The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced updated visit visa fees and requirements for travelers from African countries, effective February 2025. These changes aim to streamline the application process and provide clarity for tourists planning to visit the UAE.
Revised Visa Fees:
- 30-Day Tourist Visa: AED 750
- 60-Day Tourist Visa: AED 950
Please note that additional costs for hotel bookings and return tickets are approximately AED 80. A refundable security deposit of AED 2,800 is also required.
Application Requirements:
To apply for a UAE tourist visa, African nationals must provide the following:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry.
- Photograph: One recent passport-sized photo.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of valid medical insurance covering the UAE.
- Travel Itinerary: Confirmed hotel booking and return flight ticket.
- Financial Guarantee: Refundable security deposit of AED 2,800.
Application Process:
- Submission: Applicants can submit their visa applications through UAE-based sponsors or authorized travel agencies.
- Processing Time: Visa processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days.
- Approval: Upon approval, the visa will be sent electronically to the applicant.
Important Considerations:
- Extension: Tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days, subject to approval and additional fees.
- Overstay Penalties: Overstaying a visa can result in fines and legal consequences. It’s crucial to adhere to the visa’s validity period.
- Policy Updates: Visa policies are subject to change. Applicants are advised to consult official UAE government sources or authorized agencies for the most current information.
The UAE’s updated visa fees and requirements for African travelers in 2025 aim to facilitate a smoother application process. Prospective visitors should ensure they meet all requirements and stay informed about any policy changes to enjoy a hassle-free experience in the UAE.
Africa consists of 54 recognized sovereign countries and two disputed territories. The countries in North Africa include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia, with Western Sahara being a disputed territory. West Africa comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. In Central Africa, the nations include Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. East Africa consists of Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Lastly, Southern Africa includes Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Western Sahara remains a disputed territory, claimed by both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
Important Notice:
Visa applications are subject to approval by the UAE government, and some applications may be rejected based on their decision. Currently, the system does not provide any refunds for visa application fees, regardless of the outcome. Harf Typing and Documents Clearing will not be held responsible for any visa rejections. Additionally, visas for all the above-listed African nationalities are not open for application at this time. Applicants are advised to check for updates before proceeding with their applications.
