Tourism companies in UAE have advised not to wait for the last minute to apply for visa as there is a significant back log that might cause delay due to overwhelming numbers of visitors applying just before the Gregorian new year.
Visas from Dubai
Visas from Dubai are usually issued from within a few hours to a couple of days. However due to the high number of applicants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, a delay has been noticed with tourists getting visas in upto 4 days. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs – Dubai hopes that tourists will make it in time to witness the fabulous fireworks that Dubai is famous for.
Visas from Sharjah
Visas from Sharjah are taking upto 15 days as applications are posted manually, said a travel agent from Sharjah. He advised travellers not to purchase tickets or book hotels until visa has been issued. “Some of our customers applied on 12th December have just got their visas now.” Some Nationalities cannot get visa from Dubai so people apply from Sharjah. As such there is massive number of new applications being lodged with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security