The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded the visa on arrival program for Indian citizens. Now it also includes Indians holding valid visas, residence permits and green cards of six more countries.
It has been implemented from this month. From February 13, 2025, Indian passport holders with valid documents of Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada will also be eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE. Visa on arrival is a facility in which passengers can enter a country even if they do not have a visa. This facility makes foreign travel easier.
According to ET report, this move of UAE will increase residence and employment opportunities for Indians in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It will also prove helpful in strengthening UAE as a global hub. Earlier this policy in UAE was applicable only to Indian citizens holding valid documents of US, EU member countries and UK. Now UAE has expanded this program to include six countries – Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. This will make it easier for Indians living or working in these countries to travel to UAE.
What will be the visa eligibility?
To be eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE, travellers must hold an ordinary passport with a validity of at least six months. They must pay the applicable visa fee as per UAE rules. The visa fee for a 14-day stay in the UAE is 100 dirhams. This can be extended for an additional 14 days at a cost of 250 dirhams. Apart from this, a 60-day visa can also be obtained for 250 dirhams.
The initiative aims to make it easier for Indians to come to the UAE. It will also help the UAE’s tourism and economy. ICP, the body responsible for UAE citizenship, customs and port security, said it will attract top global talent and entrepreneurs. The decision is expected to encourage skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to seek opportunities in the UAE.
India has also signed visa exemption agreements for diplomatic and official passport holders with several countries, including the UAE. This exempts such passport holders from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days. This is for government officials and diplomats who travel on official work.
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