Travel InformationThe United Arab Emirates is one of the world's fastest-growing destinations for business and leisure visitors. This is hardly surprising since geographically, economically and culturally, it is in a unique strategic position between East and West.Perpetual sun, endless white sand and turquoise seas have helped to attract many tourists over the years, but it is the UAE's unbeatable shopping, superb resorts, excellent restaurants, spectacular events, an intriguing traditional culture, and a safe and welcoming environment that lure visitors back time and time again. Access has never been easier as the UAE is now a major travel hub. Today, the UAE's rapidly expanding national airlines, a major success story in themselves, transport millions of visitors through its world-class airports, and visas are available on arrival for over 30 nationalities. Huge investment has taken place in tourism infrastructure and all of the world's top hotel brands are represented here. High-end resorts have proliferated and premium tourist and entertainment facilities are widespread. The UAE has also become a food-lovers' delight with every conceivable cuisine available in its many restaurants and celebrity chefs vying to open up new venues. The country also continues to attract millions to major exhibitions at its many world-class exhibition centres, and feted sporting events in horse racing, golf, tennis and Formula 1, amongst others, bring many visitors to its shores. Some of the top names in the entertainment industry stage concerts and shows here, music and art festivals are regularly held, and cultural tourism is promoted. The latter will receive a major impetus when the Louvre Abu Dhabi opens its doors in 2015. Improvement in public transport, including a new metro and tram line in Dubai, have helped enormously with getting around the UAE's cities. But visitors are also venturing much further afield, discovering the delights of the country's varied landscape and distinct natural beauty and visiting its spectacular deserts, rugged mountains and mangrove-fringed islands.
WHEN TO VISIT The very best time to visit the UAE is between September and May. By September the summer heat is abating, although humidity can still be relatively high, blue skies are the norm and the evenings are warm. At this stage the tourist season is well under way. Daytime temperatures are ideal during November, December, January and February (around 24 C), although the evenings can be a little cool. North-westerly winds (shamal) sometimes blow during these winter months, bringing choppy seas. Most of the annual rainfall occurs between December and March, but this tends to be in the form of short heavy downpours that rapidly clear away. Indeed some winters are totally dry. By March–April, temperatures are beginning to increase during the day (early 30s), but humidity is still low and the evenings are warm. The mercury continues to rise during May (late-30s), peaking from June to August. July and August can be quite hot (high 40s) and humid (100 per cent). However hotels and golf clubs and other facilities offer very good deals during the summer months and it is worth remembering that hotels, shopping malls, in fact all buildings, cars, buses etc., are air-conditioned for comfort. Ramadan During Ramadan (the exact dates move forward by approximately 11 days each year), Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. Visitors are requested not to eat, drink or smoke in public places during this time. Most restaurants are closed during the day, although food will be served in your hotel, either in your room or in a secluded area of the hotel. Alcohol is served in some emirates after sunset. Despite these restrictions, there are certain advantages in visiting the UAE during at this time. You may be able to obtain discount rates on some hotels and once the daily fast is broken (by the iftar meal after sunset) the streets are a hive of activity, which lends a carnival atmosphere to the towns. Approximate dates for commencement of Ramadan: 29/06/14; 18/06/15; 06/06/16 VISAS AND IMMIGRATION This website contains over 50,000 pages of news and information on the UAE and has been regularly updated for 15 years. To check for recent changes to visa regulations log on to Visa News Archive. Please also use the extensive links in the Main News Archive. Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Immigration Departments in the UAE General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs, Abu Dhabi Dubai Department of Naturalisation and Residency Sharjah Directorate for Naturalisation and Residence Naturalisation and Residency, Ra’s al-Khaimah Naturalisation and Residency Department, Fujairah Call the 24-hour, toll-free AMER service on 800511 for answers to queries about visas for any of the emirates. The kind of visa that you require for entry into the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration. Please read the following details carefully and refer to the regulations listed below. Note that visa regulations are subject to change so it is always advisable to check with your embassy before travelling. If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE. Visas will also be issued to escorts of GCC nationals, including domestic helpers, for a renewable duration of 60 days. Documents required include the original passport of the sponsored person and a valid residency visa. GCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry. Documents required include the original passport of the sponsored person, a valid residency visa and proof of employment in the country of residence. Citizens of the following countries (including all 28 EU member states from 22 March 2014) are eligible for a free-of-charge Visit visa at all UAE airports or other points of entry: Australia, Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United States of America, United Kingdom with (Right of Abode in UK) and the Vatican. The visa is valid for 30 days, renewable once. The list of eligible countries may vary from time to time and it is therefore necessary to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE prior to departure. If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf. Valid sponsors may be as follows: a) Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days). Visit Visa The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in UAE, those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits. It requires the sponsorship of any UAE resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A refundable guarantee is required from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives. 90-Day Long-Term Visit Visa (Individuals) E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsor or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor * Fees: AED 1110 e-DNRD Fees. AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable 30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals) E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor * Fees: AED 610 e-DNRD fees.AED 620 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable.Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable 30-Day Short-Term Visit Visa (Companies) E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 610 e-DNRD fees. AED 620 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable. 90-Day Long-term Visit Visa (Companies) E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 1100 e-DNRD fees. AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable. Tourist Visa The Tourist Visa is a special category of visa under the Visit Visa type. This can be obtained for individual tourists from Turkey, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao, other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China. The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries. Tourist Visa for all Nationalities (Tourist companies): Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 210 e-DNRD fees, AED 220 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the arrival date and renewable for the similar period (30 days), upon payment of a fees of AED 620. Service is provided through the e-DNRD e-Services. Multiple-Entry Visas Multiple-entry Visas are issued to visitors on board cruise ships since their schedule usually includes entering the country more than once in a single trip. Multiple-entry Visas are also issued to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local company, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1000. The visitor must enter the UAE on a Visit Visa and obtain the Multiple-Entry Visa while in the country. The visa is stamped in the passport. German Citizens German citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for a one- or two-year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay of visa holders should not exceed three months per year. The visa fee is AED 1500 US Citizens US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in the US for one to ten-year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months per visit. Mission Visa Issued to businessmen and highly qualified professionals. Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 320 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 14 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 16 days from arrival date and non-renewable. Transit Visa Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours are eligible for a 96-hour transit visa. A valid onward ticket is required Passports or travel documents must be valid for at least three months. Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for the 96-hour visa on arrival: Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Niger, and Yemen. Transit visas for passengers arriving at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports can be arranged by Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways for their passengers or by Marhaba Services for those travelling on other airlines. Marhaba Services Tel: 00971 4 2162657; 2164629 email: marhaba@emirates.com Student Visa Sponsor must be one of the licensed universities or educational institutions in the UAE (recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education). E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 1110 e-DNRD fees. AED 1120 e-form fees. AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Medical Treatment Patients seeking medical treatment in the UAE must be sponsored by medical establishments, both in public and private sectors, and approved by the Ministry of Health or Health Authority of the emirate. Visas in this category are valid for 60 days from the date of arrival and can be renewed twice for 60-day periods. E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 1110 e-DNRD fees, AED 1120 e-form fees, AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. AED 610 e-service fees, AED 620 e-form fees. Valid for 60 days from the arrival date and can be renewed twice, 60 days each. Exhibitions/Festivals/Conferences Government and Private Establishments E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorised signatories (signed and stamped). Required documents: • Clear passport copy of the sponsor Fees: AED 210 e-DNRD fees, AED 220 e-form fees, AED1,000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable. Valid for 30 days from the issue date and non-renewable. GETTING AROUND Currency There are no currency regulations and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged in the UAE. The dirham (pronounced dir-ham) is the official currency of the UAE. The prefix is written as AED or Dh. The dirham is index linked to the dollar and the official exchange rate is Dh3.671 = US$ 1.00. Foreign banks have branches in the UAE and ATMs are readily available in all urban centres. Personal safety The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry on two occasions. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables. Emergency Numbers
Tipping Tipping is not compulsory, but is common practice. Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges to the bill (Abu Dhabi 16 per cent; Sharjah 15 per cent; Dubai 10 per cent). Photography Ask permission before photographing people in general. Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations. Time The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. The time does not change during the summer. Electricity Domestic supply is 220 volts. Sockets suitable for three-pin 13 amp plugs of British standard design are the norm. Appliances purchased in the UAE will generally have two-pin plugs attached. Telephone and internet The landline network, operated by the main national telecommunication organisations ETISALAT and Du, is superb: local calls are free and direct dialing is available to over 150 countries. The international dial code for UAE is +971.
* Sharjah, Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain share the access code 06 and Fujairah and Khor Fakkan the access code 09 The UAE also has an excellent and extensive mobile phone network. Pay-as-you-go cards are available for visitors who do not wish to use their home services. ETISALAT and du provide internet services in the UAE. Most hotels offer guests internet access and Wifi hotspots are provided at many cafes. Post Emirates Post (EmPost) runs an efficient postal system with red post collection boxes dotted throughout the cities and towns. Mail is usually collected morning and evening. Express postal facilities are also available at post offices, which are open Sunday to Thursday. Note that telephone, fax and poste restante facilities are not available at UAE post offices. Weights and Measures The UAE uses the metric system, although British and US standard weights and measures are understood. Clothing Respect for local culture and customs is highly desirable: bikinis, swimsuits, shorts and revealing tops should be confined to beach resorts. Men should not be bare-chested away from the beach and women are advised not to wear short skirts and to keep their shoulders covered. Note that in Sharjah women are prohibited from wearing swimsuits on public beaches. Health and Hygiene As with all travel, health insurance is a must to cover all eventualities. However, a successful government immunization programme, the provision of adequate clean water and high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene in hotels and restaurants virtually guarantees you an illness-free visit. No special immunizations are required. Nevertheless, it would be wise to check beforehand if you are travelling from a health-risk area. There are very few mosquitoes in the towns and cities and, since it is not considered to be a risk, malaria tablets are not prescribed for travel to the UAE. It is likely, however, that mosquitoes will find you if you are camping near the mountains or exploring wadis or date groves in the evening and it is always safer to avoid being bitten. Tap water, produced by desalination, is normally safe to drink. Nevertheless you may prefer the taste of bottled water. Opening Hours Shopping hours are from 9.00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4.00 to 9.00 p.m. Most shops, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, stay open all day and many in tourist areas close later. Shopping malls open from 8 am to 10 pm – frequently 12 p.m. Some supermarkets are open for 24 hours. Although shops and shopping malls are fully air conditioned, the cool of the evening is a favourite time for shopping. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday, the Islamic day of rest. But they all close for Juma (Friday) prayers from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and officially close at 2.30 p.m. Private offices tend to keep longer hours, coming back to work in the evening after an extended mid-day break. Many private businesses open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All government offices close for the weekend on Friday and Saturday. Many private companies also recognize this two-day weekend. Some offices outside the public sector close only on Friday. Public Holidays Since Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of phases of the moon, the dates for Islamic religious holidays are approximate and the precise dates are not announced until a day or so before they occur. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday is usually taken at the beginning of the next working week. A three-day mourning period is usually announced when a member of the ruling families or a government minister or the head of a neighboring state dies. Government offices and some private companies will close for the period. |
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