UAE events visit visa open to participants of authorised conferences, exhibitions and festivals.
Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) has provided clarification on the UAE’s specialised Events Visit Visa, a dedicated entry permit designed for international visitors attending conferences, exhibitions, summits, festivals and other major events.
According to GDRFA Dubai, the Events Visit Visa is a temporary entry permit that allows overseas visitors to participate in or attend a wide range of events across the UAE, including economic, cultural, educational, sports, religious and community gatherings.
The visa is designed for participants, exhibitors and visitors attending a range of approved events, including conferences, summits, international exhibitions, conventions, and cultural, sporting and entertainment festivals.
Introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) nearly a year ago, the visa is part of the UAE’s efforts to streamline entry procedures for event visitors and strengthen its position as a global destination for business, tourism and international gatherings.
The permit is tied to officially approved events, with organisers required to secure the necessary approvals and provide details such as event information and the expected number of international attendees. Eligible participants can then apply for the visa through the approved event organiser.
Organiser-led application process
The UAE Events Visit Visa is available for events organised by government entities and approved private-sector organisations.
Under the process, event organisers must first apply for an approved participant quota, stating the expected number of attendees, such as 100 or more participants. Once the quota is granted, organisers can sponsor visa applications for invited guests travelling to the UAE.
Applicants must provide a sponsorship letter from the event organiser detailing the purpose and duration of the event, along with other required supporting documents.
Wide range of events covered
The visa is available for participants attending:
- International conferences and corporate summits
- Trade exhibitions and business conventions
- Cultural, entertainment and sports festivals
- Educational forums and academic gatherings
- Community programmes and public events
- Religious and economic meetings
The dedicated visa category was introduced to support the UAE’s growing events sector and simplify entry procedures for international participants attending major gatherings across the Emirates.
Flexible stay options
The UAE Events Visit Visa provides multiple options to accommodate different event schedules and visitor requirements:
- Stay duration: 30 or 60 days
- Entry type: Single-entry or multiple-entry options available
- Extension: Visa can be renewed or extended when required
- Maximum cumulative stay: Up to 120 days, subject to applicable conditions and approvals
The multiple-entry option is especially useful for exhibitors, event organisers and business professionals who need to attend multiple meetings, conferences or events across the UAE.
Key objectives of the Events Visit Visa
The Events Visit Visa aims to simplify travel for international participants while supporting the UAE’s growing events, tourism and business sectors.
- Simplified entry: The visa streamlines entry procedures for delegates, speakers, exhibitors and visitors attending approved events across the UAE.
- Support for the events industry: It helps strengthen the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector by making it easier for international participants to take part in major gatherings.
- Enhanced visitor experience: The visa offers a smoother travel process through simplified application procedures and clearly defined requirements for international attendees.
- Tourism and economic growth: The initiative aims to attract more global visitors, support the hospitality and related sectors, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading destination for international events.
