Following are the extracts of the rules:

Visit visa

Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visas. A foreign wife of a citizen of a GCC country can only obtain a visit visa if she holds a residence visa in the home country of her husband. Residents in GCC countries and their domestic helpers can obtain a 30-day visit visa, renewable once for a similar period.

Tourist visa

People of all nationalities can now enter the UAE on a tourist visa. Earlier, nationals from 79 countries in the Subcontinent, Middle East and elsewhere were not eligible for tourist visas and could come to the UAE only on visit visas.

Student visit visa

Each extension will cost Dh610. Additionally, a refundable deposit of Dh1,000 must also be paid.

Visit visa for medical purposes

Those wishing to undergo treatment must obtain a visit visa for treatment purposes. These visas cost Dh1,110 for a 90-day duration. Visit visa for events

Those visiting to attend conferences, exhibitions or festivals can obtain a 30-day visa for this purpose for Dh210. Visa for guests of the Government

This is a special visa granted by UAE diplomats abroad free of charge. Special mission entry visa

This is issued for a non-renewable 14-day period for a fee of Dh220 and a delivery charge of Dh10. Mission visa

The visa is issued in conjunction with the Labour Ministry’s Temporary Work Permits. Transit visa: It is issued to travellers transiting through UAE airports. There is a charge of Dh100.

Residence visa

Parents of residents can obtain residence visas after special approval. Investor visa: These are issued to expatriate investors in partnership with locals. Like the residence visa, it is issued for three years for a fee of Dh300.

Urgent visit visas: Urgent visit visas will no longer be issued, but all visas will be processed on an urgent basis.

Earlier, the Residency Department would issue a visit visa on an urgent basis for additional payment of Dh100.