How long does the New Purpose-Built Visit Visas (United Arab Emirates) take to process?

Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.

How long can you stay on the New Purpose-Built Visit Visas (United Arab Emirates)?

Temporary single or multiple visit periods as approved for the specific new purpose.

Can you work on the New Purpose-Built Visit Visas (United Arab Emirates)?

No employment rights; visit or transit purpose only unless a separate UAE work/residence authorisation is obtained.

Country Info Hub

United Arab Emirates

A dynamic Middle Eastern hub offering fast-track work options, tax-free income, and an incredible lifestyle.

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Fetching live rate...
Languages: Arabic (English widely spoken)
Time vs Colombo: -1h 30m
Population: About 0.0 million
Calling code: +971
Drives on: Right
Climate: Desert; hot summers and mild winters

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Official Visa Data

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Back to all visas

At a glance

Government fee

Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.

No guessed static fee was added where UAE official service fees depend on channel, emirate, duration or sponsor.

Processing time: Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.
How long you can stay: Temporary single or multiple visit periods as approved for the specific new purpose.
Work rights: No employment rights; visit or transit purpose only unless a separate UAE work/residence authorisation is obtained.
Where it leads: Entry, visit, residence, work, study or long-term residence in the UAE for the approved purpose.
Where you apply: ICP smart services/app, GDRFA Dubai, UAE-based airline, authorised travel agent/hotel, sponsor/employer or relevant UAE authority depending on route.

Key requirements

specific new purpose such as AI, entertainment, event, cruise/leisure tourism or truck driving
sponsor/host letter where required
financial guarantee and fee where required
health insurance for truck drivers
purpose-specific documents

Step-by-step process

The verified roadmap from starting your application to the grant.

1
Identify new purpose
Before applying
Choose AI, entertainment, events, cruise/leisure tourism or truck-driver purpose.
2
Get sponsor letter
Before applying
Obtain host/sponsor letter or licensed activity evidence where required.
3
Prepare guarantees
1-2 weeks
Prepare passport, insurance, financial guarantee and purpose documents.
4
Apply through ICP/GDRFA
Application day
Submit the purpose-built visit visa request through the official authority channel.
Follow approved purpose
After approval
Enter and remain only for the approved visit purpose and period.

Document checklist

Track your progress as you gather what you need.

0 / 5ready

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Your ticks stay on this device.

Cost breakdown

A verified breakdown beyond just the visa fee.

Government fee: Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.
Agent fee: $914
Travel: $328
Settling in: $4,449
Monthly living cost: $1,667

More details

Important notes

Use the official ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE or airline channel for final fees and checklist.
Visit/tourist visas do not authorise employment.

Streams

UAE
Official route

Official sources

This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.

United Arab Emirates

Visa Routes Breakdown

Quick facts

Visa Routes Breakdown

Identify new purpose

Get sponsor letter

Prepare guarantees

Apply through ICP/GDRFA

Follow approved purpose

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources

Identify new purpose

Get sponsor letter

Prepare guarantees

Apply through ICP/GDRFA

Follow approved purpose

Identity & Personal

Travel & Itinerary

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources