Planning to bring your family to the UAE for a vacation? The UAE Family Visit Visa makes it easier than ever, with a special benefit—kids can travel for free! Available for 30-day or 60-day stays, this visa can also be extended without leaving the country. Keep reading to find out how to apply, the costs involved, and how you can save on travel expenses for your family.
You might also like to read: GCC Visa for UAE Residents- A Comprehensive Guide
What is the UAE Family Visit Visa Rules?
If your family or loved ones are planning to visit you in UAE, then be pleased to know that they can apply for a family group visit visa. This visa allows visitors to travel in a group and pay it is completely free for children under 18 years old. Under this program, all children below the age of 18 years accompanied by parents will be granted free tourist visas. However, the parents will have to pay the usual visa charges.
To avail of a free visa for children, the applications for the whole family must be submitted together. A lot of visitors are applying for the visa to cut costs on their travel expenses and visit family and relatives with ease.
There is no limitation on the number of children who can apply for a free entry permit. Children traveling with solo parents are also eligible for the free visit visa.
This relatively new UAE family visit visa can be issued for a 30-day or 60-day period which can also be extended without having to exit the country. The scheme was launched 2 years ago and since then a lot of visitors from across the globe have applied and availed of the offer.
Application Process for the UAE Family Visit Visa
To apply for the UAE family visit visa, follow the steps below:
- A family must submit photocopies of their valid passports and photographs to an authorized travel agency
- Pay the required fees.
- You wouldn’t need to pay for the children’s visa but have to pay the service charges and health insurance fees.
- The travel agency will process the application which takes a day or two to get approved.
- After the authorities approve the application, a 30 or 60-day visa will be issued.
Cost of the UAE Family Visit Visa
The visit visa fee for the family may vary depending on the travel agency.
- Usually, a 30-day visit visa for a parent costs around AED 350 to AED 500
- Service charges and health insurance fees for a child typically cost around AED 80 to AED 120.
- A 60-day visit visa usually costs around AED 500 to AED 650 and the service charges and health insurance for a child costs around AED 130 to AED 170.
Required Documents
- Valid passport copies (passport must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photographs with white background
UAE Family Group Visit Visa Extension Policy
The UAE family visit visa under the new scheme can be extended without leaving the country. However, to do so, one has to pay the full visit visa fees for children.
The extension while staying in the country is not free and you would have to pay full fees for each accompanying child. The visa can be extended for up to 120 days while staying inside the country.
The extension application must be made before the visa expires. Staying in the country after the visa expires may incur fines and penalties.
For more details on the application process, rules, and latest news, we recommend you visit the official website of GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs)
UAE Family Visit Visa FAQs
What happens if my UAE Family Visit Visa is rejected?
If your UAE Family Visit Visa is rejected, you will typically be informed about the reason for the rejection. Common reasons may include incomplete documents or failure to meet the requirements. You can correct the issue and reapply.
Can I bring my in-laws or other relatives on a UAE Family Visit Visa?
The UAE Family Visit Visa is typically for immediate family members, such as parents, children, and spouses. For other relatives like in-laws or cousins, you might need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a tourist visa, depending on your status and the UAE's regulations.
Can I bring my children if I am a single parent?
Yes, as a single parent, you can apply for the UAE Family Visit Visa for your children. The visa fees will still be free for the children under 18, as long as you apply for them together with your visa.
Do I need health insurance for my family members on the UAE Family Visit Visa?
Yes, health insurance is required for all visitors on the UAE Family Visit Visa, including children. Some agencies may offer insurance as part of the service charge, or you may need to arrange it separately.
Can I apply for the UAE Family Visit Visa if my family members are in a different country?
Yes, you can apply for the UAE Family Visit Visa even if your family members are in a different country. The process is the same whether your family members are currently in the UAE or abroad. Once your visa application is approved, your family members will receive the visa and can then travel to the UAE. This means they don’t need to be in the UAE at the time of the application—they can apply from their home country and come to the UAE after receiving the approved visa.
Can I convert a UAE Family Visit Visa into a work visa?
No, you cannot convert a Family Visit Visa into a work visa while in the UAE. If a family member wants to work in the UAE, they must apply for a work visa through a company sponsor.
What happens if I overstay my UAE Family Visit Visa?
Overstaying your UAE Family Visit Visa can result in fines and penalties. The fine can range from AED 100 per day, depending on the length of the overstay. It’s important to apply for an extension before the visa expires to avoid these charges.