Travel Advice and Visas for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE

Travel to the UAE is increasingly popular, and Dubai is currently a very ‘hot’ destination, in more ways than one.  According to the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Immigration Authorities, more than one million Brits are visiting the UAE each year and more than 100,000 British Nationals reside there.

The main problems requiring assistance by the consulate were reported for 2007 as: lost or stolen passports (147), deaths (51), hospitalisations (20), arrests (230).  Many arrests were for failure to abide by the zero-tolerance policy of the UAE for possession and use of illegal drugs.  A minimum sentence of four years in jail is the norm.  The main issue here is that their definition of ‘illegal substances’ includes many over-the-counter medicines that we all commonly take and carry around with us.  Another way to guarantee trouble is engaging in public displays of affection – as has been heavily covered in the press with the arrest of the British couple caught canoodling on the beach last year.

From January 1, 2009 changes are being made to the length of stay on a visitor visa upon arrival.  According to the Foreign Office, the exact rules are not yet clear, but normally 30 or 60 day stays are granted. Those wishing to apply for an extension to stay in Abu Dhabi, who are aged over 40, are required to purchase health insurance locally for the extra month before a visa extension is granted.

If medical treatment is needed while visiting the UAE, be aware that treatment may be denied if you are unable to pay for it or do not have travel insurance.  Also, if there is a possibility of skiing at Ski Dubai it would be wise to add Winter Sports cover to your policy before leaving home, as once there it cannot be added.

For more information visit our Travel Guide for the UAE and click on the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) to access their website for important advisories and updates and vital information regarding customs and laws of the UAE.

Obtain a cheap quote for your Travel Insurance or Ski Insurance.