Individuals from eligible countries will receive the visa on arrival in the UAE, provided their passport is valid for at least six months and they fulfill the applicable visa fees as per UAE regulations. Shutterstock
A look at who is eligible under the expanded programme, procedures and charges involved
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals with effect from February 13 has extended the facility to Indian nationals residing in more countries.
The facility will be applicable to those with valid visas, residence permits or Green Cards from six new countries.
Which are the countries?
Accordingly, Indian citizens holding ordinary passports and valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, will be granted visas upon arrival at all UAE entry points. These are in addition to the previously eligible nations, namely the US, European Union, UK.
Who is eligible?
Individuals from eligible countries will receive the visa on arrival in the UAE, provided their passport is valid for at least six months and they fulfill the applicable visa fees as per UAE regulations.
What is the fee?
The entry visa fee for a 14-day stay is Dh100, with an option to extend for an additional 14 days at a cost of Dh250. Additionally, a 60-day visa is available for Dh250.
Why this initiative?
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), has emphasised that granting visa on arrival to Indian nationals holding visas from some countries aligns with the long-term strategic partnership between the UAE and India.
The initiative aims to facilitate smoother travel for Indian citizens, offering them and their families new opportunities to explore life, residency, and employment prospects in the UAE.
Additionally, it provides an opportunity to experience the country’s world-class tourism, economic landscape, and dynamic business environment, while also attracting top global talent and entrepreneurs—further solidifying the UAE’s status as a global financial, tourism, and economic hub, the ICP noted.
India has also signed visa exemption agreements with several countries for holders of diplomatic and official passports, including the UAE, where such passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days.
Source: Gulf News
