On September 29, 2025, a major update regarding the UAE new visit visa rules was shared by ICP. Announcing a significant change to the Emirates visit visa system, the authority confirmed the introduction of four new categories for specialists.
The authority has confirmed that it will introduce four new visit visas for those having expertise in AI, entertainment, events, cruise ships, and luxury yachts. Each new category will include clear guidelines on stay duration, renewal terms, extension, and eligibility requirements. These exact details are not yet revealed by the authority, but one thing is clear: this update will surely offer more flexibility for visitors.
ICP said that the 4 new UAE visit visas are designed to make the Emirates more open to the world. The newly introduced categories are strongly expected to attract skilled professionals and experts in areas includin AI, entertainment, and tourism.
Details of the Four New UAE Visit Visas
Recently, ICP, the UAE visa authority, confirmed the introduction of four new visa categories for entry visas. Here is a quick overview of their details:
1. AI Specialists: This visa is for experts and professionals working in the AI field, which can offer a single or multiple entries in the UAE for a set period. To secure it, eligible applicants need to submit a letter from the company or centre in the tech field that is sponsoring their visa.
2. Entertainment: This visa category is introduced for foreign nationals coming to the Emirates for a short period to take part in any event or activity related to entertainment.
3. Events: Foreign nationals visiting the UAE for a short period to attend festivals, seminars, exhibitions, sports, cultural, educational, and other similar events. The applicant needs to submit a letter provided by an organiser in the public or private sector. They also need to share the details about the event they are attending, like its duration.
4. Tourism (Cruises & Yachts): Foreign nationals coming to the UAE through cruise ships or leisure boats can secure this multiple-entry visa. However, their sponsor must be a licensed tourism company in the Emirates, and they must share the travel plan of applicants, including the stops involved.
Changes in Existing UAE Entry Visas
Besides the introduction of four new visa categories for visit visas, the ICP also updated the rules for the existing entry visas, which are:
1. Humanitarian Residence Permit
The UAE residence permit for humanitarian purposes will now be issued for one year with the option of extension if ICP approves it. This permit can be given to foreign nationals in the country whose home countries are suffering from wars and natural disasters without the need for a guarantor.
However, this residence permit can be renewed and cancelled based on the reports provided by GDRFA. Also, its validity will be over, or it will become invalid automatically if the holder leaves the country. If the foreign nationals holding this permit want to bring their relatives to the Emirates for humanitarian reasons, they need to secure approval from GDRFA.
2. Widows & Divorces
Another change in the existing entry visas confirmed by ICP includes a UAE residence permit for a foreign widow or divorcee with a one-year validity. This permit can be renewed for a similar period. If the applicant’s husband is Emirati and she has no children, she may get the residency within six months of her husband’s death or divorce.
However, applicants with a foreign husband who has custody of their children can also get a residence permit within six months of their husband’s death or divorce. The only condition is that she must be in the country at that time, and the husband must have been the guarantor at the time of death or divorce. Moreover, she must have custody rights if she wants to sponsor her children’s residency under her name.
3. Relatives & Friends
Foreign nationals who want to sponsor their relatives’ and friends’ UAE visas need to meet income requirements to be an eligible sponsor. To sponsor a visa for an immediate family member, the expat must earn at least AED 4,000 per month. However, for sponsoring second and third-degree relatives, the minimum monthly salary requirement is AED 8,000. And if they want to sponsor a friend’s visa, they must earn AED 15,000 monthly.
4. Business Exploration Visa
For business exploration visas, now foreign nationals need to submit proof of financial solvency. This means they must have enough financial resources for the type of business activity they want to establish in the Emirates. Moreover, they must already have an existing company outside the country, as it ensures they will practice it professionally. This update is particularly useful for entrepreneurs wanting to craft the best startup story in the UAE.
5. Visa for Truck Drivers
Changes in rules regarding the truck drivers’ visas in the UAE were also announced. They can now get a single or multiple-entry visa, but their sponsor or guarantor must be a licensed freight company or any business operating in goods transportation. Moreover, health insurance and financial guarantees are also required.
Detailed terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria for the newly introduced visa categories and updated existing entry visas will soon be announced by ICP.
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