workers in the country.

zoe@khaleejtimes.com