Tourists can now apply for a family group visit visa, and the good news is that it’s free of charge for children.
Under this scheme, children below the age of 18 can receive a visa without any cost, while the standard visa fees apply to their parents. The application for this visa should be submitted alongside either the father’s or mother’s application.
Industry experts highlight the growing popularity of this entry permit among visitors, citing its convenience and cost-effectiveness, as there are no visa fees for children under 18. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the number of children eligible for this permit, and it even applies to children traveling with only one parent. This visa is available for stays of 30 or 60 days, with the option for extension within the country.
Application Process: To apply, a family needs to submit passport copies and photographs to a travel agency all at once. While the visa itself is free for children, travel agent service charges and insurance fees will apply. The agency then processes the application, typically issuing the visa within a day or two.
Cost: The visa fee for parents, along with service charges for children, may vary depending on the travel agency. For a 30-day visa for a parent, costs range from Dh350 to Dh500, and service charges and insurance for a child range from Dh80 to Dh120. A 60-day visa will cost Dh500 to Dh650, with service charges, including insurance, varying from Dh130 to Dh170.
Requirements:
- Passport copy
- Passport-sized photograph
Extension Policy: The family visa can be extended without exiting the country, but a full visa fee must be paid for children during the extension. Visitors can extend the family visa for up to 120 days without leaving the country.
