Foreigners allowed to get visas without sponsor
- 16 Sep 2022
Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter
The Federal Authority for Identity, Nationality, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) has allowed foreigners abroad to apply for obtaining 5 types of entry visas to the country directly without a sponsor or mediator, through the authority’s website or the UAEICP smart app.
ICA called on individuals abroad wishing to enter the UAE for the purpose of tourism, work or living to access the smart services provided through the website and to apply for a visa, directly without a sponsor or mediator.
ICA added that the electronically available visas which a foreigner abroad can apply for are: a 6-month visa with several entries to complete the golden visa procedures, a 5-year long-term tourist visa for all nationalities with several entries, a visa for holders of special visas from nationals of the Republic of India residing in America, Britain, EU countries, a visa for the visa-exempt countries nationals (entry permit) and the virtual work residence visa.
ICA clarified the conditions and requirements for each visa, in addition to required documents and provided an introductory guide to all the steps of application and the prescribed fees.
It indicated that the applicant for a 6-month visa with several entries to complete the golden visa procedures, can obtain an entry permit for a period of 6 months, which can be extended for a similar period.
The authority added that the applicant for a 5-year long-term tourist visa for all nationalities (several entries) can apply for it without a sponsor, and it allows him to stay in the country for a continuous period not exceeding 90 days, with the possibility of extending it for another period, provided that the total stay period does not exceed 180 days per year.
The authority also pointed out that holders of special visas (nationals of the Republic of India residing in America, Britain, and European Union countries) can obtain a visa such as the USA visa and the residence visa in the European Union countries.
It is noteworthy that ICA has issued a new visa system which will be into effect as of Oct.3, 2022.
