​New visa rules for tourists and visitors come into effect in UAE

Muscat: Some tourists and visitors travelling to the UAE will now be subject to new rules following the implementation of three cabinet decrees by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

According to Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, Acting Director General for Foreigners Affairs and Ports at ICA, visitors can now receive a new entry permit without having to leave the UAE.

Under the new rules, tourist and visit visas of all types can be extended twice for a 30 day period regardless of the original visa's term. Each extension will cost AED600.

Al Rashidi added that the cabinet decree does not cover entry permits for those residing in GCC countries, the citizens of GCC countries, and those bearing special entry permits.

To obtain the extension, Al Rashidi explained, tourists or visitors are required to submit an extension application 30 days before the expiration of their visas.

Other changes include providing a one-year residency without a sponsor for divorced or widowed women and their children which can be renewed once. Widows and divorcees without children are also eligible to receive the one-year residency. Additionally, children sponsored by their parents who reach the age of 18 or graduate from high-school can now apply for a one-year residency visa renewable for one additional year.