israel tourist visa for uae residents

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UAE residents can now apply for visas to Israel

Residents in the UAE can apply for visas to travel to Israel starting from August 1, announced VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.

Following the signing of the historic Abraham Accords in 2020, the UAE and Israel offered a mutual entry visa exemption for its citizens. And from August 1, residents in the UAE can visit the Abu Dhabi office of VFS Global to submit their visa applications for travel.

UAE residents can apply for different visa types as per their eligibility.

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UAE residents can apply for visas to Israel starting from August 1

They can apply for different visa types as per their eligibility

Residents in the UAE can apply for visas to travel to Israel starting from August 1, announced VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.

Following the signing of the historic Abraham Accords in 2020, the UAE and Israel offered a mutual entry visa exemption for its citizens.

And from August 1, residents in the UAE can visit the Abu Dhabi office of VFS Global to submit their visa applications for travel.

“Effective August 1, 2022, residents of the UAE will be able to apply for their Israel visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Abu Dhabi,”

VFS Global said.

Israel had appointed VFS Global as the official tourism representation agency in the UAE.

UAE residents can apply for different visa types as per their eligibility.

“The centre will accept applications for tourism, business, student, conference, medical, relatives and family visit categories,”

The initiative is expected to further boost tourism and economy, and enhance the bilateral relationship. This comes two months after the UAE-Israel Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAE-Israel CEPA) was inked in Dubai, which commenced a new era of cooperation between the two nations that established diplomatic ties in September 2020. The CEPA deal is expected to advance bilateral trade beyond $10 billion within five years and add $1.9 billion to the UAE’s GDP within the same time period.

It was also the second bilateral trade accord concluded by the UAE following the UAE-India CEPA, which entered into force on May 1.

Residents who wish to travel to Israel can visit VFS Global Abu Dhabi office located at Level B2 (lower ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed, The 1st Street (Airport Road).

For more details, residents can call +97142055600 or visit http://vfsglobal.com

News Source: Khaleej Times

Written by HiDubai Newswire

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Israel Ministry of Tourism say UAE travellers can now visit Israel

For the first time around, Israel is now open to all travellers residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

City of Jaffa. Image:Israel Ministry of Tourism

As of 01 March 2022, vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists of all ages are permitted to enter Israel upon presenting a negative PCR test before departure and after arriving in Israel. The Israel Ministry of Tourism made the official announcement at the Expo 2020 Israeli Pavilion on 15 March 2022. The announcement follows a recent agreement between the UAE and Israel extending visa-free entry to all UAE nationals as part of the ongoing strategic partnership between both countries.   

Following the announcement, the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted a B2B workshop for travel partners in the UAE. Dignitaries from the Ministry shared an informative destination presentation showcasing exceptional prospects for post-covid tourism. The workshop attracted over 65 agents from the travel industry, followed by a pavilion tour to the travel trade partners and media. The event concluded with a networking gala serving Israeli delicacies and music that welcomed top travel stakeholders in the market.

Israel’s tourism offering: Israel is a global destination attracting over 4.5 million tourists in 2019 alone. The country provides the perfect conditions to accommodate all UAE visitors, including halal food restaurants. The local Israeli Kosher food is halal-friendly and is liked by many tourists. Additionally, the country offers diverse family-oriented hotels and heritage sites which can be explored with the help of Arabic tour guides.

Speaking at the event, Ksenia Kobiakov, New Markets Development Department Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said: “There is a tremendous potential in the UAE to drive incoming tourists to Israel. I hope travellers from the UAE will appreciate Israel’s unique offerings, and I believe they will want to visit more than once. We look forward to welcoming UAE tourists to witness the wonders of our country. This year, our focus would be to introduce the hidden gem to the travellers from this market. We are looking to promote the country as a destination targeting families, FIT experiential travellers, religious, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and leisure travellers through various B2B and B2C activities like media and trade familiarization trips, roadshows, cooperation with travel trade and airlines.”

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• As of 10/10/2021, all Israeli passport holders have visa exemptions for entry into the United Arab Emirates.
• Please note that holders of diplomatic and official passports issued by the State of Israel have visa exemptions for entry into the United Arab Emirates.

For Attestation services: 

Please use the following link for attestation services: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/Services/attestation Once the online attestation is complete and confirmed, and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel- you can arrange the delivery of documents for attestation services, please contact: 

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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As on 01 April 2019 in Jordan Rupees LKR

Please Note: 

• Subject to the prior approval from the Ministry of Interior In Israel.
• The applicable visa fees in United Arab Emirates dirham as per current exchange rate of the Embassy. The exchange rate is subject to change without prior notice.
• Fees and charges are non – refundable.
• Fees are payable in cash at the Israel Visa application Centre.
• The service charges include taxes.
• The applicable visa fees in Jordan rupees as per current exchange rate of the Embassy. The exchange rate is subject to change without prior notice.

As on 01 January 2019 in Jordan Rupees LKR

Document certification Fee: 

• Applicants who require Document Authentication by the Embassy of Israel can do so through the Israel Visa.
• Application Center. A fee of LKR 2464 (USD 14) will be charged in addition to Transfer fee of LKR 175 and Israel Visa Application Center Service charge of LKR 3000.

As on 03 September 2018 in Jordan Rupees LKR

• Application Center. A fee of LKR 2394 (USD 14) will be charged in addition to Transfer fee of LKR 175 and Israel Visa Application Center Service charge of LKR 3000.

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For Enquiry call +971-45786091 / +971-552249019 From Monday to Friday between 09:00AM - 05:00PM except holidays

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Disclaimer: Based on the documents provided by the Applicant to the center, Embassy of Israel will take decision whether to grant or reject the visa and neither Embassy of Israel or BSR Global DMCC Centre will be responsible for this.

People of Determination are requested to contact our helpline prior to visiting our centre to submit your application so that we may offer you the best possible assistance. Applicants are required to read the Security guidelines carefully which would in turn increase their convenience at Israel Visa Application Centre.

Acceptance of your form for processing and payment of the processing fee does not guarantee grant of the visa. The granting of the visa is entirely the prerogative and at the discretion of the Embassy / Consul of Israel and no reasons will be provided for the delay/denial of a visa.

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Over 150,000 Israeli tourists visit UAE in 10 months

Official aims to spread awareness about israel as the perfect tourist destination for visitors from the emirates.

Waheed Abbas

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More than 150,000 Israeli tourists visited the UAE in the last 10 months of 2022, and this year also looks promising in terms of tourism growth between the UAE and Israel as the two countries hope to increase flight frequency.

The two Middle Eastern countries opened their borders after the signing of the Abraham Accord in September 2020, resulting in people-to-people contact flourishing between the two nations.

Starting March 1, 2022, Israel allowed all Covid-19 vaccinated foreigners to visit the country.

Pini Shani, senior vice president, the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said around 1,600 Emirati nationals arrived in Israel from UAE in the last ten months of 2022.

“Starting in March 2022, we lifted the travel restrictions, and more than 150,000 Israelis travelled to UAE during this period. Israeli tourists are great spenders as they love to spend money while travelling and exploring. UAE nationals and expats are spending $180 (Dh 661) per day, excluding flights. Business travellers spend even more but stay less days in Israel,” Shani told Khaleej Times in an interview after his recent visit to the UAE.

During a visit to the UAE last month, the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s SVP met travel and tourism industry executives and explored business opportunities by offering tour operators the opportunity to collaborate with Israel in an incentive or joint marketing agreement.

Israel Ministry of Tourism provides a 20 euros (Dh78) reward to a travel agency for each tourist arriving in Israel for at least four nights.

Shani added that Israel can provide perfect conditions for the UAE and GCC visitors, including Halal food restaurants, Arabic-speaking tour guides, Islamic tourism sites and family-oriented hotels and places.

Tourism in 2023

Pini Shani is confident that 2023 will be an excellent year for tourism after recovering from the pandemic.

“During 2022, we’ve already bounced back with exceptional tourist entries from our primary source countries, USA, Germany, France, and Italy. The Abraham Accord is a fantastic opportunity for the UAE and Israel to build lasting relationships and historic cultural bonds. For the Israeli audience, UAE is a new destination, which intrigues them to fly and discover in large masses.

“Nevertheless, UAE nationals and expats need more time to explore what Israel can offer them as a tourism destination. Therefore, the number of visitors from Israel will stay more or less the same. In addition, the number of visitors from the UAE will increase dramatically in the upcoming years,” he added.

Currently, there is good connectivity between the UAE and Israel, with 70 weekly flights operated by Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad, EL-Al, and Israir.

“We hope to increase flight frequency to boost tourism from the UAE and worldwide, especially from Southeast Asia, Oceania, and more,” added Shani.

Visa challenge

While highlighting challenges that hamper the tourism sector, Shani pointed out that there are two main obstacles to boosting tourism – Israeli visa and the need for more knowledge and awareness about Israel.

“The Israeli visa process is necessary for visitors who are not UAE citizens but residents (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh). Issuing a visa takes time (around two weeks); unfortunately, it is a consideration for potential visitors when choosing their next destination for travel. We plan to give seminars and perform roadshows for the local travel industry with the cooperation of the Israeli travel trade to increase awareness of Israel as a tourist destination,” he said.

In order to improve bilateral tourism, he said they’re focusing on training the UAE's tourism industry and highlighting what Israel offers to potential tourists. “We want to display hospitality, co-existence, diverse communities, nature, local foods, culture, heritage, and history. In addition, we aim to build good relations with travel agencies, airplane companies, and the media,” he added.

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UAE announces new 10-year Blue Residency Visa for environment heroes

Uae government.

• Environment

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also clears Youth Agenda while chairing Cabinet meeting

Abu Dhabi: The UAE on Wednesday announced a 10-year Blue residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional efforts and contributions to protecting the environment.

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This was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as he chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. He said the move comes in line with implementing the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who had announced 2024 as the Year of Sustainability.

The Blue visa will be granted to individuals championing sustainability and the use of modern technologies in promoting the circular economy, and other relevant fields.

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Sheikh Mohammed said the sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent.

Youth agenda

He also approved the National Youth Agenda, among several initiatives, instructing the Minister of Youth to prioritise five key areas: empowering youth economically, developing their scientific skills, reinforcing their national identity, enhancing their community contributions, and activating their role in representing their country on the international stage.

CEO of Artificial Intelligence

The Cabinet has approved the introduction of the post of CEO of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all major federal entities, in line with the UAE's strategy to strengthen its position in AI.

“Today, we approved the introduction of the CEO of Artificial Intelligence role in all major federal entities, as part of the UAE’s strategy to solidify its position in the field of artificial intelligence,” the Vice President said.

The initiative aims to facilitate the integration of AI tools within these institutions, further advancing the transition toward a new era driven by cutting-edge technologies across federal entities.

University rankings

The Cabinet also endorsed a new framework for categorising higher education institutions across the nation. The forthcoming national rankings will assess over 70 higher education establishments based on the quality of their education, the employability of their graduates, the strength of their scientific research, and their collaborations with international scientific institutions.

The unveiling of these university rankings marks a significant stride in elevating the calibre of our higher education system and fostering transparency. It empowers families to make informed decisions, selecting the most suitable and exemplary educational pathways for their children,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“During the meeting, we were updated on recent advancements in our national space sector, with our national cadres now comprising 38 per cent of personnel engaged in global space projects. Additionally, expenditure on space research has seen a 14 per cent increase."

"Our commitment remains steadfast in guiding our youth towards promising and pioneering sectors while safeguarding our environment and adopting leading international technologies within our government. Concurrently, we are dedicated to enhancing our higher education systems, ensuring a brighter future for our youth,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

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What is the UAE's blue visa and who can apply?

All you need to know about the country's latest residency scheme.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, approved a new long-term residency visa on Wednesday. Dubai Media Office

The UAE has announced a new long-term residency visa. Known as the blue visa , it will grant a 10-year residency to people who have made “exceptional contributions” towards protecting the nation's environment.

Announced after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the decision aligns with the country’s long-term goals of making the UAE more sustainable.

The new visa is the latest to be introduced in the UAE, following in the footsteps of the golden visa , which also offers a 10-year residency. A number of other initiatives, such as the green and remote working visas, have also been issued in recent years.

One of the country's leading recruiters said the visas offering long-term stays in the UAE had been a big success so far.

"The biggest benefit [of a ten-year visa] is that it has made it possible to live here without needing to be under the sponsorship of a company," said David Mackenzie, group managing director of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones. "It gives you so much freedom."

The newly introduced visa will also go some way to not only attracting talent but also enticing those currently living in the UAE to extend their stay, said a leading sustainability expert.

"It will help retain talent because not everyone stays here for 10 years because they are tied to the standard visa, sponsored by their employers, which lasts for two years," said Ivano Iannelli, senior adviser for sustainability at Emirates Global Aluminium.

"Of course it will attract new talent but it will also offer an element of security to those who are already here. It shows the ambition of the UAE."

The National takes a look at who can apply for one.

Who can apply for a blue visa?

"The visa will be granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, offering them a ten-year residency in the UAE, and is part of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability," read a statement shared by state news agency Wam.

The visa will be available to individuals who have made exceptional contributions and efforts in the field of protecting the environment, whether marine or land.

Work towards improving air quality and sustainable technology will also be rewarded, the authorities said.

How can you apply?

"Sustainability advocates and experts who are interested in the UAE Blue Residency are invited to submit their applications directly through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or through nominations by competent authorities in the state for the individuals recommended for it," read a statement on Sheikh Mohammed's website.

Why is it important?

The announcement of a blue visa for contributions to protecting the environment is groundbreaking, said Dr Sultan Al Jaber , Cop28 President and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.

“The blue residency visa aims to attract global environmental leaders to contribute to the UAE's sustainable economic and social development," said Dr Al Jaber.

"It underscores the nation's dedication to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to create impactful solutions.

"With a forward-thinking approach, these solutions will address climate challenges and transform them into opportunities for a brighter future for humanity and our planet.”

Dr Al Jaber said the blue visa was in line with the legacy created by the Cop28 conference, the UN climate change summit that took place in Dubai last year.

“The conference was a paradigm shift, showcasing the UAE's unwavering commitment to multilateralism, international co-operation, and developing a united global approach to the challenges of climate change," he said.

"This visa will build on that good work and will help further establish the UAE as a front-runner in the development of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that can help address climate change.”

Attracting talent

One of the main reasons for the introduction of the blue visa is to continue making the UAE an attractive prospect for skilled people from abroad, who are considering their future options, a UAE minister said.

"The Blue Residency will have a major role in attracting talents in the field including innovators, and climate champions from all over the world, who will contribute to the advancement of the UAE’s work in fostering a sustainable future for all," said Dr Amna Al Shamsi , Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

What other kind of visas are available in the UAE?

Residency visa for people working in the private sector - This is the most common visa available in the UAE. It lasts for two years before requiring renewal and is sponsored by a person's employer.

Golden visa - This is a 10-year visa awarded to people under a number of categories. You could be a property investor, entrepreneur, highly talented person, nurse, doctor, director, sportsperson, holder of a PhD, specialist, or an outstanding pupil.

Green visa - This is available to those who have their own businesses and are not working for, or sponsored by, an employer. The green visa lasts for five years.

A five-year residency is also available for freelancers and self-employed people, without the need to obtain a sponsor or employer in the UAE.

Investors establishing or participating in commercial activities are also eligible for a green visa.

Remote working visa - In March 2021, the UAE announced the introduction of a residence permit for remote workers , which came into effect in September 2022.

Golden visa for students - A high-school pupil who has achieved excellent results can be granted a golden visa for five years without a sponsor.

This can be extended if the course they are studying lasts for more than five years.

Tourist visa - A 60-day visit visa for tourists is now standard, instead of the previous 30-day one.

Multi-entry visa - The five-year multi-entry tourist visa does not require a sponsor and allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 consecutive days, as long as they have $4,000 or its equivalent in their bank account.

• You Are At:

UAE launches 10-year 'Blue Residency' visas: Who is eligible and how to apply? DETAILS

The move comes as uae president mohammed bin zayed al nahyan extended the 2023 year of sustainability to promote green initiatives. the special blue visa is for those individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards sustainability and environmental protection..

"In line with the national directives directed by the UAE President to designate 2024 as the year of sustainability in the UAE, we introduced the ‘Blue Residency’, a 10-year residency granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environment protection, whether in marine life, land-based ecosystems, or air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields," announced Sheikh Mohammed on Wednesday.

"The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment... Our national directions in this area are clear and consistent," he further said. Earlier this year, the UAE announced on its National Environment Day that 2024 will be the continuation of the “Year of Sustainability", and this step aligns perfectly with the country's goals towards a greener future.

What is this special visa and who is eligible?

The Blue Residency visa is a special permit for those who have made exceptional contributions towards various environmental fields, including marine life, land-based ecosystems, air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy and other fields. Applicants of this visa, if approved, can extend their stay in the Arab country for 10 years.

The eligibility criteria for the UAE's Blue visa include members of international organisations, international companies, associations, non-governmental organisations, global award winners, distinguished activities and researchers in environmental work. It covers sustainability initiatives both inside and outside of the country.

The visa permit is in line with the UAE President's decision to extend the Year of Sustainability to honour and support individuals committed to environmental conservation and reinforces its commitment to a greener future.

How to apply for the Blue visa?

Individuals who wish to apply for the Blue Residency visa can do so through the services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). Nominations and recommendations by competent authorities within the state are also accepted by the federal body.

This will grant a long-term residency to individuals in the UAE along with opportunities to collaborate on environmental projects, access to funding and resources and recognition of exceptional contributions towards environmental conservation. 

The UAE provides a host of visas that have a typical validity of two years. In 2019, the country introduced a 'Golden' visa for inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers in different fields of science and knowledge and students with a validity period of 10 years. The UAE also launched a 'green visa' for foreign investors and professionals which do not require a sponsorship of a UAE national or employer for five years.

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