UAE’s tourist visa process may get easier

UAE’s tourist visa process may get easier

The UAE’s Interior Ministry has recommended simplifying the visa process for tourists who need to get a visit visa in advance.

March 20, 2010 10:50 by kippreport

The UAE’s Interior Ministry has recommended that the visa procurement process for tourists should be outsourced to specialized companies, which will be set up under the supervision of UAE embassies abroad, reports Khaleej Times.

According to the proposal, these companies will conduct all visa formalities, including medical tests, retinal scan and processing entry visas, says the report. This new set-up is expected to ease the procedure for people who need to get a UAE visit visa from their own countries.

This new proposal is a follow-up of a July 2008 decision which amended certain provisions of the law of entry and residence of foreigners, says the newspaper. “Under the decision, the Department of Naturalisation and Residency and the embassies and consulates of the UAE will have the authority to issue visas to foreigners for visiting relatives or friends who have legitimate resident visas here,” the report adds.