Visa and Passport

Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of three months from date of arrival (six months for business travel) required. Often a sponsor will hold a visitor’s passport. In these cases a receipt will be issued. This will generally be accepted in place of a passport where a transaction may require one.

Visas
Required by all except the following:

• nationals of countries referred to in the chart above (UK nationals must travel with a passport reading 'British Citizen' as national status), except 1. nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa for touristic or business stays of up to 30 days;
• nationals of Andorra, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, and Vatican City for stays of up to 30 days;
• nationals of Gulf Co-operation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia);
• transit passengers, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport for up to 12 hours.

Visa Note
The Government of the United Arab Emirates refuses entry and transit to those holding transit documents issued from Lebanon or the Syrian Arab Republic, and travel documents issued by the Coalition Authority in Iraq, should their visas be obtained through an associate in the UAE.
Note: No problems in entering the UAE occur for those travelling with an Israeli stamp endorsement.

The Embassy only issues visas for diplomatic or certain business visits. For routine travel, visas for tourists, travellers (intending to visit family) and business travellers must be arranged via the sponsor (the hotel/package tour operator or UAE resident/company concerned). This includes transit visas. To obtain approval, the sponsor will require the visitor’s proposed flight and passport details in advance. Business visits are made by invitation only and proof of company trading licence is required. The sponsor will then confirm to the visitor that a visa has been arranged, usually by fax, and that she/he will be met at the airport.

Types of visa and cost
Visitor and Business: £20. Price given is for UK nationals but price is dependent on nationality. Multiple-entry visas are only issued in very special circumstances. In case of visa being arranged by a sponsor, the request for multiple-entry should be marked clearly.

Validity
30 days from date of entry and two months from date of issue. It may be possible to extend visas on request for up to a maximum of 90 days at the local immigration office.

Application requirements

• Valid passport.
• One passport-size photo.
• Duplicate application form.
• Letter from applicant’s company/organisation (with extra copy) stipulating position held and purpose of visit.
• Proof of sponsorship (often in the form of a fax).
• Fee, payable in cash only.
• Sponsor’s name, address, telephone number and occupation (business activity if a company). Contact local sponsor for details of individual requirements.

Working Days Required
Between one and five when arranged through a sponsor. However, allowances should be made for possible delays in approval procedure. It is strongly advised to apply well in advance of departure date.

Temporary Residence
This must be applied for at the Office of Immigration (tel: (662) 287 3101-10) or at a Consular office in the home country (only for certain nationals: see Note.

Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the UK
30 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT, UK
Tel: (020) 7581 1281.
Website: www.uaeembassyuk.net
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

Consulate of the United Arab Emirates in the UK
48 Princes Gate, London SW7 2QA, UK
Tel: (020) 7581 1281 or (0906) 550 4550.
Website: www.uaeembassyuk.net
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 (visa applications); 1330-1430 (visa collection).

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the USA
3522 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 243 2400 or (800) 823 6911 (toll-free).
Website: www.uae-embassy.org