UAE Announces Four New Visit Visa Categories and Amendments to Entry Permit 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced four new visit visa categories along with significant amendments to its entry permit rules in 2025. This move is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to make its visa system more flexible, attract more visitors, and support the UAE’s long-term vision of becoming a global hub for tourism, business, and residency.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Introduction of four new visit visa types to cater to different traveler needs.
- Amendments to entry permit rules for smoother application processes.
- Greater flexibility for tourists, professionals, and families visiting the UAE.
New Visit Visa Categories in UAE 2025
The UAE has introduced these new categories to meet growing demand:
AI Specialist Visa
Designed specifically for professionals in the field of artificial intelligence, this visa provides the flexibility of single or multiple entries, with sponsorship available from licensed technology companies. The initiative aims to support the UAE’s ambition to establish itself as a premier center for artificial intelligence (AI) research, innovation, and implementation, thereby enhancing its global standing in the field.
Cruise Tourism Visa
Targeting passengers and workers in the cruise industry, this visa aims to support the expanding maritime tourism sector. Multiple-entry permits enable seamless travel for cruise ship personnel and tourists, significantly enhancing tourism and hospitality revenue.
Event Visa
Participants at events that are economic, cultural, educational, or sports-related are supported by event organizers. This visa facilitates easier entry for both professionals and enthusiasts who are participating in various conferences, exhibitions, and festivals.
Entertainment Visa
Designed for individuals engaged in commercial gaming or entertainment activities, this initiative is sponsored by licensed entities operating within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visa plays a crucial role in supporting the United Arab Emirates’ expanding entertainment and digital gaming ecosystem.
What are the Updated visa rules for Families, Professionals and Humanitarian cases?
Humanitarian Residency Permit
The humanitarian residence permit in the UAE is issued for one year and can be renewed. It is designed for foreigners from countries experiencing war, disasters, or unrest. Notably, this permit does not require a guarantor or host for issuance. The residency can be either extended or canceled based on evaluations from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs. Additionally, the permit becomes invalid if the holder exits the UAE.
Residency for Widows and Divorcees
Foreign widows or divorced spouses of Emirati nationals are eligible to apply for a one-year renewable residence permit. This application must be submitted within six calendar months following the death of the Emirati national or the official divorce.
Foreign widows or divorcees of expatriates residing in the UAE may apply for sponsorship under conditions similar to those applicable to their former spouses. To be eligible, they must have been sponsored by their husbands while living in the UAE and currently hold legal custody of any children they wish to sponsor.
Visa for Relatives and Friends
The revised framework introduces provisions for short-term visit visas aimed at friends and relatives up to the third degree of kinship. Additionally, it allows for sponsorship based on the resident’s monthly income. These provisions aim to balance flexibility in family reunification with economic considerations.
| First-degree relatives | Minimum salary of AED 4,000/month |
| Second- and third-degree relatives | Minimum salary of AED 8,000/month |
| Friends | Minimum salary of AED 15,000/month |
Business Exploration Visa
Updates to the Business Exploration Visa now necessitate that applicants demonstrate financial solvency relevant to their proposed business activities. Alternatively, they must provide evidence of current involvement in the same business, whether abroad or through a registered entity in the UAE.
Truck Drivers’ Visa
Regulations governing truck drivers’ visas have been simplified. Drivers can now apply for either single or multiple-entry visas, which must be sponsored by a licensed freight or logistics company. The requirements for application include meeting financial guarantees, securing health insurance coverage, and paying the relevant fees.
Amendments to UAE Entry Permits
In addition to the new categories, the UAE has updated entry permit regulations:
- Streamlined Processing: Faster application approvals through online platforms.
- Flexible Validity Periods: Entry permits now come with varied durations depending on the visa type.
- Extended Stay Options: Visitors may extend their stay without leaving the country, subject to approval.
Why these Changes Matter?
The UAE is continuously enhancing its immigration policies to align with its tourism and economic growth strategy. By introducing more visit visa categories, the country is making travel easier for:
- Tourists looking for flexible stay durations.
- Investors and business travelers seeking short-term entry for professional purposes.
- Families and relatives wanting to reconnect with loved ones.
- Students, researchers, and professionals attending training or cultural programs.
- Visit the official UAE government portals such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or GDRFA (Dubai).
- Choose the appropriate visa category.
- Submit the required documents including passport, photograph, and proof of purpose.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Track your application status via the portal or mobile app.
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s new visit visa categories and entry permit amendments in 2025 mark an important step towards a more inclusive, traveler-friendly system. Whether you are a tourist, entrepreneur, student, or visiting family, these updates offer more options and flexibility than ever before.
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