UAE visa changes aren't technological advancements; they're intentional. With its emphasis on ongoing investment in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and tourism, the government welcomes high-end visitors to experience the country's growing sectors. With the intent behind visa awards in mind, the UAE streamlines the residence of temporary specialists in its tourism and innovation sectors. The recent updates on UAE visit visa categories show a shift towards precision, purpose, and inclusivity in welcoming talent and travellers.
The following contains all you need to know regarding the new visit visa categories, application requirements, eligibility, and the impact of these changes on residents, investors, and tourists.
A Brief History
The UAE visa policy has always kept pace with the country's progress and international openness to talent. From the launch of the Golden Visa to the Green Visa and remote work visas, each move has been a step towards a master plan, putting the UAE in the league of the world's most open and most innovative economies.
As of 29th September 2025, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) launched four new visit visa categories. The concept is straightforward - to entice experts, creatives, and professionals in the sectors driving the UAE's new economy, primarily technology, entertainment, events, and high-end tourism.
The Four New UAE Visit Visa Categories
1. AI Specialist Visa
This is for tech and AI experts. They would require a sponsor or host, probably a UAE tech hub, and could apply for an individual-entry or multiple-entry visa. This fits with the UAE's increasing focus on AI innovation and leadership.
2. Entertainment Visa
Available for performers, production staff, artists, and performers visiting the UAE on temporary employment contracts. Allows temporary entry to capture a film, festival performance, concert performance, or stage performance. An actual event organiser company or entertainment organiser sponsor/hosting letter must be submitted.
3. Event Visa
Event Visa is for travel or impending travel due to events like festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, or cultural events. The organising body needs to issue the candidate an invitation or sponsoring letter with clear event details, location, and stay duration. The visa is suitable for professionals whose movement is subject to official or professional obligations.
4. Cruise and Leisure Visa
This is a welcoming visa for cruise tourists and yacht tourists passing through UAE ports. It is usually multiple-entry, suitable for tourists visiting more than one port, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. The sponsor is a vetted cruise or leisure company, and the whole comprehensive touring program is to be submitted.
These new visit visa categories have substituted the old one-size-fits-all approach. Rather than having to use a generic tourist visa, visitors can now obtain personalised permits more sensibly suited to their work or play requirements.
Major Reforms to Existing Visa Regulations
The ICP also made some major reforms to existing visa regulations at the same time as it added UAE new visit visa categories:
Humanitarian Residence Permit: A one-year renewable permit that can be issued to individuals who are coming from war-stricken nations, which have been plagued by instability, and nations that have been destroyed by catastrophes. The permit is issued without a sponsor or guarantor.
Widows and Divorcees' Residence: Foreign divorcees or widows are now eligible for a renewable one-year residence permit. Ladies with children can also sponsor children for residence.
Sponsorship of Family and Friends: The sponsors have to meet new income levels: AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives, and AED 15,000 for friends. This also defines sponsor visa eligibility in a more structured way.
Business Exploratory Visa: The candidates would have to prove financial prosperity or business in the area they are planning to explore.
Truck Drivers' Visa: The new regulations involve sponsorship by a licensed freight or transport company, medical insurance, and fulfilment of financial guarantees.
Together, the new categories for visit visa further establish the UAE as an international talent mobility, tourism, and business destination.
Application Requirements
The following should be prepared for submission by applicants to apply for any of the new visit visa types:
- Valid passport with six months remaining valid duration.
- Invitation or sponsorship letter by UAE-approved organisation (visa type specific).
- Residence and travel plans: documentary evidence.
- Current health insurance coverage with a stay period ongoing.
- Financial statements, if applicable, are used to establish solvency or project applicability.
- Check double event name, travel date, and sponsor name are the same on all documents; minor mistakes may delay the process.
They are a significant step towards a more structured, more responsive system of entry. To business technologists, they are less complicated travel for co-operations and projects. To event producers and performers, they are a more convenient entry into the UAE's growing events and entertainment industry. And to tourists, especially those taking cruise ship holidays, entry is more convenient and geared more to holiday packages.
For the citizens, new sponsorship regulations are more transparent. The new expense commitments for fiscal stability guarantees without retiring friends and family in the UAE.
Travel Smart with BENO
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FAQs
- What are the four new visit visa categories launched in 2025?
The four new visit visa categories are AI Specialist Visa, Entertainment Visa, Event Visa, and Cruise/Leisure Visa, which serve various kinds of visitors.
- To whom can an Event Visa be applied?
Foreigners who come or are planning to arrange seminars, exhibitions, festivals, or conferences can apply, as long as they are sponsored or officially invited by the host organisation.
- How are the sponsorship levels for friends and relatives now distinguished?
Residents now anticipate them to achieve new financial thresholds: AED 4,000 for immediate family, AED 8,000 for family, and AED 15,000 for friends.
- Is the Entertainment Visa temporary or multiple-entry?
The Entertainment Visa is typically short-term and for a brief stay. The Cruise and Leisure Visa is typically multiple-entry based on the itinerary.
- Why did the UAE roll out the new visit visa categories?
To attract skilled labourers, creatives, and artists, and tourists, to diversify the economy, and to fulfil the UAE's long-term ambition of being innovative and open.
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