Families heading to the UAE this summer should check whether their children meet the requirements for a tourist visa fee exemption and how they can apply.
Heading to the UAE with Your Family This Summer? Check If Your Children Qualify for a Visa Fee Waiver.
Children below the age of 18 travelling to the UAE with either one parent or both parents can benefit from the waiver, although insurance costs and travel agency fees may still be charged.
Families travelling to the UAE during the summer season can benefit from a special tourist visa fee waiver that helps reduce some of the expenses associated with bringing children on holiday. The initiative provides financial relief to parents visiting the country with their young ones, allowing them to save on the cost of obtaining tourist visas for eligible children.
The seasonal waiver is introduced every year between July 15 and September 15, covering the period when many families plan international trips during school holidays. Under this scheme, children below the age of 18 who are travelling to the UAE with one parent or both parents can qualify for the exemption, provided they meet the required conditions.
The benefit applies to both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas, giving families flexibility depending on the length of their stay. Whether visitors are planning a short family getaway or a longer holiday experience, eligible children can receive relief from the standard visa application charges during the specified period.
The programme is aimed at encouraging family tourism and making the UAE a more attractive destination for visitors travelling with children. Summer is one of the busiest periods for family travel, with many international visitors choosing the UAE for its attractions, shopping destinations, entertainment options and indoor activities that help travellers manage the hot weather.
However, travel professionals have highlighted that parents should understand the complete cost structure before applying. While the official tourist visa fee for eligible children is removed under the waiver programme, the application process may still involve certain additional expenses.
According to travel agents, the exemption does not necessarily mean that every cost connected with the child’s visa application will be eliminated. Families may still need to pay for mandatory travel insurance, which is often required as part of the visa process. In addition, service charges collected by travel agencies handling the application may continue to apply.
These additional fees vary depending on the agency selected and the type of services provided. Families are therefore advised to confirm the full amount payable before submitting their applications to avoid confusion regarding the final cost.
Travel experts also recommend that parents prepare all necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process. This may include valid passports, photographs, proof of relationship between parents and children, travel details and any other documents requested by immigration authorities or visa service providers.
The waiver applies specifically to children under the age of 18 travelling alongside their parents. Parents planning to visit the UAE should check the latest requirements and confirm eligibility before making travel arrangements, as immigration policies and application procedures can be updated periodically.
For families looking to make the most of their summer holiday, the visa fee exemption can provide meaningful savings, especially for those travelling with multiple children. By removing the standard visa charges for eligible minors, the initiative helps reduce some of the financial burden associated with international family trips.
The UAE continues to attract visitors from around the world with its combination of modern attractions, cultural experiences, luxury resorts and family-friendly destinations. Initiatives such as the seasonal tourist visa fee waiver are designed to support the country’s tourism sector while making travel more convenient and affordable for families.
Parents planning a UAE visit during the waiver period should apply through authorised channels and rely on official information when checking eligibility and requirements. While the exemption can lower overall travel costs, understanding additional charges such as insurance and agency fees will help families plan their budgets more accurately.
Overall, the summer tourist visa fee waiver offers an opportunity for families with children to enjoy a UAE holiday while benefiting from reduced visa-related expenses. By checking eligibility criteria, preparing documents early and confirming all associated charges, travellers can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience during their stay.
Who can claim the waiver?
According to Firoosekhan from Arabian Business Centre, families planning to take advantage of the UAE’s summer tourist visa fee waiver must meet specific eligibility requirements. One of the key conditions is that the child must be travelling to the UAE together with at least one parent in order to qualify for the exemption.
Firoosekhan explained that the waiver is designed specifically for children accompanying parents who are visiting the UAE as tourists. The parent or parents and the child must all be entering the country under visitor status, rather than having different residency arrangements. This ensures that the benefit is applied only to families travelling together for tourism purposes.
He further clarified that the child’s tourist visa application cannot be submitted separately. Instead, it must be processed at the same time as the visa application of the parent who will be accompanying the child during the UAE visit. Applying together is an important requirement for families seeking to receive the fee exemption.
The condition means that the waiver does not apply to situations where a UAE resident is arranging a visit visa for their child who is coming from another country. For example, residents living in the UAE who want to bring their children on a visit visa would not be eligible under this particular summer tourist visa waiver scheme.
The initiative is intended for international visitors who are travelling to the UAE as a family unit. It aims to support tourists who are bringing their children along for a holiday by reducing the cost of eligible children’s tourist visa applications during the designated waiver period.
Firoosekhan added that a child does not necessarily need to be accompanied by both parents to benefit from the exemption. Travelling with either the mother or the father is sufficient, provided all other eligibility requirements are fulfilled and the correct documentation is submitted.
However, when a child is travelling with only one parent, additional paperwork may be requested. Firoosekhan noted that authorities or visa processing agencies may require an undertaking letter in such cases. This document serves as confirmation regarding the child’s travel arrangements and helps verify that the journey has the necessary consent when only one parent is accompanying the minor.
Families planning to apply under the waiver programme should prepare all required documents before starting the visa process. These documents must be submitted to the authorised travel agency responsible for handling the tourist visa applications. Providing complete and accurate information can help prevent delays and ensure that the application is processed smoothly.
Travel agencies have also advised families to clearly mention that they wish to apply under the summer tourist visa fee waiver scheme before making any payments. Informing the agency at the beginning of the process allows the application team to review eligibility and apply the exemption correctly.
Parents should also confirm all charges involved before completing the payment process. Although the main tourist visa application fee for eligible children may be waived, other costs such as travel insurance or agency service fees could still remain applicable. Understanding these additional expenses in advance helps families plan their travel budgets more effectively.
The waiver offers a useful opportunity for families visiting the UAE during the summer months, particularly those travelling with more than one child. However, meeting the eligibility rules and following the correct application procedure are essential to benefit from the programme.
By ensuring that the child’s application is submitted alongside the accompanying parent’s tourist visa request, providing the required documents and informing the travel agency about the waiver request, families can make the most of the available benefit while avoiding unnecessary complications during the visa process.
What do families still have to pay?
Families planning a summer trip to the UAE with children can benefit from a seasonal tourist visa fee waiver, but travel experts advise parents to understand exactly which charges are removed and which costs may still apply during the application process.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, explained that under normal circumstances, obtaining a one-month tourist visa for a child can typically cost between Dh250 and Dh350. However, eligible children can receive an exemption from this visa application fee during the summer waiver period.
According to Subair, the waiver only applies to the official visa application charge. Other expenses connected to the visa process, including insurance and travel agency service fees, may continue to be applicable. These additional costs depend on the agency handling the application and the type of insurance coverage arranged for the traveller.
“While the child’s visa fee is removed under the summer scheme, families may still need to pay charges related to processing services and insurance requirements,” Subair explained. Travel agencies may collect these amounts to cover administrative work involved in submitting applications and arranging required documents.
The extra expenses can generally amount to around Dh120 per child, although the final figure may vary depending on the agency selected and the insurance package provided. Families are therefore encouraged to confirm all charges before completing their application rather than assuming the entire process will be free.
Subair advised parents to request a detailed cost breakdown from their chosen travel agency before making any payments. This breakdown should clearly separate the different components of the application, including the waived visa fee, insurance charges and any service fees charged by the agency.
Having a clear understanding of the expenses involved can help families avoid confusion and plan their holiday budgets more effectively. Although the waiver provides significant savings, parents should remember that some mandatory costs may still remain.
For families travelling with multiple children, the savings can become more noticeable. A family bringing two eligible children to the UAE could save approximately Dh500 to Dh700 in visa application fees, depending on the standard visa cost applicable at the time of application.
However, even after receiving the exemption, the same family may still need to pay additional charges. For two children, insurance and agency-related fees could add up to around Dh240, depending on the service provider and coverage selected.
Travel experts highlight that the waiver is intended to make family travel more affordable during the summer months, when many parents plan holidays around school breaks. By reducing the cost of children’s tourist visas, the initiative provides additional support for international families visiting the UAE.
Which tourist visas are covered under the waiver?
The summer tourist visa fee exemption applies to both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas, according to representatives from the Amer Centre and travel agencies. This gives families flexibility when deciding how long they want to stay in the UAE.
However, eligibility depends on meeting all the required conditions. The applications for the parent and child must be submitted within the official waiver period, which runs from July 15 to September 15 each year.
Another important requirement is that the child’s visa application must be submitted together with the tourist visa application of the accompanying parent. A child applying separately without an eligible parent’s tourist visa application being processed at the same time may not qualify for the exemption.
The scheme is specifically designed for children travelling to the UAE as tourists with their parents. Families should ensure that their applications are correctly linked and that all necessary documents are provided when applying through an authorised travel agency.
The official eligibility rules apply only to children who are under 18 years old. If a family member has already reached the age of 18, they may not be covered under the same waiver conditions and could be required to pay the standard tourist visa charges.
Parents travelling with older children are advised to check the applicable visa fees and requirements with their travel agency before submitting applications. Visa regulations can vary depending on age, travel status and other eligibility factors, so confirming details in advance can help prevent delays.
Travel professionals recommend that families begin the application process early, especially during busy summer travel periods. Preparing documents, confirming eligibility and understanding the complete cost structure can make the visa process smoother and allow visitors to focus on enjoying their UAE holiday.
Overall, the summer tourist visa fee waiver offers families a valuable opportunity to reduce travel expenses when visiting the UAE with children. While the visa charge itself may be waived for eligible minors, parents should remain aware of possible insurance and service-related costs to ensure they have an accurate estimate of their total expenses.
Can the visas be extended?
Travel experts have advised families visiting the UAE to understand the rules surrounding tourist visa extensions, especially when travelling with children under the summer visa fee waiver programme. While the initial application fee for eligible children may be waived, any future extension requests are handled separately and may involve additional charges.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil explained that both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas are currently eligible for extension, with visitors allowed to extend these visas up to two times, subject to the applicable immigration rules and approval process. This option gives tourists greater flexibility if they wish to continue their stay in the UAE beyond the period originally granted.
He added that parents travelling with children can also request an extension of their own tourist visas. However, unlike the initial child visa waiver, these extensions require payment of the relevant fees. The amount payable depends on several factors, including the type of visa, the service provider handling the application and the individual applicant’s circumstances.
At present, visa extension charges generally begin at around Dh1,000, although the final cost may differ depending on the specific application. Travel agencies may also have separate service fees for processing extension requests, so visitors are encouraged to confirm the complete amount before proceeding.
Subair advised travellers not to assume that the summer visa fee exemption automatically applies to future extensions. The waiver is designed only for the child’s initial tourist visa application during the specified period. Any request to extend the visa after the original validity period may be subject to normal extension charges and requirements.
“Visitors should verify the exact fees and conditions before applying for an extension,” Subair said, highlighting the importance of checking updated information with authorised agencies or official sources. Understanding the difference between the initial visa benefit and extension costs can help families avoid unexpected expenses during their stay.
Travel agents have also recommended that families submit the tourist visa applications for parents and children together. Applying as a family unit helps ensure that the child’s application meets the eligibility conditions required for the summer fee waiver.
Submitting the child’s visa request separately from the parent’s application could result in the child not qualifying for the exemption. Since the waiver is linked to the accompanying parent’s tourist visa application, families should ensure all related applications are filed together through an approved travel agency.
Experts suggest that parents should provide all required documents at the time of application and clearly inform the agency that they wish to apply under the summer tourist visa fee waiver scheme. This allows the agency to review eligibility and process the application correctly.
Families planning longer stays in the UAE should also consider the duration of their initial visas before travelling. Choosing between a 30-day and 60-day visa may depend on the planned length of stay and whether an extension might be required later.
The UAE’s tourist visa extension options provide visitors with additional flexibility, especially for families who decide to spend more time exploring the country. However, understanding the separate costs associated with extensions is essential for proper travel planning.
By applying together, checking extension fees in advance and confirming all requirements with authorised visa providers, families can make better decisions and enjoy a smoother travel experience while taking advantage of the available summer visa benefits.
