Deposit & Insurance Mandatory for all types of UAE Visas

By Samir Salama, Associate Editor (Courtesy – Gulf News)

Published: July 29, 2008, 00:05

Abu Dhabi: Changes to the visa system take effect on Tuesday, making it easier for people to obtain visas and for authorities to track them down.

"Applicants for visit visas could obtain them within 10 minutes for no extra charges," said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department. 

"Others may have to wait for not more than 90 minutes for security checks."
Speaking on the eve of the introduction of the new rules, Brigadier Al Minhali said a Dh1,000-refundable deposit and proof of health insurance will be mandatory for all visas. 
"Sixteen types of visas have been created, including visas for medical treatment and education, to stamp out illegal stay in the country," he said. "Documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor, including address in home country."
He confirmed staff were ready, the software was in place and visas have been printed. "The system will be up and running smoothly," Brigadier Al Minhali said.
There are several different types of visas available, with the most common being used are visit, tourist and residency visas for foreigners.