Many in the UAE opt to have their visa status or type changed in the airport itself. It helps applicants change their visa without having to take the trouble of leaving the UAE. It’s a very convenient facility for those who travel frequently. This blog guides you on how you can change your visa status or type in an airport in the UAE. Read on for more details so you too can avail this method of hassle-free visa change.
What is an Airport-to-Airport Visa Change?
With an airport-to-airport visa change, you can switch your visa type without having to leave the country. It's mostly used by people who have entered the country on a visit or tourist visa and want to change the visa type to work or residence visa or vice versa. The entire process happens within the premises of an airport and that's how it gets the name “ airport-to-airport.”
The main advantage of changing your visa type or status in an airport is that you don't need to leave the country which helps you save a lot of money. All you need to do is leave the airport for a while and then return to complete the process.
Requirements for an Airport-to-Airport Visa Change
Before you apply for an airport-to-airport visa change, make sure that you meet the following requirements:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter the UAE.
Current Visa: You should hold a valid UAE visa currently.
Airline Ticket: You must have a confirmed return ticket or an onward flight ticket from the UAE.
Sponsorship Documents: You may need relevant documents from your sponsor or employer If you have applied to change your visa type to a work visa.
No Travel Restrictions: See to it that there are no restrictions on your travelling due to legal or immigration issues.
Step-by-Step Process of Airport-to-Airport Visa Change
Here are the steps of applying for an airport-to-airport visa change in the UAE:
Step 1: Visit the Airport
Visiting the airport is the first step. You shall have to visit either of the two international airports in the UAE, the Dubai International Airport or the Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Step 2: Exit Immigration and Go to the Transfer Desk
Proceed to the immigration counter after you arrive at the airport. While you will be leaving the country’s immigration control, you won't be moving out of the airport. For the visa changes, you shall now have to go to the transfer desk.
Here, the staff will assist you with the steps that you need to take. After checking your documents, they verify the details and go ahead to know about international visit visa.
Step 3: Submit the Required Documents
Submitting the required documents with the immigration authorities at the airport is the next step. These documents typically include:
Passport copy
Original visa copy
If required, an airline ticket
New visa application if you’ve applied for a new visa
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your situation, the documents needed may vary.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
You usually need to pay a service fee for an airport-to-airport visa change. How much you exactly need to pay depends on which visa type you are changing to. The applicable fees shall have to be paid through the visa service counter.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After you have submitted your documents and paid the necessary fee, immigration authorities start processing your visa application. Depending on the type of the visa change and the airport's traffic, this usually takes 1-3 hours.
Step 6: Re-enter the UAE
You shall have to return to the immigration counter after your visa change is approved. You are now allowed to re-enter the UAE with your new visa type. Your visa status is now updated and you’re allowed to stay in the UAE under the new visa just issued. If the steps appear complicated to you, you can always approach a professional visa agency offering international visit visa service for help.
Types of Visas You Can Apply for
You can apply for a variety of visa types using the airport-to-airport visa change process such as:
Tourist Visa to Visit Visa
Visit Visa to Work Visa
Tourist Visa to Residency Visa
Business Visa to Employment Visa
Final Thoughts
The airport-to-airport visa change facility is a boon for those who need to change the visa status or type. One can do so by simply visiting the airport without having to leave the country. Not only does this process help you save time and effort, you save a lot of money as well. You must ensure that you meet all the requirements and that you have all the documents ready with you before applying. If you need help, you can always approach a leading travel agency in Dubai. This blog guides you with the necessary information so you know where to begin. Good luck to you!
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