The United Arab Emirates, consisting of the seven emirates, is one of the world’s favourite tourist, studying and working destinations. Whether it’s a short trip or an extended stay, visa and immigration regulation is important to have the best experience and a successful journey. 

In this blog, we will discuss the primary points of how you can get a visa, the choices you have and the overall immigration procedure in the UAE.

Types of Visas in the UAE

The UAE mostly provides different types of visas based on the reason for travelling to the country. Here are the most common categories:Here are the most common categories.

Tourist Visa

Tourist visa is perfect for persons visiting the UAE for vacationing purposes. In case of visa on arrival facilities could be availed based on the passport held by the applicant and thes visas provided. The best way for getting the visa in case you do not qualify for a visa-on-arrival is by applying for a tourist visa through UAE embassies, airlines or travel agents. It is okay to take an extension in case one is needed; this will enable one to stay longer.

Visit Visa

If you are going to visit your relatives or friends in the UAE then a Visit Visa might be the best option for you. You can get this visa through a sponsor, who offers to become a resident in the UAE or a licensed company operating within the United Arab emirates. The visit visa is normally issued for 30 to 90 days and can be renewed only once in the UAE.

Employment Visa

The good news is that if you have managed to find a job in the UAE your employer will help you get an employment visa. This visa is very important for anyone planning to work in the country. It comprises a residency visa, labour card and health insurance. It has to be conducted by a physician and should last for two to three years based on your contract and the employer’s requirement.

Student Visa

The UAE has many Universities which are world renowned and students from all corners of the world come to study in the country. If one is lucky to get an admission into any university in UAE, he or she can apply for a student’s visa which are normally sponsored by the university. This visa is normally valid for one year and can be renewed every year till the time the student is studying.

Investor Visa

The UAE has an investor residency that is available to anyone who wishes to invest in a business or even a house in the country. The currently existing investor visa is a residence visa with a possibility for long staying and can be granted for three, five or ten years depending on the size of the investment and the type of the ventures involved. This visa is preferred mostly by business people, investors and those wishing to invest in properties.

Golden Visa

Some of them include long-term residency investors and entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers, and outstanding international students. It lets the holder reside, work and study in UAE without the necessity to find a sponsor of Emirati origin; it is given for the term of 5 or 10 years with a possibility to renew it.

Applying for a Visa in the UAE

We need to note that the UAE visa application is different for each type of visa and depends on the applicant’s nationality. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved.

Determine Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine the category of the visa you require depending on your reasons for visiting the country. No matter whether it is a visa for tourism or for work or for studying, it is crucial to know which category it belongs to.

Gather Required Documents

Every type of visa also has its own papers that need to be provided. These include passport photograph, current passport which must be valid, completely filled visa application form, proof of accommodation and statement of finance. If you are applying for employment or student visa, then you will require the following; letter of offer, enrollment confirmation and medical health insurance.

Submit Your Application

The process of application also varies depending on the type of visa in that it can be done online, by visiting the UAE embassy, or through your sponsor which could be an employer, a university or a relative. Tourist visas as a rule can be obtained through airlines and/or travel agencies.

Pay the Visa Fee

There are fees for Visa and these differ with the type of Visa to be issued and the period of the Visa. Fees are normally paid at the time of applying either through the web portal or at the embassy or consulate physically.

Wait for Processing

The time taken to process a visa can also differ/s – from a few days and could take a few weeks. The tourist visa may take a shorter time to be processed than the employment and students’ visas that may take longer because of factors such as medical tests.

Receive Your Visa

After the approval of your visa, they will either send it to you via an email or put a sticker on the passport. Remember to read visa details when it comes to your visa, its expiry date, and the countries that allow entry with that particular visa.

Immigration Process Upon Arrival in the UAE

After obtaining your visa, the next step is understanding the immigration process when you arrive in the UAE.

Entry and Exit Points

You will go through immigration at the entry points which are the several international airports and border crossings in the UAE. Some of the largest airports include Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.

Immigration Check

When you get there the first procedure involves the presentation of your passport and the visa you got from the embassy. Make sure you have your papers in order, if there are any questions about the visit, make sure you are ready to answer those questions. At this stage fingerprints and a photograph may be taken.

Residency Process

For a long stay visa, for instance employment or student visa, other procedures will be performed like medical checks, fingerprints scanning and getting the Residence Permit. This process is normally done after getting to the United Arab Emirates.

Visa Renewal and Extensions

In order to stay for more than the visa permit granted initially, one has to go for a visa run or renew the visa through the GDRFA or online through the ICA. There are visas which can be renewed within the UAE, while there are others which can only be renewed on condition that you travel out of the UAE and then re – enter the UAE.

It is very important that visa and immigration regulations of the UAE should be understood in case of a smooth vacation or work and stay. This way, you will learn about the various types of visa, how to apply for one and the things to do on arrival to avoid problems during your stay in the UAE. The UAE is friendly for anyone who is either a tourist, student or job seekers or anybody who wishes to explore the environment, learn and develop.