Abu Dhabi airport counter promises 30-minute transit visa issuance

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Abu Dhabi International Airport has opened a dedicated counter to grant four-day transit visas to transiting passengers.

What does the change mean? Passengers whose layover exceeds four hours may apply for the 96-hour transit visa at the new counter in Terminal 3.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: 96-hour transit visas on arrival.
• Who is affected: All nationalists transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport, as well as transit passengers seeking to convert a transit visa to a tourist visa.
• Impact on processing times: 30 minutes.

Background: Abu Dhabi’s tourism agency launched the new counter jointly with the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs. Passengers who want to apply for a 96-hour transit visa must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months and pay the government fee of 300 Emirati dirhams (about US$82).

BAL Analysis: The streamlined visa service is part of the government’s initiative to attract tourists and other visitors to Abu Dhabi.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.