A new 90-day visa has been introduced without a local sponsor. In the year 2025, this landmark visa policy becomes effective, and it aims to ease long-term stay tourism, business professionals, and families alike. The newly launched policy is a step that would now add an international flavor to the UAE.
What is the 90-Day Visa without Sponsorship?
This visa allows one to stay in the UAE for about 90 days at a stretch. This visa can be further extended to giving a maximum of 180 days in a 12-month period to the holder. Its most interesting feature is multiple-entry ability. Travelers can enter and leave the UAE as needed within the validity of the visa, thus providing more flexibility than ever before.
This requirement has knocked off one of the most important hurdles in extending visits by foreign nationals in the UAE. The residents, employers, or institutions of the UAE usually acted as a guarantor or sponsorship for foreign travelers. This new system enables visitors to apply for a visa on their own, thus encouraging a vast fold of individuals to enter and experience the country for a longer period.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
This visa is open to tourists, executives, and family members who want to spend more time in the UAE. In addition to being over 18 years old in age, the applicants must hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months from the entry date to the country.
The applicants must also provide evidence of financial means to support themselves throughout this period in the country. They must obtain travel insurance covering their entire stay in the country and furnish proof of onward or return travel.
How to Apply
The application process has been streamlined through official government portals such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). These platforms allow both web-based and mobile app submissions.
Initially, applicants complete the online form and upload their required documents. An application charges AED 700, and security refundable deposit of AED 2,000. Most applications are processed in five to seven business days.
Be Alert for Overstay Fines
A visitor overstaying his visa will automatically incur fines due to the new regulations, which now penitize AED 50 for each day of overstay. Therefore, travelers should be mindful of their durations of stay and make arrangements for extension before expiration of the visa.
Why This Visa Matters
This visa embodies a more comprehensive strategic shift regarding tourism, business, and the engagement of expatriates in the UAE. By providing a sponsor-free option for long-term stays that are flexible, one could believe the UAE is fashioning itself into a more convenient place to be.
From tourism, it can be anticipated that extra visitors are expected to flood the UAE, especially those willing to take it slow and see the country in relaxed speed or take a return trip from time to time. In business, the extended stay gives a work permit to professionals to attend conferences, do market studies, and seal partnerships without rush under the shackle of a short-term visa.
Expatriates and residents are also benefited by the policy. Family members who used to come for a short time can now reside longer without a tedious sponsorship process. This is of great help for elderly parents or relatives who want to spend an extended time with their loved one in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
The 90-day, sponsor-less visa marks a watershed moment in the UAE with regard to visa and residency policies. It streamlines long-term travel, cuts down on bureaucracy, and fits with the country’s aspiration to become a global hub for tourism, business, and innovation. So whether you’re scheduled for an extended holiday, scouting business prospects, or reuniting with the family, this visa presentation will provide you with the easiest access to the UAE.