15/02/2025
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15/02/2025
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DUBAI, Feb 15: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has further expanded its visa waiver programme for Indian nationals and their families who hold regular passports. This new regulation, which comes into effect on February 13, 2024, allows Indian passport holders to enter the UAE without requiring a prior visa, provided they possess valid visas, residency permits, or green cards from an extended list of countries.
Expansion of Eligible Countries
Previously, Indian nationals could avail of this benefit if they held valid visas, residency permits, or green cards from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union (EU) nations. Under the revised policy, the UAE government has included six additional countries in this list:
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
This change was officially announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), which oversees immigration and border control in the UAE.
Visa-On-Arrival Process
Indian nationals meeting the eligibility criteria can now obtain a visa-on-arrival at all approved UAE entry points. However, they must ensure that:
- Their passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival.
- They pay the applicable visa fees as per UAE regulations.
This new measure is expected to facilitate smoother entry for Indian travelers and reduce bureaucratic delays, thereby making travel to the UAE more convenient.
Visa Fees and Validity
The ICP has also provided details regarding the cost and duration of the visas available under this programme:
- 14-Day Entry Visa: Dh100 (for Indian nationals and their family members who meet the eligibility criteria).
- 14-Day Extension: Dh250 (if visitors wish to extend their stay beyond the initial period).
- 60-Day Visa: Dh250 (for those who require a longer duration of stay in the UAE).
These fees make short-term and long-term visits affordable, whether for tourism, business, or family visits.
Strengthening UAE-India Relations
The expansion of the visa waiver programme reflects the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties between the UAE and India. By simplifying travel procedures, this initiative provides greater opportunities for Indian nationals and their families to explore the UAE for business, employment, tourism, or long-term residency.
Additionally, this move aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to position itself as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment. With a robust economic infrastructure and a thriving business ecosystem, the country aims to attract talented professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs from India, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Experts believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to enhancing the UAE’s appeal as a preferred destination for travel and investment, solidifying its status as a key player in the global economy.
