UAE Visa Rule 2025: Passport Cover Page Now Mandatory
UAE Visa Rule 2025
Traveling to the United Arab Emirates has always been attractive for tourists, business people and travelers wishing to meet their families. But in the year 2025, the UAE government has introduced a new visa rule. Now, it will be mandatory to submit the passport’s biodata page as well as its outer cover page with every visa application. This change is applicable to all visa types, be it a tourist visa, business visa or family visit visa.
If this document is not included, there is a risk of delay in the visa or rejection of the application. Let’s know in this article what will be the new visa requirement, why has the rules finally been changed and to whom will this change apply
What Is The New Visa Requirement?
Previously, only these documents were required for a UAE visa:
- Biodata page of the passport
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of hotel booking or accommodation
- Return flight ticket
But now, under the 2025 law, an additional document is mandatory:
- External cover page of the passport
Now, every applicant will have to scan this page as well to make the verification process at the visa center easier and more transparent.
Why was this change made?
Although the UAE government has not officially explained the details, according to experts, this move has several objectives:
- Better verification of the authenticity of the passport: The cover page contains important marks of the country and the issuing authority.
- Prevention of fake visas: Adding a cover page makes it easier to identify forgery or fake passports.
- Faster processing at the visa center: By submitting the cover page in advance, time is not wasted and the application is completed quickly.
- Increased security: This step has been taken to further tighten border security in line with global standards.
To Whom Does This Law Apply?
This new rule applies to all visa types, including:
- Tourist visa applicants
- Business people and conference or meeting travelers
- Family visit visa candidates
- Citizens of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and other countries
So if you are planning to travel to the UAE in 2025, keep your passport documents fully prepared.
Impact On Travelers
If the applicant does not submit the passport cover page, he may face the following problems:
- Unnecessary visa delay
- Possibility of application rejection
- Instructions to submit additional documents repeatedly from the visa center
Experts advise keeping a high-quality scan copy of both the biodata and cover page ready and also carrying a printed copy so that it can be presented immediately if needed at any time.
How To Apply For A Visa UAE Visa (Step by Step)
Check your passport
- It should have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- The biodata page should be clear and legible.
Prepare a scan
- Scan the biodata page and the outer cover page separately.
- Scan in high resolution so that there is no blurring.
Collect the necessary documents
- A recent and clear passport-sized photograph
- A confirmation letter of hotel booking or accommodation
- A return flight ticket
Confirm with the visa center or travel agent
- Before submitting all the documents, confirm that the format is correct.
Keep a record
- Keep a copy of each document so that it can be provided immediately if requested again.
Why Is Compliance Important?
The UAE is one of the most popular countries in the world, where millions of tourists and business people travel every year. By following this new rule:
- Delays at the visa center can be avoided
- The entry process at immigration is simplified
- Travelers can be saved from unnecessary difficulties and rejections
Common Questions (FAQs)
Question: Can a photocopy also be submitted?
No, it is better to provide a scanned copy because the security features are not clear in a photocopy.
Question: Does this rule also apply to visa renewal?
Yes, it is mandatory for both new and renewed visas in 2025.
Question: What if the passport is old or damaged?
Such a passport can lead to visa rejection, so first get a new passport.
Question: Does this requirement also apply to UAE citizens?
No, it is only for foreign applicants.
Conclusion
UAE Visa Rule 2025 is a seemingly small change, but its importance is enormous. It is now mandatory to submit the passport biodata page and cover page with every application. Failure to do so may result in delays or rejection of the application.
Travelers from Pakistan, India, and other countries can complete their visa processing smoothly and without any hassle if they remember these simple guidelines.





