According to travel and typing center agents, the fees for issuing Emirates ID and all sorts of visas in the UAE have increased. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) acknowledged that its costs had increased by Dh100. According to the agent, the charge hike applies to “all” ICP services. It’s unclear whether the increased fees apply to visas obtained in Dubai.
According to a typing center agent, the cost hike applies to Emirates ID, as well as visit and resident visas. Emirates ID will now cost Dh370 rather than Dh270, and a one-month visit visa will cost Dh370 rather than Dh270, according to Khaleej Times. Kingsland Travel and Tourism LLC operations head Robin Pathrose acknowledged the increases in ICA e-channel fares. “ICA e-channel service fees have been increased since yesterday. All the e-channel service fees are to be charged Dh 100 extra from the previous fee,” said Pathrose. “This applies to charges for 30 days visa, 60 days visa, Emirates ID, Overstay fines, and other e-channel services,” added Pathrose.
“The agent fees for a 60 days visa will depend on the travel aggregator. They have a set service fees for different types of visas and services,” said Deepak Kaushik, marketing director- ROOh tourism. Travel agents have also confirmed that no pricing difference exists for Dubai Visit Visas. Bharath Aidasani, managing partner of Pluto Travels, said that “we have applied for a few visit visas today for the same price. We do not have any changes in the visit visas for Dubai.”
This is the latest in a series of recent reforms to the visa and residency system. Visit visas can no longer be extended within the UAE, forcing holders to leave the country and return on a new visa. In addition, the ICP has reduced the penalties for overstaying visas in the country to Dh50. Overstaying tourists and visitors would be charged Dh50 per day instead of Dh100. On the other hand, overstaying on a residence visa will cost double – Dh50 per day instead of Dh25.
The UAE’s most significant entry and residency reforms went into force last year. A greatly expanded Golden Visa program, a new five-year Green residency, a multiple-entry tourist visa, and job hunting entrance permits were among the improvements.
