Yes, it’s true. Read on to learn more about the new visa-on-arrival rules for Indian travellers.
The UAE Cabinet just cleared a proposal that brings the glitz and glamour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi closer to Indian travelers. Indian passport holders with valid US visa or a green card will be eligible for visa-on-arrival over the next few days. This is similar to countries like Turkey and Taiwan, among others, who offer Indians a way around complex visa issues by having a valid US visa.
India is one of the biggest tourism markets for UAE with many expat workers employed across a variety of sectors. The visa-on-arrival effort seems to be part of a larger scheme of attracting Indian tourists. Just last month for example, Dubai opened a Bollywood theme park, the first of its kind. According to official figures, almost 16 lakh Indians visited UAE in 2016. Let’s also remember that His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of UAE and Deputy Commander of UAE’s Armed Forces was the chief guest at the Republic Day function this year.
To be sure, UAE had a 96-hour transit visa in place before this scheme was announced too. However, it was tied to airlines from the country and the visa fee of 200 dirhams seemed exorbitant for the four-day visa. The new visa-on-arrival scheme will allow visitors to stay in UAE for 14 days with an option for a one-time extension for the same period, making it a great way to see the glamour of Dubai and the glitz of Abu Dhabi in a single trip for a maximum of 28 days.
More details about the move are expected to trickle in over the next few days. Do come back to get an update on visa fees and other requirements, if any, to avail the visa-on-arrival scheme.
Update (April 26, 2017): According to Gulf News, the two-week visa-on-arrival scheme is set to be implemented from May 1 and will cost 100 dirhams (approx Rs 1750). For an extension of another two weeks, the fee is 250 dirhams (approx Rs 4460)
Cover image courtesy: Unsplash
Liked what you just read? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest news. Subscribe to my email list on the right to stay in touch.
