UAE Expands Visa on Arrival for Indian Nationals from Six More Countries

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals by including travellers with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six more countries on the eligibility list. The move permits more Indian passport holders to access visa-on-arrival facilities at UAE entry points. Under the Arab country's latest order, Indians with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada will be allowed access to the visa-on-arrival facility in the UAE.

The Arab nation already had this policy for Indian nationals holding valid documentation from the United States, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom. To be eligible for the programme, Indian nationals must meet the criteria set by UAE, which include holding a valid ordinary passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival. The travellers should also have a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from any of the eligible countries on the list. If they meet these requirements, the individuals will be required to pay the visa fee upon arrival at UAE immigration checkpoints.

The UAE has introduced three categories for eligible Indian travellers, with a nominal visa fee. For a 4-day visa, travellers will have to shell out Dh100 (approx. Rs 2,270), while for a 14-day extension, they will have to pay Dh250 (approx. Rs 5,670). There is also a 60-day visa, for which they will have to pay Dh250 (approx. Rs 5,670). According to Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of UAE's Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), the move of granting visas on arrival to Indian nationals from some countries aligns with the long-term strategic partnership between the Abu Dhabi and New Delhi.

The initiative aims to facilitate smoother travel for Indian citizens, offering them and their families new opportunities to explore life, residency, and employment prospects in the UAE. Moreover, the initiative gives Indians an opportunity to experience UAE's world-class tourism, economic landscape, and dynamic business environment while also attracting top global talent and entrepreneurs-further solidifying the UAE's status as a global financial, tourism, and economic hub, ICP said. Some of the key points of the initiative include: * Eligible countries: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada * Visa fees: Dh100 for 4-day visa, Dh250 for 14-day extension, and Dh250 for 60-day visa * Requirements: valid ordinary passport with at least six months validity, valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from eligible countries * Benefits: smoother travel, new opportunities for life, residency, and employment, world-class tourism, and economic landscape.

The expansion of the visa-on-arrival programme is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism and economy of the UAE, as well as strengthen the relationship between the UAE and India. The UAE has been actively working to attract top talent and entrepreneurs from around the world, and this initiative is a step in that direction. With its world-class infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and strategic location, the UAE is an attractive destination for tourists, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.