Planning a trip to the UAE this October? Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or family, a few new rules and procedures could affect how smoothly your journey unfolds. Below is a comprehensive guide to what’s changed—and what you should do—to stay relaxed, prepared, and ahead of surprises.
What’s New for UAE Visitors: Passport Cover Copy Required
One of the subtle but important updates: entry permit applications to the UAE now often require a clear copy of your passport’s cover page, in addition to the usual ID page. This helps immigration authorities streamline verification.
If you’re applying via a visa service or embassy, double-check your document checklist to include this extra cover copy.
Fresh Visa Categories: More Flexibility for Travelers
The UAE has expanded and refined its visa offer in 2025, adding categories that suit evolving travel needs and talent attraction. These include:
- Visas tailored for AI specialists and tech professionals
- Permits for event staff, cruise and leisure workers, entertainment artists
- Humanitarian residence permits in select cases
These new categories come with adjusted sponsorship rules and income criteria. If your trip overlaps with employment, event work, or project-based assignments, explore whether one of these new visa types may apply to you.
New EU Entry / Exit System (EES) Impacts UAE-Based Travelers
Starting October 12, Europe is rolling out its Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen borders. Under this new regime:
- Instead of passport stamps, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be captured.
- First-time entries after EES begins may take longer at border control.
- It applies to short-stay travelers (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
If you’re flying from the UAE to any Schengen country, plan for extra buffer time at arrival and departure. Authorities are still in learning mode during rollout, so delays are possible.
India Travel from UAE: The e-Arrival Card is Now Mandatory
If your trip takes you from the UAE to India, note this critical change: from October 1, non-Indian nationals must complete an e-Arrival Card before boarding. Key points:
- The form must be filled online between 72 hours and 24 hours prior to departure.
- No fee is charged for the e-Arrival Card.
- Failing to complete it may lead to longer immigration processing times on arrival.
Also, Emirates has updated its policy on power banks. As of October 1:
- You can carry one power bank (under 100 Wh) in cabin baggage only.
- You cannot charge or use it in-flight.
- It cannot be stored in checked baggage or overhead bins.
Ahead of your India leg, complete the e-Arrival steps and pack your electronics accordingly.
Power Bank Rules on Other UAE Flights
Even if you’re not flying to India, airlines in the UAE are tightening rules around lithium battery devices. General guidelines now include:
- One power bank per traveler (under 100 Wh).
- Must be in carry-on / cabin baggage.
- Charging or using the power bank during flight may not be allowed.
- Avoid putting it in checked luggage.
Because rules can vary by airline, always check with your carrier before flying.
Navigating By Road: Sharjah-Dubai Exit Closed Temporarily
If your itinerary includes overland travel between Sharjah and Dubai, be aware of a temporary closure of the exit from King Faisal Street to Al Wahda Street toward Dubai. This closure is set through October 11.
Use recommended alternative routes and allow some extra travel time—especially during peak hours. GPS or local transport apps will guide you around this detour.
Upcoming GCC “Schengen-Style” Visa: What You Should Know
The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is planning to roll out a unified tourist visa later in 2025, which would allow entry to all member states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) under a single permit.
While it’s not live yet, this visa will simplify regional travel for many. If you plan multi-country travel in the Gulf, keep tabs on updates so you can take advantage once it launches.
Tips to Travel Smart This October
To make the most of these updates and avoid last-minute stress, here are a few practical tips:
- Double-check document requirements when you apply for visas or entry permits—those extra cover pages or sponsor criteria matter now.
- Preload digital forms like the India e-Arrival Card well before you head to the airport.
- Charge everything in advance and spare extra battery if needed—you may not be able to charge mid-flight.
- Build buffer time into your schedule for biometric checks and new border procedures—especially for first-time entries to Europe under EES.
- Stay updated via airline or immigration websites. Rules may evolve further as rollout proceeds.
Final Thoughts
October 2025 brings several new travel developments across the UAE corridor—from digital arrivals to biometric border control, visa reforms, and airline safety tweaks. As a traveler, your best ally is preparation. With the right documents ready, forms submitted ahead of time, and flexibility built into your schedule, your trip can remain smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Pack your bags, but pack your knowledge too—so you arrive ready, relaxed, and with nothing holding you back.
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