
TheUnited Arab Emirates(UAE) has launched a new visa-on-arrival policy for eligible Indian nationals, aiming to simplify travel and enhance relations between the two countries.
Under the new policy, Indian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival, along with holders of permanent residency or green cards, and valid visas from the United States, the United Kingdom, or EU countries.
Travellers can choose between two options: A 14-day visa that can be extended for another 14 days, or a non-extendable 60-day visa. In accordance with UAE regulations, travellers must pay the required costs for both visa categories.
To qualify for the visa-on-arrival, travellers must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months from their entry date into the UAE.
This initiative follows previous efforts to facilitate travel for Indian nationals. In February 2023, Emirates Airlines introduced a pre-approved visa-on-arrival service in collaboration with VFS Global, allowing travellers to skip queues upon arrival in Dubai.
In a post on X, Emirates wrote:“We've partnered with VFS Global to introduce a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders who have booked their travel with us. The new process will help customers skip queues when arriving in Dubai.”
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Previously, Indian travellers needed to apply for a visa in advance, which involved extensive documentation and long waiting times. The new visa-on-arrival scheme is part of the UAE’s strategy to boost tourism and strengthen business ties with India.
(With inputs from agencies)