So you plan to visit Dubai and stay at a relative/friend’s place?

Well, it was easy before, I must say cheap but not anymore. New rules that will be applicable from August 1st say that if you are visiting Dubai and plan to live at some of your relative/friend’s place you will have to pay Dhs 500 instead of Dhs 100 right now!

Tourism is not going to be affected as if you book a hotel to stay at, the rates for visa will be the same that is 100Dhs. This is to reduce people who come to Dubai for job hunting and not to just roam around and spend money in malls.  There are 33 countries that were and will remain exempted to the visa fee. And Pakistan doesn’t come in that list.

This also means, that if any resident of Dubai applies for the visa for family members, he will have to pay according to the new rules. Where as if the members apply through the travel agent (and show that they will stay in hotel) they will have to pay the same fee.