UAE Introduces Multiple-Entry Permits for Cruise Passengers and Crew Members
The United Arab Emirates has launched a groundbreaking multiple-entry visa scheme specifically designed for cruise ship crew and passengers. This initiative, managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), marks the first tailored visa for the maritime travel sector in the UAE, aimed at facilitating shore leave, vessel turnarounds, and transit entries for cruise lines.
Under this new policy, foreign visitors arriving by cruise ship can obtain a multiple-entry visa for a limited duration, contingent upon submitting their travel itinerary in advance and having a licensed tourism or shipping company act as a guarantor.
Typically, winter cruise ships dock in major UAE ports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, catering to nearly one million passengers each season. The recent visa changes are intended to minimize administrative burdens for crew members—many of whom are on short contracts—as well as streamline entry logistics during port rotations or transit stops.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, emphasized that this update aligns with the UAE’s goals of economic diversification and enhanced global mobility, improving the country’s competitive edge against cruise hubs in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
In addition to the cruise-specific visa, ICP has also introduced three new visit visa categories targeting artificial intelligence, entertainment, and events, further expanding the UAE’s entry framework.
By simplifying crew rotations and passenger transit, the UAE aims to strengthen its position in global cruise itineraries and enhance its status as a major maritime gateway in the Gulf.
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