Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows entry to the UAE once or multiple times for visiting friends and family for a short period of time. The visa is issued on the initiative of the inviting person in the UAE—a relative or friend permanently residing in the UAE or a citizen of the UAE.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
Single-entry
2 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>Usually valid to enter UAE for 60 days from the date of issue. However the exact period within which applicant must enter the UAE after the visa is issued can vary, so it's recommended to verify this information with the sponsor or official UAE immigration authorities.</p>
from 1 month to 3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>The sponsor applies for a visit visa valid for 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the required length of stay in the UAE. However, the immigration authorities' decision on length of stay may vary, depending on documentary evidence provided and other factors.</p>
6 months
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Can be extended one or more times through a sponsor. The total period of stay under the visa cannot exceed 180 days.</p>
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>The applicant specifies the required number of entries in a visa application. However, the immigration authority makes a decision that may vary depending on the documentary evidence provided and other factors.</p>
from 3 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Issued through the digital channels (GDRFA website or smart application) available 24/7 or when visiting visa service center in the UAE.</p>
AED 200 (~$55) - 30-day stay
AED 300 (~$82) - 60-day stay
AED 400 (~$109) - 90-day stay
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>The fee is paid up front via the online portal or at an AMER center when submitting the visa application. Payment is in AED and made before approval of the visa.</p> <p> </p> <p>Additional fees: A refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 is required + service fee of AED60. If the traveler is already in the UAE - change of visa status within the country costs AED520.</p>
Multiple-entry
2 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>Usually valid to enter UAE for 60 days from the date of issue. However the exact period within which applicant must enter the UAE after the visa is issued can vary, so it's recommended to verify this information with the sponsor or official UAE immigration authorities.</p>
from 1 month to 3 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>The sponsor applies for a visit visa valid for 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the required length of stay in the UAE. However, the immigration authorities' decision on length of stay may vary, depending on documentary evidence provided and other factors.</p>
6 months
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Can be extended one or more times through a sponsor. The total period of stay under the visa cannot exceed 180 days.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>The applicant specifies the required number of entries in a visa application. However, the immigration authority makes a decision that may vary depending on the documentary evidence provided and other factors.</p>
from 3 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Issued through the digital channels (GDRFA website or smart application) available 24/7 or when visiting visa service center in the UAE.</p>
AED 300 (~$82) - 30-day stay
AED 500 (~$136) - 60-day stay
AED 700 (~$191) - 90-day stay
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>The fee is paid up front via the online portal or at an AMER center when submitting the visa application. Payment is in AED and made before approval of the visa.</p> <p> </p> <p>Additional fees: A refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 is required + service fee of AED60. If the traveler is already in the UAE - change of visa status within the country costs AED520.</p>
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
A passport or travel document with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Photographs
2 photos in color. Size 4.3 x 5.5 cm, on a white background, without shadows and glare.
Proof of financial means
Evidence of the sponsor’s ability to host (e.g. resident ID, visa page, and employment or salary proof – such as a salary certificate or work contract).
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of relationship
A marriage certificate or partnership contract, birth certificates if inviting parents or children. If the visitor is a friend, the sponsor should provide a letter explaining the visit purpose and friendship.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Travel medical insurance
Proof of a valid UAE coverage policy for the visa period.
National ID
For certain nationalities, a copy of the national ID (e.g. Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan).
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Visit visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Visiting family and friends visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Relative, friend
Last updated 2026-04-13