Cabinet approves expanded transit policy

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The UAE Cabinet has approved a plan to expand its transit policy in order to boost tourism and short visits.

What does the change mean? International travelers transiting through the UAE would be granted a 24-hour visit visa.

• Implementation time frame: To be announced.
• Visas/permits affected: Transit visas.
• Who is affected: Internationals travelers transiting through one of UAE’s airports.
• Impact on processing times: Eligible transiting travelers would not need to apply for a visitor visa before travel.
• Business impact: The precise scope of permitted activities under the policy will be clarified in greater detail when the visas are introduced. As BAL anticipates that the 24-hour visit visa will be issued in conjunction with transit flights, BAL is also exploring whether business meetings will be permitted during the stay.

Background: The move is intended to encourage transit passengers to visit the emirates and boost tourism revenues. Last year, about 70 percent of passengers who landed at one of UAE’s airports were in transit.

BAL Analysis: The plan is intended to improve the UAE’s economy and follows an initiative by Dubai’s tourism bureau to attract transit passengers to visit the emirate.  

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

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