Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 January 2025: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has announced an enhanced visa service, allowing UAE residents to invite friends and relatives for up to 90 days through a seamless online process. The Friend or Relative Visa offers flexible options for single or multiple trips and is part of the UAE’s efforts to strengthen community ties and promote tourism.
Available via the authority’s website and smart application, the service offers stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, with the visa valid for entry up to 60 days from issuance. Extensions can also be applied for during the stay. The application process is simple, requiring residents to log in with their digital identity, select the visa type and duration, and verify their details before submitting the request.
To qualify, applicants must have a passport valid for more than six months, a travel ticket, and valid health insurance. Additionally, the visa holder must be a friend or relative of a UAE citizen or a first- or second-degree relative of a UAE resident. Foreign residents inviting friends or family must hold a first- or second-level job classification as defined by the authority.
Maj-Gen Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of the authority, highlighted that the service is designed to reunite families and friends, enhancing the quality of life and supporting the UAE’s vision of being a global hub for living and investment. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to the visa’s duration, warning that administrative penalties will apply for overstaying or failing to leave the country.
This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering community ties and providing a welcoming experience for visitors, further strengthening its position as a leading destination for tourism and investment.