In an important update to the Dubai visa application process, and for all travellers around the world, the UAE has introduced a new Dubai visa rule for all applicants. Announced on 19th September 2025, any individual applying for a UAE visa is now required to upload a scanned copy of the Passport external cover page along with the earlier visa-required documents.
This new rule applies to all the Dubai visa categories and has been updated to enhance security, streamline the processing, and ensure correct identity verification for travellers arriving every year. Whether you are planning a holiday trip, business trip, or family visits, understanding the new visa rule is significant to avoid visa delays and rejection.
What has changed in the UAE Visa Application Process
Earlier, when an individual used to apply for a Dubai visa, they needed to submit certain documents highlighted below: -
- A scanned copy of the passport.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Confirmed hotel booking slips (Optional
- Confirmed flight return tickets (Optional)
Well, with the new decision, the document that is now mandatory to submit is the passport external cover page copy. This means that now an applicant needs to provide the internal bio-data page and the external cover page of the passport when applying. It has been clarified that this new visa rule has been designed to improve security verification and reduce false submissions.
Why the Passport External Cover Page Matters
The external cover page of a passport was often dominated, but it matters a lot as it covers essential information, like the issuing authority and national markings. With this document, the immigration authority can do the following things:
- Improve the accuracy of screening.
- Avoid fake travel documents.
- Remove manual errors when doing verification of the document.
- Increase the speed of background checks while ensuring a smooth visa application process.
Updated Checklist for Entry Permit Applications
As per the new Dubai visa guidelines, travellers are instructed to share the new documents. Below is the updated documents checklist: -
- A clear copy of the first and last page of your passport.
- A copy of the passport external cover page.
- A recent passport-sized photograph in a white or plain background.
- Hotel booking slips as proof of stay in the country. (Optional)
- Flight return tickets showing confirmation. (Optional)
If any of the above documents are not uploaded while applying for the Dubai visa, the visa may get delayed and even get rejected.
Who Does This Affect?
The new requirements of the Dubai visa impact all nationalities and visa types, whether it is a tourist visa, business visa, or transit visa. Travelling to the UAE for any purpose, these new visa rules are updated globally. When applying online for the Dubai visa, the best platform is the Urgent Emirates Visa, as it has updated the new documents clearly and provides step-by-step guidance to successfully apply.
Implications for Travellers and Agencies
The updated visa rule has created a positive impact, despite being an additional step in the visa application process.
- Submitting the passport external cover page copy enhances background checks while making the UAE visa more trustworthy.
- With submitting all the important documents, there are the least cases when additional verification will be done on the Dubai visa.
- Transparency is maintained when sharing all the documents, and no confusion will be created.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Both the bio-data page and the external passport cover page copy must be clear, and there must not be blurred information.
- The passport-sized photograph submitted for the Dubai visa should meet the photo size requirements.
- Following the Urgent Emirates Visa platform, our experts will guide you about the new documents.
- When applying for the Dubai visa, stay informed about the key updates and latest requirements.
Tracking your Dubai Visa Status
While submitting the visa application form, you are allowed to check your visa status online on our platform. We provide a track option through which you can check the live status of your visa and ensure that your visa has been confirmed, in process, or is delayed.
Conclusion
The new rule of submitting a passport external cover page document has now been made mandatory for all citizens and is an important step in the UAE’s visa policy. This significant change in the visa documents is committed to enhancing documentation accuracy and security. This active approach will now avoid visa disruptions and ensure a stress-free experience.
