The UAE is not just a great place to stay if you’re looking for a decent paying job. It’s also a great destination to bring your family to, what with all the great family-friendly tourist spots you’ll get to enjoy, say, even with your young children in tow.
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And recently, residents of the country have been provided with free visa fee incentive for their dependents below 18 years old, who are planning to visit their families in the country. This initiative was conceptualized by the national government to allow families to spend time together, particularly in the UAE, even if for a certain period only every year, without the added cost for their visa requirements.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Getting the Visa Fee Waiver for Children below 18 Years
With this important initiative already set in place, many residents in the country are still in the dark when it comes to the visa waiver application process for their dependents.
As per the announcement of the the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), there are several channels through which residents can avail of the visa fee waiver for children under 18 years, such as licensed travel agents, national carriers or UAE-based hotels, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
The national carriers include Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia. The visa fee exemption is applicable for eligible tourists travelling to the country from July 15 to September 15 every year.
The said decision was adopted by the UAE Cabinet in September 2018 and this year will be the first year of its implementation.
Prior to this adjustment, the cost for a 14-day Express Visa is about AED 497 per head, while that for a 30-day multi-entry tourist visa is AED 917 if the traveller purchases it online.
The UAE residents can also, now, renew the residency visas of their 18-year old dependents for two consecutive years, regardless of whether they are attending secondary school or are university graduates.
According to Major-General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, acting director-general for foreigners’ affairs and ports at the ICA, tourists who are applying for the exemption through hotels will need to “comply” with their reservations.
Being one of the most progressive tourist destinations in the world, the latest visa waiver by the UAE for children below 18, accompanied by parents, visiting the UAE, is expected to provide a major boost in the country’s tourism industry.
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