DUBAI // Travellers required to apply for a visa before entering Dubai now also face tougher health insurance requirements. Visitors from outside the group of 33 visa-exempt countries must be insured by government-approved schemes under wide-ranging visa reforms introduced in July. The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) said such travellers must apply for a scheme when they apply for a visit visa, or provide proof of existing insurance with Dh150,000 (US$40,800) coverage.
Applicants can buy insurance from the two companies approved by the DNRD, Aman Insurance and Oman Insurance. There are three different types of policies from the two insurance companies according to the periods of stay. The new requirements will come into force on Saturday. Prices start from Dh40 for short-term visas valid for 30 days, Dh90 for visas valid for 90 days and Dh185 for multiple entry visas valid for 180 days.
Those from countries with visa exemptions will not be asked if they have health insurance. However, it was not made clear whether there would be a penalty for entering without insurance. Maj Gen Mohammad al Marri, the director of the DNRD, said the policies would cover the cost of any accidents or emergencies during a visitor's stay. eharnan@thenational.ae
