News & TipsTravel to the UAE has just become quite convenient for the Indian traveler. The latest reports say that a new step to further augment bilateral relations between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now permits Indian passport holders to have a visit visa exemption for Indians at all entry points into the UAE. This new policy extends the benefit to more than just an Indian passport holder, that is, permanent residency in the United States, green card holders, and those holding valid visas from the United Kingdom or any of the nations forming the European Union.
Under the newly amended UAE visit visa exemption for Indians program, the traveler has two choices under a visa on arrival that may be exercised: a 14-day visa that can be extended for another 14 days, or a 60-day non-extendable visa. The fees will be as applicable under the UAE regulations.To benefit from the UAE visit visa exemption for Indians, travelers must ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry. as stated by the Indian mission in the UAE on October 17.
This comes after several other steps taken to ease travel restrictions for Indian nationals. The Emirates Airline and VFS Global had launched the pre-approved visa-on-arrival service for Indian passport holders way back in February 2023. It was a step to circumvent long queues at the immigration counter by streamlining the immigration process. Dubai had also announced a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indians during the same period with an aim to enhance commercial, tourism, and economic ties between India and the UAE.
This visit visa exemption for Indians reflects Dubai’s continued move toward deepening ties with one of its most valuable tourist markets. In 2023, Dubai received 2.46 million Indian tourists, which was up 25% compared with pre-pandemic numbers. This surge established India as the leading source market for tourism in the city, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism.
The expected visit visa exemption for Indians to the UAE is expected to increase significantly the number of visitors to the UAE from India, furthering the cultural and economic ties between the two countries. This would be a big stride in the efforts to develop closer connection and travel between India and the UAE, thus making it even more attractive to Indian tourists for the years ahead.
