The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a significant change in the visa rules. It has expanded the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy for Indian citizens. This new policy will get effective from 13th February 2025.
Under this new policy, Indian travelers can now get visa on arrival in the UAE on the basis of valid visa, residence permit or green card of six more countries.
Now Indian citizens holding valid visas of Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada can enter the UAE as well.
Earlier, this facility was available only to visa holders of the United States (USA), European Union (EU) countries and United Kingdom (UK).
UAE is an important hub for Indians as it has world-class infrastructure and business environment. This new policy will further boost travel and business opportunities between India and UAE. Indian travellers must fulfil the following conditions to obtain Visa-on-Arrival in UAE.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Travelers must hold an Indian passport valid for at least 6 months.
- The traveller must hold a valid visa, residence permit or green card from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK or any EU country.
- The prescribed visa fee must be paid at the UAE Immigration checkpoint on arrival.
Visa Fees & Duration:
The UAE government has clarified the visa fee and its duration under this facility.
- 14-day visa: 100 Dirham (Dh) (approximately Rs 2,270)
- Extension fee for 14 days: 250 Dirhams (approximately Rs 5,670)
- 60-day visa: 250 dirhams (approximately Rs 5,670)
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), informed that this initiative is a part of a long-term strategic partnership between India and the UAE.
According to Khaili, this policy will make travel simple and more convenient for all the Indian citizens. It will provide new opportunities for tourism, residence and employment.
It will make the UAE more attractive as a global financial, tourism and economic center. It will provide more opportunities for business, investment and startups to Indian citizens as well.