DNRD to implement new visa rules from July 29 in accordance with Ministerial Decisions

Brigadier Obaid Mehayer Bin Suroor, Deputy Director of DNRD, said that the new visa rules will be effective from July 29 (Tuesday) at all ports and entry points.

Bin Suroor confirmed that all entry permits issued before the implementation of the new law will remain subject to the current rules and regulations, until the expiry of their dates.

Brigadier Bin Suroor pointed out that the earlier procedure of issuing entry permits on arrival to citizens of 33 countries remains unchanged with no fees for these visas upon issuance. However these entry permits can only be renewed for an additional period of 30 days only, instead of the current 60 days, for a fee of Dhs620.

Brigadier Bin Suroor revealed that the law of entry and residence of foreigners laid down that the cost of establishment card insurance is Dhs75,000 in addition to the Dhs1,000 deposited for each tourist permit. Brig. Bin Suroor confirmed that the mechanism for collecting the insurance charges will be implemented at a later stage.

Major Mohammed Al Hammadi, Manager, Entry Permits Department, said as per the new regulations, the cost for issuing tourist visa is Dhs210 if processed online and Dhs220 if submitted by hand at DNRD offices. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry to the country, renewable once, for a period of 30 days at the charge of Dhs610 if processed online and Dhs620, if submitted manually at DNRD offices. Major Hammadi added that the above mentioned fees included all federal and service charges.

Al Hammadi also revealed that according to the new regulation, the tourist visas that were previously issued for 79 nationalities only will now be available for all nationalities.

In addition to that, the new rule allows tourism companies to apply for two kinds of permits - Tourist Visas and Service Visas. In case the holder of either type doesn't enter the country during the validity period, a new application should be submitted.