Passport Cover Copy Entry Permit UAE: What You Need to Know

What Documents Are Required with the Passport Cover Copy for Entry Permit UAE

To successfully apply for an entry permit under the new rule, applicants must submit the following:

• Bio-data page of the passport copy (with photo and personal details) 
• Passport‐size clear photograph 
• Hotel booking confirmation 
• Round-trip ticket (return flight) copy 
• Passport external cover page copy (outer cover page) new mandatory requirement.
• Without that cover page, visa or entry permit applications will no longer pass the automated or manual verification process. 

Why the Change Was Made: Understanding Passport Cover  Copy for Entry Permit UAE

Officials and experts have offered some reasons for this update:

• To reduce errors or confusion in the application process. Sometimes passport nationality or identity details are misread or incorrect. Having the outer cover, which displays country name and emblem, helps authenticate the issuing country. 
• To ensure consistency, as some passports have very small or unclear font for nationality or country of issue.
• To speed up document verification and prevent delays in processing caused by mismatched information.

Who This Affects and When It Takes Effect

The passport cover copy for entry permit UAE rule impacts:

• All new entry permit applications (tourist visas, visit visas, other entry permits) under all nationalities.
• Travel agencies and typing/visa-processing centres are already updating their application checklists to include the external cover page. 
• Applications submitted before this change’s implementation might not require it, but any applications submitted after the notice (from last week of announcement) must include it. 

How to Avoid Delays: Tips for Applicants

To ensure your entry permit is processed smoothly under the new rule, here are some practical tips:

1. Scan or photograph the external cover page of your passport clearly, ensuring the country name, emblem, and “Passport” are legible.
2. Make sure all your documents are valid and consistent: name, nationality, passport number should match across the bio-data page and cover page.
3. Keep all required documents handy: hotel booking, round-trip ticket, photo, bio-data page, and cover page.
4. If working with a visa agent or Amer Centre, confirm they’ve updated their guidelines, and ask if your file is complete.
5. Double-check the submission portal before submitting: many centers now automatically reject incomplete applications.

What Officials Say & What’s Unclear

While travel agents and visa typing centres (like Amer Centres) have confirmed the requirement in notices they received, there’s been no formal public statement yet from major immigration authorities like ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) or GDRFA-Dubai. 

Some questions that remain:

• Will this requirement apply to renewals or only fresh entry permits?
• Are there exceptions (for example for transit, diplomatic visas, or special visa categories)?
• Are there penalties or delays if the external cover page is submitted but of low quality (blurry, cut-off)?

Look up UAE Government “Visa and Emirates ID” portal  for official visa & entry permit info.

Conclusion

The new passport cover copy for entry permit UAE requirement is now a key part of applying for any entry permit. This update adds a small but significant document to the checklist, designed to reduce confusion, improve document verification, and streamline the process.

If you’re planning a trip or submitting a visa application, ensure you have the external cover page of your passport scanned and ready. It may seem like a minor update, but omitting it now could mean delays or outright rejection. Always check with your visa processing centre or Amer Centres and stay updated via official channels so your application moves smoothly.

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