UAE Rolls Out New Visit Visa Categories & Entry Permit Changes
On September 29, 2025, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) announced sweeping changes to its visa and entry permit framework. These reforms aim to boost tourism, attract global talent, and address humanitarian needs.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and what’s been amended:
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What’s New: Four Visit Visa Categories
The UAE has introduced four new visit visa types, tailored to specific sectors and purposes:
- AI Specialists – For professionals in artificial intelligence. Applicants must furnish a letter from a sponsoring or host entity in the tech domain.
- Entertainment – Meant for foreigners visiting for entertainment purposes.
- Events – For those attending festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, cultural or sports events. A host or sponsor must submit event details and duration.
- Cruise / Leisure Tourism – For visitors arriving via cruise ships or leisure vessels. The travel itinerary must include a UAE stop, and the sponsor must be a licensed facility for such activity.
Each visa will have specified durations and extension conditions depending on the purpose.
Key Amendments & Additions to Entry & Residency Rules
Beyond new visit visas, the ICP has also made several regulatory changes:
Humanitarian Residency Permit
- Granted initially for 1 year, with possible renewals at ICP’s discretion.
- For people from countries affected by war, disaster, or unrest, it may be issued without requiring a guarantor or host.
- The permit becomes void if the holder leaves the UAE.
Residence for Widows & Divorcees
- Foreign widows or divorcees may obtain a 1-year residency, renewable under conditions.
- Conditions differ depending on whether the spouse was Emirati or foreign, and whether there are children.
Visit Visas for Relatives & Friends
- Sponsorship rules get more structured:
- To bring immediate family, the sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000/month.
- For second/third degree relatives, AED 8,000/month is required.
- To sponsor a friend, the sponsor’s salary must be at least AED 15,000/month.
Business Exploration Visa
- Applicants must show financial solvency aligned with the business activity, or have existing business ownership abroad, or practice professionally in that field.
Truck Drivers’ Visa
- May be issued as single or multiple entry.
- The host sponsor must be a freight or transport company.
- Financial guarantees, prescribed fees, and health insurance are required.
Duration & Extension Clarifications
- The ICP has outlined six types of authorized stays (depending on visa type) and the bodies authorized to approve extensions.
- The changes aim to enhance transparency, streamline visa processes, and align with future trends in immigration and regulation.
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