The three-month visit visa has experienced a significant resurgence in popularity among visitors to the UAE, with reports suggesting that the daily application count has reached as high as 20 individuals.
This specific visa type had been temporarily suspended amid the pandemic, with a 60-day variant introduced to bridge the gap. However, as of May, the UAE reintroduced the three-month leisure visa.
Firoz Maliyakkal, the founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travel LLC, explained, “There are currently three types of single-entry visas available: 30, 60, and 90 days.”
Pavan Poojari, a visa consultant at Luxury Travels, outlined the various groups of applicants seeking the extended visa: “These include tourists desiring an extended vacation in the UAE, parents and children of UAE residents, their extended family members, and visitors intending to explore the country before potentially settling here permanently.”
Numerous families and travel experts contend that a one- or two-month stay in the UAE is too brief. Consequently, the introduction of the 90-day leisure visa has been embraced by individuals seeking an extended sojourn in the country.
A case in point is Matthew, who recently brought his parents and other family members to Dubai on a three-month visit. Matthew shared, “My parents have spent considerable time here, and their fond memories of Dubai keep drawing them back. Their previous two-month visa felt insufficient, so they are delighted to have two more months to reside here.”
Jessy, on a three-month visit as well, expressed her delight in having an extended stay with her nephew. She has been grappling with the loss of a family member, and her journey to the UAE has provided much-needed solace. Her nephew added, “This change of environment has been immensely beneficial for her.”
Eligibility criteria for the three-month visa encompass two categories. The first category pertains to residents sponsoring immediate family members and friends, necessitating a deposit of Dh1,000. Firoz noted that a minimum monthly income ranging from Dh6,000 to Dh8,000 is required for this category.
The second category caters to anyone via a travel agent, who serves as their sponsor. For this category, only a passport copy and photographs are needed.
In terms of costs, the first category of visas carries a price of approximately Dh800, alongside a refundable deposit of Dh1,000. Applications for this category can be submitted through official immigration websites. For the second category, individuals can apply through their chosen travel agent, incurring costs ranging from Dh1,200 to Dh1,400, according to Firoz.
Experts emphasize that the introduction of the 90-day visa has particularly benefited those who previously encountered challenges in exiting the country for visa extensions.
