UAE Launches Visa-On-Arrival For Indian Travelers: Full Details Inside

It has been announced that Travel to UAE has become simplified. As per keenly-followed news reports, in a bid to enhance the relations between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) all Indian passport holders will now be permitted to get visa-on-arrival at all entry points of the UAE.

UAE Launches Visa-On-Arrival For Indian Travelers

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Pragmatically, the said policy shift extends to not just Indian nationals, but also holders of Persons of Indian Origin and Employment Pass holders from or residing in any of the USA, UK, or European countries.

As per this policy, travellers will have two choices while applying for the visa. They will have the option of a 14-day visa on arrival, which can be extended for additional 14 days or alternatively a 60-day visa that cannot be extended in any case. Albeit, they will have to pay the fees as per the UAE laws. Speaking on the visa-on-arrival facility announced by the Indian mission in UAE on 17th October, it is mandatory that passports should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry.

This announcement comes after previous measures taken to make travel easier for the Indian population. In February 2023, Emirates, one of the major airline companies in the UAE, and VFS Global introduced a service of pre-approved visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. This arrangement was intended to ease the process of entering the country by eliminating the long immigration wait times for travelers.

Furthermore, Indian citizens received a five-year multiple entry visa to Dubai in the same month. This new visa option, however, was a part of broader strategy devised to enhance commercial, tourism and other economic relations with India. The policy reflects the commitment of Dubai’s authorities to strengthen relations with one of the most important tourist source countries for the region.

Dubai continues to receive a large number of tourists from India. The year 2023 saw 2.46 million Indian nationals visiting the city for overnight stay, representing a growth of 25% from the pre-pandemic. The influx of Indian tourists reinforced India’s top position among the source markets of the tourism industry of Dubai, as stated by the UAE’s economy and tourism department on November 22.

In light of these new visa policies, the UAE will surely welcome the growth in the number of Indian visitors in the years to come thereby enhancing the cultural and economic ties of the two countries.