Online visa applicants can now also receive refunds online

Anyone who applies for a 30 or 90-day visa through the Ministry of Interior’s e-Services can now also receive refunds online.

This follows the announcement at the end of last month that 30 and 90-day single entry tourist visas could be obtained either via the ministry websitewww.moi.gov.ae or its smartphone app.

Maj Gen Khalifa Al Khaiaili, acting assistant undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, said the move was part of a gradual shift to smart and electronic services.

“The financial guarantees are returned in the following cases: If the visitor leaves the country within the statutory period; or if his request was rejected according to the procedures and the policies applicable by the Ministry of Interior,” the Maj said.

However, applicants must be wary of adhering to the rules and regulations set by the ministry, the Maj said.

“Should the visitor exceed the duration of his stay in the country, the applicant won’t be able to retrieve the financial guarantee because of violating the regulations and laws on the basis of which the entry permit is issued.”