UAE
How to claim the UAE summer visa fee waiver for children
The UAE government offers a fee waiver for tourist visas for individuals under 18 during the summer. Here's how to apply and what costs to expect.
Each summer, the UAE waives visa issuance fees for tourists under 18 travelling with their parents. This practical guide outlines the step-by-step application process through official channels and clarifies which service charges still apply.
Each year, the UAE government boosts family tourism with a significant cost-saving initiative. Parents visiting the country with children under 18 can have the official tourist visa issuance fees for their dependents waived, making summer travel more affordable. The waiver is time-sensitive and requires applying through the correct channels. This benefit applies to children under 18 who are accompanying at least one parent on a tourist visa to the UAE. The scheme is run by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). ## Step 1: Confirm eligibility and timing The most important factor is timing. The visa fee waiver is only active for a specific period each summer, typically from July 1 to September 1. Your travel dates must fall within this window to qualify. Eligibility criteria are straightforward: - The applicant must be a minor under 18 years of age. - The minor must be travelling with at least one parent who is also applying for or already holds a valid UAE tourist visa. - The waiver applies to standard 30-day or 60-day tourist visas. ## Step 2: Prepare the required documents To ensure a smooth application, gather all necessary documents…