As the UAE continues to evolve as a global business, tourism, and residency hub, visit visa rules are updated to match the changing needs of visitors and the government’s vision for a more efficient and secure system. In 2025, several changes have been made to the UAE’s visa system—especially visit visas—to provide more flexibility, control, and opportunities for tourists, families, and potential investors.
This article explains all the new visit visa updates in a simple and clear way, so you can understand how they affect you or your business plans.
Understanding the UAE Visit Visa System
A visit visa in the UAE allows foreign nationals to enter the country for a temporary period. These are different from residency visas and are used mainly for:
- Tourism
- Visiting family and friends
- Exploring job or business opportunities
- Attending events or short-term training
Visit visas do not allow employment unless converted into a work visa.
Major Updates in Visit Visa Rules 2025
In 2025, the UAE government introduced new rules to streamline visit visa processing and improve immigration control. Here are the most notable changes:
60-Day Tourist Visa Option Reintroduced
The UAE has reintroduced the 60-day tourist visa, offering more flexibility for travelers who want to stay longer than 30 days but not commit to 90 days. This new option fills a gap and is ideal for:
- Families visiting loved ones
- Tourists planning extended stays
- Job seekers exploring opportunities
Extension Rules Have Changed
As of 2025, not all visit visas are eligible for in-country extension. Some require you to exit the UAE and reapply, especially if the maximum allowed extension has already been used.
- A 30-day extension is still possible for many short-term visas.
- 90-day visas may not be renewable from within the country in certain cases.
Always confirm the terms at the time of application.
Job Exploration Visa Linked to Visit Visa
A new Job Exploration Visa introduced in 2023 continues to gain momentum in 2025. While it’s separate from a tourist visa, some visit visa holders can convert their visa to this category without leaving the UAE—if they meet certain education and skill criteria.
This option benefits skilled professionals searching for work in the UAE.
Health Insurance Is Now Mandatory
All visit visa applicants in 2025 must have valid health insurance that covers their stay in the UAE. This rule helps reduce financial risk during medical emergencies and is part of the UAE’s push for responsible tourism.
Without insurance, visa approval may be denied.
Biometric Verification in Some Cases
Some nationalities or visa categories now require biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans for security clearance. This step is applied selectively and mostly during high-risk screenings or new visa types.
Increased Monitoring and Digital Entry Tracking
All entry and exit records are now tracked digitally through a centralized smart immigration system. This ensures better monitoring of visa compliance, overstay fines, and illegal employment.
New Visa Packages for Families
Visit visas for first-degree relatives, such as spouses, parents, and children, are given priority. In 2025, new packages allow longer validity and easier extension for family visits.
The 90-day family visit visa has become more accessible with proper sponsorship and supporting documents.
Tourist Visa for GCC Residents Simplified
Residents of GCC countries who are not GCC nationals can now apply for tourist visas online with faster approvals, depending on their profession and residency.
This move supports intra-Gulf travel and increases convenience for business and leisure visitors.
Visit Visa Validity and Duration in 2025
The visit visa options now include:
- 30-day single entry
- 60-day single entry
- 90-day family visit visa
- Multiple-entry tourist visa (5 years) for eligible individuals
Each visa has a set validity period and may require travel before a certain date after issuance.
Multiple-Entry Visa Stays Popular
The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa continues to grow in popularity. Visitors can stay up to 90 days per entry, with a possible extension of 90 more days, annually.
This option is ideal for:
- Frequent business travelers
- Families with children studying in the UAE
- Investors and property owners
Visa Overstay Penalties in 2025
Overstaying your visa in the UAE can lead to strict penalties:
- AED 50–100 per day fine
- Travel bans in serious cases
- Potential future visa rejection
The immigration system is now automated, and fines begin immediately after your visa expires.
It’s best to extend or exit before the expiry date to avoid penalties.
How to Apply for a Visit Visa in the UAE in 2025
Applying for a visit visa is straightforward:
- Choose visa type – tourist, family, or long-term.
- Apply through official channels – GDRFA, ICP portal, or an authorized travel agent.
- Submit documents – passport, photo, insurance, and flight bookings.
- Pay fees – based on visa duration.
- Wait for approval – generally 1–5 working days.
Documents Required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo
- Travel insurance
- Return flight ticket (in most cases)
- Proof of accommodation or hotel booking
- Relationship proof for family visas
Key Things to Remember in 2025
- Health insurance is mandatory for all visit visa holders
- Extensions are not always granted within the country
- Digital tracking means strict overstay monitoring
- Always apply through authorized channels
- New visa types like Job Exploration Visas offer more career flexibility
Conclusion
The visit visa rules in the UAE for 2025 offer more choices, flexibility, and digital efficiency—but also come with stricter requirements and enforcement. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, staying informed and compliant is key to a smooth experience. And if your trip to the UAE also involves exploring investment or entrepreneurship, understanding the visa framework is just the beginning of building a lasting connection with this country.
For those planning to start a business after their visit, it’s essential to understand the full licensing process and legal pathways for Business Setup in Dubai, UAE.
FAQs
Can I still get a 90-day visit visa in 2025?
Yes, but mainly for family visits. Tourist visas are usually issued for 30 or 60 days.
Can I extend my visit visa from within the UAE?
In some cases, yes. But some visas now require exit and re-entry for renewal.
Is health insurance required for all visit visa applicants?
Yes, health insurance is now mandatory for all visitors applying for any visa type.
Can I convert my visit visa to a work visa?
Yes, under specific conditions such as receiving a job offer and meeting immigration criteria.
Are there any biometric requirements?
Some visa types or nationalities may require biometric verification depending on the application type.
