The UAE Government Media Office have just announced that FIFA World Cup ticket holders will be able to apply for a multiple entry tourist visa to the Emirates.
The visa will be granted to Hayya card holders which is a fan ID and a required document needed to attend the tournaments matches from November 20 to December 18. It grants visitors access to Qatar, the stadiums and free transportation services including buses, metros and taxis.
There is also a digital app version of the Hayya card.
FIFA World Cup Hayya app
Applications open on November 1. The visa will cost AED 100 and will be valid for 90 days and can be extended for an additional 90 days.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries are excluded as they can enter and reside in the UAE according to current procedures.
How to apply
First, Hayya card holders need to access the web portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Next, they need to select the “Smart Channels” link and then select “Public Services”.
To save you time clicking through multiple pages, click here to go straight to the Public Services page where you’ll see all of the available visa options.
From this page, you’ll be able to scroll down and find “Hayya Card Holders” and fill out the application form.
At the moment, the “Hayya Card Holders” option is not displayed on the website. It will likely appear on November 1 when the application process opens.
New visas in the UAE
Aside from this World Cup specific visa, The UAE announced that a whole batch of new visas will be available to both residents and tourists which will provide them with a wide range of benefits.
This new system aims to make the UAE a more investor-friendly country for foreigners as well as high net-worth individuals who wish to establish a long-term presence in the Emirates.
Information on all the new visas and how to apply for them can be found here.