Landing a job or preparing for travel to the UAE has a crucial new requirement: mandatory in-person visa appointments for biometrics.
Are you confused about where to go? Do you know which documents need multiple copies? Many applicants are facing major delays and stress due to these new rules, long waiting times, and strict security checks.
This updated guide covers everything about the 2025 process:
- The exact visa categories that need to attend.
- Which documents to prepare (and how many copies).
- The essential rules about location and security.
We simplify the appointment process to ensure your application goes smoothly and quickly.
Where are UAE Visa Centers Located in Pakistan?
When booking your mandatory biometric appointment, you only have two choices for where to go. The UAE biometric visa centers are available in only two major cities:
- Islamabad
- Karachi
Important Note: There is currently no center in Lahore or any other city for UAE Embassy biometrics. You must travel to either Islamabad or Karachi for this appointment.
Who Must Get a UAE Embassy Visa Appointment?
The biometric appointment is mandatory for applicants in Pakistan who fall under these specific visa categories:
Category | Key Requirement |
1. Work Visa Applicants (MOHRE Visa) | Biometrics are a mandatory final step after your work permit has been officially approved. |
2. Domestic Worker Visa Applicants | This includes housemaids, cleaners, nannies, cooks, drivers, and others. You must also bring your GAMCA Medical Fitness Certificate. |
3. UAE Visit Visa Half-Approval | If you receive a visit visa status that is “half approved,” you must attend the center to complete your biometrics. |
Who Does NOT Need the Appointment?
The biometric appointment is not required for the following visa categories or situations:
Visit Visas with Full Approval
If your visit visa is fully approved, you do not need to attend a biometric appointment at the center in Pakistan.
Applicants Processing Inside UAE
If you are already in the UAE and changing your status or renewing your visa, you follow the local UAE internal process.
Family Visa Renewals and Status Change Cases
These cases are handled through the local UAE health and immigration system, not the centers in Pakistan.
Golden Visa Applicants Already in UAE
Long-term residency applicants who are already present in the UAE follow the internal process and are exempt from the biometric requirement in Pakistan.
Step-by-Step UAE Embassy Appointment Process
Booking your biometric appointment is a four-stage process that starts with the payment of the official fee.
1. Pay Biometric Fee
This is the first and most important step to start your booking.
Detail | Action |
Fee Amount | USD $69 (This fee is non-refundable). |
Payment Location | You must pay this fee at any branch of Bank Alfalah in Pakistan. |
Requirement | Keep the original payment receipt safe. You must bring this receipt to the visa center later. |
2. Receive Appointment Code
After successfully paying the biometric fee at Bank Alfalah, you will receive a unique code:
- How you get it: The code is sent to you via SMS or email.
- Keep it Safe: This code is essential. You must use it to book your time slot online.
3. Book Your Appointment
Once you have your code, you must book your specific time slot immediately on the official portal:
- What you need: Your passport number and the appointment code.
- Where to book: Select your date and time for the center in Islamabad or Karachi only.
4. Visit the UAE Visa Center for Biometrics
This is the final, in-person step. On your appointment day, the biometrics process includes:
- Fingerprints: All ten fingers will be scanned.
- Photograph: A digital photo will be taken for your record.
- Document Verification: Center staff will check all your original and copy documents against the system.
Required Documents for Appointment Day
You must bring physical copies of every document listed below. Without the exact number of proper copies, the security staff will deny you entry to the center.
Documents Requiring Multiple Copies:
- 5 Copies of Passport
- 5 Copies of CNIC / ID Card
- 3 Copies of Visa Approval (This includes your Work, Domestic, or Visit Half-Approval slip)
- 3 Copies of Appointment PDF / Confirmation Slip
Essential Originals and Other Items:
- Original Passport (Must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Original CNIC or National ID Card
- Mask (Mandatory for entry into the center)
- GAMCA Medical Fitness Certificate (Required only for Domestic Worker Visa applicants)
Strict Security Rules at UAE Embassy Centers
The centers enforce very strict security measures. It is crucial to arrive with only the required documents and nothing else. Your entry will be denied if you bring prohibited items.
Items Strictly NOT Allowed Inside | Reason/Example |
Mobile Phones & Electronics | Includes all phones, smartwatches, power banks, and cameras. |
Bags | This includes all purses, backpacks, and large satchels. |
Food & Drinks | No outside refreshments are permitted inside the premises. |
Wallets with Metal | Wallets with chains or large metal buckles. |
Sharp Items | Knives, scissors, lighters, or any potentially sharp object. |
Shuttle Service (Mandatory for Islamabad Embassy)
If your appointment is in Islamabad, you must use the official shuttle service.
- Mandatory Rule: Private vehicles (car, taxi, bike) are strictly banned inside the Diplomatic Enclave for security reasons.
- Cost: The shuttle fee is around Rs. 1,500 per person (for the round trip). This is a required, non-negotiable payment.
Function: The shuttle takes you from the designated outer point straight to the secured biometric center and back.
Medical Requirements
Where you complete your medical examination depends on your current location:
Applicant Location | Mandatory Medical System |
In Pakistan | GAMCA / WAFID Medical (Must be completed before visa stamping). |
Already Inside UAE | DHA (Dubai Health Authority) or EHS (Emirates Health Services) centers. |
The Critical Attestation Rule
Your medical certificate issued in Pakistan is NOT accepted directly by UAE authorities. It must go through two mandatory verification steps:
- Attestation by MOFA Pakistan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
- Attestation by the UAE Embassy / Consulate in Pakistan.
Your report only becomes officially acceptable for the UAE visa process after these two attestations are complete.
Appointment Waiting Time (2025 Update)
Due to the extremely high demand and the new mandatory biometric rule, there are significant delays in getting a booking slot.
- Current Delay: Appointments are currently being scheduled with a 2-month gap.
- Wait Time Example: If you book today, your available dates will likely be in February and beyond.
- Affected Applicants: This delay affects all categories that require biometrics, including Work Visa Applicants, Visit Visa Half-Approvals, and Domestic Worker Visas.
This long waiting time can cause you to miss your job joining date.
Need Urgent Appointment Within 7 Days?
Waiting 2 months can cost you your job offer. If you require urgent travel and cannot wait for the standard appointment queue:
⭐ Satti Consultancy & Services is your solution.
We specialize in arranging urgent UAE Embassy appointments, often securing your slot within just 7 days.
How We Help You Travel On Time:
- Fast Biometrics: Securing urgent appointment slots.
- Full Attestation: Handling complete MOFA and UAE Embassy attestation of your GAMCA medical report.
- File Expertise: Providing complete support for your Domestic Worker or Work Visa file.
- Rescheduling: Managing appointment changes efficiently.
Contact Satti Consultancy & Services immediately to secure your urgent slot and avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UAE Biometric Visa Centers are available only in two major cities: Islamabad and Karachi. There is currently no center available in Lahore or any other city.
The mandatory biometric fee is USD $69 (non-refundable). This fee must be paid in person at any branch of Bank Alfalah in Pakistan. You must keep the original receipt.
The most critical rule is the need for multiple physical copies. You must bring 5 copies of your passport and 5 copies of your CNIC/ID Card. Entry will be denied if copies are missing or insufficient.
Due to extremely high demand, appointments are currently being scheduled with a significant 2-month gap. If you require urgent travel, Satti Consultancy & Services can arrange an urgent slot within 7 days.
- No, absolutely not. Mobile phones, bags, electronics, and wallets with metal items are strictly banned due to security rules. You must arrange to keep these items outside the premises.
Final Summary
This complete guide covered all the vital steps for the UAE Embassy visa appointment in Pakistan. Here are the most important rules to remember:
- Mandatory Biometrics: UAE embassy biometrics are required for work visas, domestic workers, and visit visa half-approvals.
- Limited Centers: Centers are located only in Islamabad and Karachi.
- Copies are Key: Bring multiple copies, including 5 copies of passport, 5 copies of CNIC, and 3 copies of visa approval/appointment PDF.
- Shuttle Fee: The shuttle service costs Rs. 1,500 per person and is mandatory for the Islamabad center.
- Strict Security: No phones or bags are allowed inside the premises.
- Medical Rule: GAMCA medical is required for domestic worker visas and must be attested by MOFA and the UAE Embassy.
- Wait Time: Appointments currently have a long 2-month waiting time.
Urgent Solution: Satti Consultancy & Services can arrange urgent appointments within 7 days.
