uae tourist visa under 18

How to Avail UAE Tourist Visa Fee Waiver for Children below 18 Years Old

The UAE is not just a great place to stay if you’re looking for a decent paying job. It’s also a great destination to bring your family to, what with all the great family-friendly tourist spots you’ll get to enjoy, say, even with your young children in tow.

Also Read: How to Sponsor Your Child with Residence Visa in UAE

And recently, residents of the country have been provided with free visa fee incentive for their dependents below 18 years old , who are planning to visit their families in the country. This initiative was conceptualized by the national government to allow families to spend time together, particularly in the UAE, even if for a certain period only every year, without the added cost for their visa requirements.

Here’s What You Need to Know about Getting the Visa Fee Waiver for Children below 18 Years

With this important initiative already set in place, many residents in the country are still in the dark when it comes to the visa waiver application process for their dependents.

As per the announcement of the the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), there are several channels through which residents  can avail of the visa fee waiver for children under 18 years, such as licensed travel agents, national carriers or UAE-based hotels, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times .

The national carriers include Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia . The visa fee exemption is applicable for eligible tourists travelling to the country from July 15 to September 15 every year .

The said decision was adopted by the UAE Cabinet in September 2018 and this year will be the first year of its implementation.

Prior to this adjustment, the cost for a 14-day Express Visa is about AED 497 per head, while that for a 30-day multi-entry tourist visa is AED 917 if the traveller purchases it online.

The UAE residents can also, now, renew the residency visas of their 18-year old dependents for two consecutive years, regardless of whether they are attending secondary school or are university graduates.

According to Major-General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, acting director-general for foreigners’ affairs and ports at the ICA, tourists who are applying for the exemption through hotels will need to “comply” with their reservations.

Being one of the most progressive tourist destinations in the world, the latest visa waiver by the UAE for children below 18, accompanied by parents, visiting the UAE, is expected to provide a major boost in the country’s tourism industry.

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5-year UAE tourist visas: New application process for families implemented

Here's a quick guide to applying for this new visa, including the eligibility, requirements, and fees.

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[Editor's Note: This story was originally published in March 2022. It is being promoted again after officials made a clarification regarding this visa.]

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) is now granting multiple-entry tourist visas to family groups.

Previously, one would have to apply for each family member separately, submitting the same set of documents for everyone. But now, the ICP website is providing an option for a family to apply as a group, thus streamlining the process.

A Dubai resident told Khaleej Times that when he flew his family in for a visit, he had to file two separate applications for his parents. However, this is not the case any more, as a travel agent confirmed that applicants can now go through the new process. This means families no longer have to send applications and supporting documents separately if they are visiting as a group.

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Valid for five years, this visa — issued to families with children below the age of 18 — allows beneficiaries to stay in the UAE for a continuous period not exceeding 90 days. It may be extended for a period not exceeding 180 days during the year.

A travel agent, who wished to remain anonymous, said the visas had been in high demand, but agencies had no role to play in it.

“It is a service by the ICP and does not require any sponsor in the country,” he said. “However, it is better for them to individually apply for the visa online on the ICP website than go through an agent because travel agencies don’t have a quota or anything of that sort for this kind of visa.”

Indian national Rehna Nazir said she was already in the process of applying for the visa for herself and her family of 5.

“We visit Dubai a couple of times every year to see my sister,” she said. “Having a multiple-entry visa would save us all the trouble of having to apply for a visa every time we want to travel. It would also make impulsive trips possible. Sometimes, my children get unexpected time off from school. If we have this visa, we can plan a trip without worrying about anything else.”

Requirements

To apply for the visa, families must submit the following:

• A coloured photo
• A copy of the passport
• Valid medical insurance
• Valid ticket to leave the UAE
• Bank statement for the previous six months with a bank balance of $4,000 (equivalent to approximately Dh14,700) or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• Proof of place of residence which can be a hotel or residence address

According to the ICP website, the visa costs Dh750, in addition to a security deposit of Dh3,025.

In December last year, the Dubai’s tourism body said it was working with authorities to roll out a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa on a much bigger scale in order to attract more tourists. The visa was introduced as part of sweeping reforms announced last year.

In an interview, Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, had said that the multi-entry visa would help the country in terms of attracting tourists.

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How to sponsor a son over the age of 18 under new UAE visa rules

Unmarried daughters and disabled children are granted residency permits regardless of age.

Previously, parents could sponsor their sons up to the age of 18. Getty

Latest: UAE authorities say visa scheme to begin on October 3

New visa rules coming into force in October will allow parents living in the UAE to sponsor their sons at university in the Emirates up to the age of 25.

Previously, parents could sponsor their sons up to the age of 18 and then renew the visa for another three years, provided their sons were studying at a university.

The new rules offer huge relief to parents who have struggled to pay for university visa sponsorship in the UAE. Those studying abroad would come back on visit visas to see their families living in the UAE.

Unmarried daughters and disabled children are granted a residency permit regardless of their age, according to the new rules.

The rule changes were approved by the Cabinet in April , as per decision number no. 65 for 2022.

Validity of family residence visa

In all cases, the duration of residency for the son or daughter should be the same duration as their parents' residency permit, which can be for two or three years.

The residency holder — in this instance the parents — should provide a home for the children to sponsor them. The residency permit application should be accompanied by an attested tenancy contract and salary certificate, as per Article 55 of the executive regulation list.

The sponsor should also provide a document to prove the parent-son relationship, such as an attested birth certificate.

According to the executive regulations list regarding Entry and Residence of Foreigners, the child's residency visa may become invalid if the child remains outside the UAE for more than 180 days.

The children's residency permits are linked to the permit of the sponsoring expatriate employee. If the sponsoring parent's visa is cancelled, it requires the cancellation of the visas of the dependants.

Dependants are granted a 30-day grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation of their visa to obtain a new residence permit. If the employee fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependants, the dependants would be deemed illegal residents and could be liable to pay a fine.

Overstay fines

As per the UAE immigration's fines system, the penalty to stay on after the expiration of the grace period is Dh125 for the first day and Dh25 for each subsequent day.

If the dependant's overstay is more than six months, then the fine will be Dh50 per day and Dh100 per day after one year of overstaying.

How to apply

The sponsor can apply online to get his/her child's residency on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai website or through Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security for all other emirates.

Applicants also can visit the nearest Amer centre or typing centres to apply for a residence permit for their children.

List of documents required

Sponsor Emirates ID (Original).

Sponsor passport & residence visa page (at least minimum 6 months’ validity).

Valid Salary Certificate.

Valid Labour Contract.

Registered Tenancy contract or Ejari.

Recent Electricity Bill if house owned by a sponsor (Not rented).

Passport copies (colour) of son and one photo with white background. Passport validity should be a minimum of six months.

Emirates ID application form at the time of visa stamping or renewal

Medical test for children above the age of 18

Health insurance

Sponsor account IBAN number

For enquires, call an Amer centre on the toll free number 8005 111 from inside the UAE or +97143139999 from outside the UAE, and requests can be emailed to [email protected]

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security can be reached by calling 600522222 or email [email protected]

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Tourist visa, travel requirements for the uae.

A tourist wishing to visit the UAE can apply for a tourist visa through the electronic channels of official and private agencies, after fulfilling the requirements for obtaining the entry visa. You can learn about the requirements for entering the UAE and the procedures regarding COVID-19 tests through the websites of the airlines, which are kept up-to-date.

Government Portals to Apply for a Tourist Visa

You can submit an application for a tourist visa, as well as all types of entry visas to the UAE, electronically through government portals.

• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs

National Airlines

You can apply for a visit visa through national airlines and authorised airlines in the UAE.

• Etihad Airways Visa Services
• Emirates Visa Services
• Flydubai Visa Services
• Air Arabia Visa Services

You can apply for a visit visa through one of the hotels in the UAE, adhering to the visa requirements.

Travel Agencies

You can apply for a visit visa through travel agencies in the UAE.

Embassies and Consulates

UAE embassies and consulates allow you to apply for a tourist visa.

Categories Exempt from Tourist Visa

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not need a visa to enter the UAE. They can enter the country after presenting their passport issued by one of the GCC countries. Citizens of a few countries can travel to the UAE and obtain an entry visa upon arrival, and the duration of stay according to this visa is up to 30 days. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa that allows for a stay of up to 90 days upon arrival.

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UAE family visit visa: Visa free for children under 18; here’s how to apply

The offer is available through approved travel agencies inside and outside the uae.

Abu Dhabi : With the festive season around the corner and those planning a family trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), here’s a good news for you.

In an effort to boost tourism in the country, the UAE family group tourist visa is free for children under 18, while normal charges apply to adult members.

As per a report by Khaleej Times, the offer is available through approved travel agencies inside and outside the UAE.

However, the travel agency may charge a service fee for children visa processing which can cost between 80 dirham (Rs 1,812) and 120 dirham (Rs 2,266).

Required documents of family

• Passport copy
• Passport-sized photograph

Visa duration

• It is available for a stay of 30 or 60 days, which can be extended within the country.

“Family visas can be extended without leaving the country, children must pay a full visa fee, and extension within the country is not free,” Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

Visa cost for adult members

• 30-day visa cost from 350 dirham (Rs 6,800) to 500 dirham (Rs 11,334)
• The cost of a 60-day visa cost from 500 dirham to 650 dirham (Rs 14,734), with service charges, including insurance, potentially costing from 130 dirham (Rs 2,946) to 170 dirham (3,853)

The initiative aims to encourage families to choose UAE as their holiday destination. This visa offer is not new, it was introduced two years ago.

The UAE’s tourism industry is forecast to grow further, thanks to many incentives the government is offering visitors.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport welcomed 41.6 million guests in the first half of 2023, exceeding figures for the same period in 2019.

In the first half of 2023, Abu Dhabi International Airport experienced a passenger traffic volume exceeding 10 million.

Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest Middle East updates, download our app Android and iOS .

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UAE Family Group Tourist Visa: Kids Under 18 Enter for Free

Tourists can now apply for a family group visit visa, and the good news is that it’s free of charge for children.

Under this scheme, children below the age of 18 can receive a visa without any cost, while the standard visa fees apply to their parents. The application for this visa should be submitted alongside either the father’s or mother’s application.

Industry experts highlight the growing popularity of this entry permit among visitors, citing its convenience and cost-effectiveness, as there are no visa fees for children under 18. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the number of children eligible for this permit, and it even applies to children traveling with only one parent. This visa is available for stays of 30 or 60 days, with the option for extension within the country.

Application Process: To apply, a family needs to submit passport copies and photographs to a travel agency all at once. While the visa itself is free for children, travel agent service charges and insurance fees will apply. The agency then processes the application, typically issuing the visa within a day or two.

Cost: The visa fee for parents, along with service charges for children, may vary depending on the travel agency. For a 30-day visa for a parent, costs range from Dh350 to Dh500, and service charges and insurance for a child range from Dh80 to Dh120. A 60-day visa will cost Dh500 to Dh650, with service charges, including insurance, varying from Dh130 to Dh170.

Requirements:

• Passport copy
• Passport-sized photograph

Extension Policy: The family visa can be extended without exiting the country, but a full visa fee must be paid for children during the extension. Visitors can extend the family visa for up to 120 days without leaving the country.

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Free UAE visa provision for tourists under the age of 18 ends

• Environment

The summer provision started on July 15

Dubai: A free tourist visa provision announced in June by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for under-18 children travelling to the UAE with parents has come to an end.

The provision was in place for three months, July 15 to September 15, Sunday.

The waiver was for children under the age of 18 on the condition that they are accompanied by one of their parents coming to the UAE on a tourist visa — irrespective of the validity of the visa, be it a short or long-term visa.

There are generally two types of tourist visas, short term for 30 days at Dh200 single entry, which can be extended twice for 30 days each time, and long term for 90 days at Dh550 that can be extended twice for 30 days each time.

The fee to extend costs Dh600 each time.

Usually, a tourist visa fee for a child (younger than 18) starts at Dh350.

Tourist visas are usually arranged for through airlines, hotels or travel agencies.

A UAE visit visa is different from a tourist visa.

A visit visa can later be converted (before expiry) into an employment visa or a residence visa without the need to exit the country upon payment of a fee.

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UAE introduces family group tourist visa with free entry for kids under 18

Table of Contents

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently announced a new family group tourist visa that allows children under the age of 18 to travel for free. This initiative is aimed at promoting family tourism and making it easier for families to visit the UAE. In this article, we will discuss the details of this new visa and its benefits for families.

The Family Group Tourist Visa in UAE:

The family group tourist visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended twice, for 30 days each time. It allows a family of up to six members to visit the UAE together. The visa is available for all nationalities and can be obtained online or through travel agencies. The visa is free for children under the age of 18 who are traveling with their parents. This means that families can save a significant amount of money on visa fees, making it more affordable to travel to the UAE. The visa also allows families to travel together, which can be a great way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

Benefits of the Family Group Tourist Visa:

The family group tourist visa has several benefits for families. Firstly, it makes it more affordable for families to travel to the UAE. Visa fees can be a significant expense, especially for families with multiple children. By excluding visa fees for children under 18, the UAE government is making it easier for families to visit the country.

Secondly, the visa allows families to travel together, which can be a great way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Family vacations are an opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together and explore new places. By making it easier for families to travel to the UAE, the government is promoting family tourism and encouraging families to spend time together.

Requirements:

To apply for a family group tourist visa, families will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport for each family member
• A recent passport-size photo for each family member
• Proof of accommodation in the UAE
• Proof of health insurance for each family member
• A bank statement showing a minimum balance of AED 4,000 (or equivalent) for each family member

Visa duration:

The family group tourist visa is available for one-time applications for families traveling together, and it is valid for 30 or 60 days, which can be extended within the country. Children under the age of 12 will be able to travel to the UAE for free. However, children between 12 and 18 years of age are exempt from visa fees but may have to pay a service fee for visa processing, which can cost between 80 AED (Rs 1,812) and 120 AED (Rs 2,266).

You can apply for the UAE family group tourist visa through https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.

The cost of a 30-day visa ranges from 350 AED (Rs 6,800) to 500 AED (Rs 11,334), while the cost of a 60-day visa ranges from 500 AED to 650 AED (Rs 14,734), with service charges, including insurance, potentially costing from 130 AED (Rs 2,946) to 170 AED (3,853).

Conclusion:

The family group tourist visa is a great initiative by the UAE government to promote family tourism and make it easier for families to visit the country. By excluding the visa fees for children under 18, the government is making it more affordable for families to travel to the UAE. The visa also allows families to travel together, which can be a great way to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. This initiative will encourage more families to visit the UAE and experience its rich culture and hospitality.

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UAE Family Group Tourist Visa, Kids Under 18 Go Free

If you are planning to visit the UAE as one family—parents and their children—there is good news. 

The family group visa application allows parents and their children to apply for visas as a group through authorised travel agencies.

The initiative extends exemptions from visa fees to children under 18 years of age when accompanied by their parents. This offer is exclusively accessible through approved travel agencies within and outside the UAE, a senior official explained.

The option is only available when applying for a tourist visa through travel agencies inside and outside the country, Brigadier General Khalaf Al-Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry and Residence Permits Sector, told  Gulf News .

UAE family group visa

The family group visa is available for one-time applications for families travelling together, the official said.

Travel agencies can now apply for short-term tourist visas with a duration of 30 to 60 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 120 days if necessary.

A visa extension can be applied for before the visa expires.

Tourist visa type:

A short-term tourist visa of 30–60 days can be extended to 120 days.

Group visa (for family members):

Application through an authorised travel agency.

How to apply for the visa:

To apply for the visa, you would need to provide the following documents to the travel agency:

• Passport copy, where the passport is valid for at least six months
• Passport-sized photograph
• All information and required documents can be found on the GDFRA website .

Entry visa for residents of GCC countries and their companions

This service allows a foreigner residing in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to be granted an entry visa to the country as a visitor for a period not exceeding 30 days, extendable only once.

It can be applied through digital channels (website/smart application).

The service is available 24/7

Requirements:

• Valid passport or travel document to enter the country.
• A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.
• Personal photo (white background)
• Log in to the website: https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Register as a user.
• Choose the service.
• Fill in the data,
• The data must be filled correctly (full name),
• Pay the due fees,
• After approval, the visa is sent to the user’s email.
• The residency must be valid for more than 3 months.
• The passport must be valid for more than six months.
• If there is missing data, the application will be rejected.

In the past, visitors arriving in the UAE would obtain a yellow paper and apply for a visa, a process that typically took an hour or two to receive approval.

However, in a significant improvement, the UAE government has launched a user-friendly website, allowing travelers to apply for visas electronically.

This innovative approach enables individuals to secure their visas within a matter of minutes, even if they are outside the country.

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• Information and services
• About the UAE
• Visa and Emirates ID
• Visit visas
• Tourist visa

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

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UAE family group tourist visa, kids under 18 go free

The family group visa application allows parents and their children to apply for visas as a group through authorised travel agencies.

The initiative extends exemptions from visa fees to children under 18 years when accompanied by their parents. This offer is exclusively accessible through approved travel agencies within and outside the UAE, a senior official explained.

The option is only available when applying for the tourist visa through travel agencies inside and outside the country, Brigadier General Khalaf Al-Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry and Residence Permits Sector, told Gulf News.

UAE family group visa

The family group visa is available for one-time applications for families traveling together, the official said.

Travel agencies can now apply for short-term tourist visas, with a duration of 30 to 60 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 120 days, if necessary.

Visa extension can be applied for before the visa expires.

Tourist visa type:

Short term tourist visa of 30-60 days – can be extended to 120 days.

Group visa (for family members):

Application through authorised travel agency.

How to apply for the visa:

To apply for the visa, you would need to provide the following documents to the travel agency:

Passport copy, where the passport is valid for at least six months

Passport-sized photograph

All information and required documents can be found on the GDFRA website (website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.)

Entry visa for residents of GCC countries and their companions

This service allows a foreigner residing in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to be granted an entry visa to the country as a visitor for a period not exceeding 30 days, extendable only once.

It can be applied through digital channels (website/smart application).

The service is available 24/7

Requirements:

Valid passport or travel document to enter the country.

A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.

Personal photo (white background)

Log in to the website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae

Register as a user,

Choose the service,

Fill in the data,

The data must fill correctly (full name),

Pay the due fees,

After approval, the visa is sent to the user’s email.

The residency must be valid for more than 3 months.

The passport must be valid for more than six months.

If there is missing data, the application will be rejected.

In the past, visitors arriving in the UAE would obtain a yellow paper and apply for a visa, a process that typically took an hour or two to receive approval.

However, in a significant improvement, the UAE government has launched a user-friendly website, allowing travelers to apply for visas electronically.

This innovative approach enables individuals to secure their visas within a matter of minutes, even if they are outside the country.