VISA TO RAS AL KHAIMAH AND THE UAE
Apart from visitors from the certain countries*, ** all nationalities need a visa prior to arrival. There are several types of visa (sometimes referred to as entry permits) and the type you will need primarily depends on your purpose of entryand your nationality. To receive a visa you need a sponsor who submits an application with all required documentation and who will be responsible for you during your stay in the UAE. Your sponsor can be a resident of the UAE, company, travel agency, hotel, establishment, or a UAE embassy.
All visitors to the UAE should hold a passport that is valid for at least 3 months, or 6 months if applying for a residency visa. Officially, an Israeli visa stamp in your passport will disqualify you from receiving a visa, although that rule is often disregarded. The UAE visas are usually valid for two months from the date of issue and allow entry to the UAE only one time within this period. Visitors cannot return using the same permit even after a trip to a neighbouring country. They have to wait for a month before they can apply for a visit visa again. However, this waiting period does not apply to citizens of below mentioned countries* and they will receive a new visa stamped at any of the borders.
The types of visa and requirements mentioned on the RAKpedia (please, check the menu on the left) are valid as of 29th July 2008. However, the rules regarding entry visas to the UAE may change at short or no notice at all. There is also a lot of confusion concerning present regulations due to the conflicting reports in the press and on the websites. Information about visa types and application conditions provided in this overview should be treated as a reference only. It is best to seek the most up-to-date information before entering the country. Contact the UAE Embassy in your country for more details. You may also get in touch with the RAK Naturalization and Residency Department.
RAK Naturalization and Residency Department
Location: Al Mamourah St
Phone: 07 2273333
Open: 7.30am-2pm, Fri-Sat closed
NOTE: the e-DIRHAM card is often used in the governmental departments as the payment method. The card can be purchased in most of the governmental offices, or via Internet. For more information go to www.e-dirham.gov.ae or call: 800 2243
*FREE-VISA-ON-ARRIVAL-COUNTRIES: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City.
**GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
