DUBAI, Feb 1: In a move aimed at enhancing the travel experience for Indian passport holders, Emirates, Dubai's premier airline, has introduced a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility. This new service, facilitated by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC), is exclusively available to Indian travelers who have booked their flights with the airline.

The 14-day single entry visa, issued by DVPC, allows Indian passengers to bypass queues upon arrival in Dubai, streamlining the entry process. This development is expected to significantly simplify arrival formalities for Indian visitors.

To qualify for this service, Indian passport holders must possess a valid six-month US visa, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. However, it's important to note that the issuance of visas remains subject to the absolute discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GSRFA), as communicated by Emirates.

VFS Global, the official document collection and processing agency for numerous countries worldwide, is responsible for delivering this service. DVPC, designated by the Emirates and Dubai governments, is the facility managed by VFS Global to process UAE visas through an online portal linked to Emirates’ official website.

India maintains its status as Dubai's primary source market for tourist arrivals, with Dubai Tourism reporting that the city welcomed 2 million overnight visitors from India between January and October 2023.

Emirates, which currently operates 167 weekly flights to nine destinations in India, plays a crucial role in connecting travelers to Dubai and onward to a global network of more than 140 destinations. The airline serves major Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Indian travelers can book their flights through emirates.com or their preferred travel agent. Upon retrieving their booking through ‘Manage an existing booking’ on emirates.com, customers can click the 'apply for a UAE visa' link. This will redirect them to the online UAE Visa application site powered by VFS Global Services, providing the necessary information, requirements, and terms and conditions for a seamless visa application process.