UAE extends tourist visa validity for additional month for free

The UAE has announced that all tourist visas will be extended for an additional month without any government fees due to entry restrictions across the world.

The directive was issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It aims to support tourists and their families currently in the UAE to spend the New Year holidays, since many countries have implemented temporary airport closures and entry restrictions, official news agency WAM reported.

Government entities will work to facilitate procedures for tourists over the coming period and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all visitors during their stay in the UAE, the report added.

Dubai was one of the first cities to reopen to international tourists in July, with Covid-19 precautionary measures in place.

Abu Dhabi also announced last week that it would welcome foreign tourists from Thursday, December 24, with strict guidelines in place.

Travellers must present a negative PCR test 96 hours before their scheduled departure and take a second PCR test upon landing.

Inbound travellers from 16 ‘green’ countries are exempt from quarantine in Abu Dhabi, and must self-isolate only until they receive a negative test result. The quarantine period for travellers coming from other countries is 10 days.

Read: Abu Dhabi updates entry guidelines for visitors, international tourists