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Issuance of Three-Month Visit Visas in the UAE Discontinued

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the issuance of three-month visit visas in the UAE has been discontinued. According to a call center executive from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), the three-month visas are no longer available. The executive stated, “The three-month entry permit was available a few months ago, but not anymore. Visitors to the UAE can come on a 30- or 60-day visa.” Additionally, travel agencies have confirmed this change, stating that the option to request a three-month visit visa is no longer available on the portal they use to issue permits.

The three-month visit visa was initially discontinued during the Covid-19 pandemic and replaced with a 60-day visa. However, it was reintroduced as a leisure visa in May. In Dubai, the 90-day visa is still being issued to visitors who are first-degree relatives of residents. Residents can bring their parents or relatives on the three-month scheme, as confirmed by a call center executive at Amer.

However, several travel agents have reported that the issuance of three-month visit visas has been temporarily suspended. Firoz Maliyakkal, founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels, said, “As per the information we have received, the issuance of long-term leisure visas has been stopped temporarily. The demand for this visa was slightly increasing due to the winter months ahead.”

Despite the discontinuation of the three-month visit visa, visitors still have other options to enter the country and stay for an extended period. One such option is the job exploration visa, which allows individuals to enter the UAE and search for employment opportunities aligned with their skills and expertise. The job exploration visa is available for 60, 90, and 120 days, without requiring a guarantor or host, and can be applied for through digital channels such as the official website or smart application of GDRFA and ICP.

Another option is the 5-year multiple-entry visa, which enables visitors to enter the UAE multiple times through self-sponsorship, allowing a 90-day stay during each visit. This visa is particularly beneficial for families who wish to spend extended periods with their loved ones in the UAE. Applicants for the multiple entry visa must provide supporting documents, including a six-month bank statement.

Additionally, the search for investment opportunities visa allows investors to explore business opportunities and potentially find new partners or clients in the UAE. This visa is available for 60, 90, and 120 days, with a single-entry permit and does not require a guarantor or host.

It is important to note that these visa options provide visitors with the opportunity to enter the UAE and stay for extended periods, despite the discontinuation of the three-month visit visas. Interested individuals can apply for these visas through various channels, including digital platforms, customer happiness centers, and Amer Service Centers, depending on the specific visa type.