With effect from February 13, 2025, the UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival program for Indian nationals has been extended to include Indian nationals living in more countries.

The facility will be available to anyone from six new nations who currently hold valid visas, residency permits, or Green Cards.

Which are the countries?

Therefore, upon arrival at all UAE entry points, Indian citizens with regular passports and valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada will be issued visas. These are in addition to the US, EU, and UK, which were previously eligible countries.

Eligibility Criteria

Visas will be issued to qualified Indian visitors upon arrival at all authorized UAE entry ports, according to a statement released by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP).

According to local laws, travelers must pay the required visa fees and have passports that are valid for at least six months in order to be eligible.

Visa Fees and Validity

The cost of the entry visa is Dh100 for a stay of 14 days, and it can be extended for another 14 days for Dh250. You can also get a 60-day visa for Dh250. (Fees subject to change; verify via ICP portal.)

Why This Initiative?

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili is the Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). He highlighted an important policy. Indian nationals with visas from certain countries can get visas on arrival. This aligns with the long-term strategic partnership between the UAE and India.

By making travel easier for Indian nationals, the program aims to give them and their families more chances to learn about living, residency, and job opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE attracts top talent and entrepreneurs, offering a chance to experience its world-class tourism, economic landscape, and business environment. This strengthens the UAE’s position as a global financial, tourism, and economic hub, according to the ICP.

Additionally, India has agreements with a number of nations that exclude holders of diplomatic and official passports from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days, including the United Arab Emirates.

Benefits of UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Citizens

Traveling to the United Arab Emirates is now easier and more comfortable thanks to the introduction of the visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals. Here are a few of the main advantages:

Hassle-Free Travel Process

• No Pre-Approval Required: Indian nationals who fulfill the requirements can pick up their visa at the airport without waiting for approval.
• Minimal Documentation: Only a valid passport and an appropriate visa or residency permit are required of travelers. This minimizes paperwork and processing time.

Saves Time and Effort

• Quick Processing at the Airport: The fast visa-on-arrival procedure, which frequently takes only ten to twenty minutes, enables passengers to continue their trip without incident.
• Avoids Lengthy Visa Applications: Unplanned travel is made easier by eliminating the need to apply for a UAE visa weeks in advance.

Cost-Effective

• Affordable Visa Fee: When opposed to filing for a pre-approved visa, the visa-on-arrival charge is more affordable.
• No Additional Service Charges: With this option, there are no middlemen involved, unlike pre-applied visas, which could incur additional processing fees.

Ideal for Business Travelers

• Quick Business Trips: Without having to wait for a visa, Indian professionals and company owners can travel to the UAE for meetings, networking, and commercial prospects.
• Access to the UAE’s Thriving Economy: The UAE is a major international business hub. Indian professionals can explore new opportunities with ease. The visa application process is streamlined for them.

Convenient for Indian Families and Tourists

• Easy Family Visits: Family ties strengthen when Indian families with relatives in the UAE can visit more easily.
• Perfect for Short Vacations: With a 14-day visa, Indian visitors may take advantage of Dubai’s beaches, cultural sites, upscale shopping, and activities without having to plan.

Boosts UAE-India Relations

• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Strong cultural and economic ties exist between the UAE and India, and this strategy strengthens those ties.
• Encourages More Indian Travelers: Indian visitors, businesses, and investors are expected to increase in the UAE as travel becomes easier.

 Opportunity to Extend Stay

• Flexibility in Travel Plans: Travelers can extend their visa on arrival for 14 more days if needed. This gives them extra time for family visits, work, or exploration.

In Summary

Indian citizens can travel more easily, affordably, and efficiently thanks to the UAE’s visa-on-arrival policy. This program gives Indian travelers more options while strengthening relationships between the two countries, whether they are traveling for business, tourism, or family.

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