SUMMARY:

Starting late September 2025, the UAE made the passport's external cover page a mandatory submission for all entry permit applications. Previously, applicants primarily submitted the passport's bio-data page. The new rule applies to all nationalities and visa types, including tourist, visit, and multiple-entry visas.
Summary of the new requirement

• Mandatory submission: Applicants must provide a clear, high-resolution scan of the passport's outer cover page, in addition to the bio-data page.
• Affects all applications: The rule applies to new entry permits, extensions, multiple-entry visas, and correction applications.
• Incomplete applications: Any application missing the cover page will be considered incomplete and will not be processed until the document is submitted. This will likely cause processing delays or rejection.
• Compliance is crucial: To avoid issues, all applicants should ensure they have scanned both the bio-data page and the external cover page correctly.

Purpose of the rule change
While no official statement has been released by UAE authorities, travel industry experts suggest the change is aimed at increasing security and verification.

• Nationality verification: Requiring the cover page helps officials quickly and accurately verify the applicant's nationality by seeing the country's name and emblem. This can prevent data entry errors and misidentification.
• Fraud prevention: This extra step is intended to minimize fraud and ensure the authenticity of submitted documents.
• Processing efficiency: Better verification of documents is expected to speed up the overall visa application process, especially during peak travel seasons.

Who is affected
All travelers to the UAE who need to apply for an entry permit are affected. This includes those from countries that require a pre-arranged visa for entry. Travelers from visa-exempt countries are generally not affected, but they should always confirm the latest entry requirements.
Best practices for applicants
To ensure a smooth application process, applicants should:

• Scan the passport bio-data page and the external cover page separately.
• Ensure both scans are of high quality, with all text and emblems clearly visible.
• Check the updated list of required documents, which now includes the external passport cover page.
• Submit all documents in a timely manner.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...tely.%E2%80%9D