The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a significant policy change, now offering visa-on-arrival to all Indian nationals who possess ordinary passports. This new arrangement, which marks a shift in UAE’s visa policies, is designed to facilitate easier travel for Indians, making entry into the country more accessible and streamlined.
In addition to Indian nationals with ordinary passports, the UAE has also extended this policy to individuals who hold permanent residency or green cards, as well as those possessing valid visas issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, or any member nation of the European Union. This broad extension aims to enhance travel options for many Indians who have ties to these regions, further easing their ability to visit the UAE.
Under this policy, eligible travelers have two main options for their visa-on-arrival. They can choose a visa valid for 14 days, which can be extended for an additional 14 days, or they can opt for a 60-day visa that is non-extendable. In both cases, the visa is granted upon payment of the prescribed fees, which are determined based on the UAE’s current visa regulations. This flexibility provides visitors with the opportunity to stay in the country for either short-term or moderately long-term visits, depending on their travel needs. However, travelers must ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry, as stipulated by the Indian mission in the UAE, which confirmed the details of the new policy via social media on October 17.
Earlier in 2023, the Emirates airline had introduced a similar initiative aimed at streamlining the visa process for Indian passport holders. In February, the airline announced its partnership with VFS Global, a well-known visa outsourcing and technology services provider, to introduce a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for Indian travelers flying into Dubai. The initiative was designed to eliminate the need for long waits upon arrival, providing travelers with a quicker, more efficient entry process.
“We’ve partnered with VFS Global to introduce a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders who have booked their travel with us. The new process will help customers skip queues when arriving in Dubai,” Emirates had stated in a social media post at the time.
This collaboration between Emirates and VFS Global highlights the growing focus on simplifying travel for Indian citizens. By offering pre-approved visas, the airline aimed to provide Indian travelers with a hassle-free experience, ensuring they could bypass the traditionally lengthy visa queues upon arrival at Dubai’s airports.
Dubai, a popular destination for Indian tourists and business travelers, has made several efforts in recent years to attract more visitors from India. Also, in February of this year, Dubai launched a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian nationals. This new visa offering was specifically designed to promote stronger economic, tourism, and business ties between India and Dubai. The introduction of the multiple-entry visa is expected to further deepen the connections between the two regions, encouraging more frequent visits from Indian travelers, whether for business or leisure.
India has long been one of Dubai’s key tourism markets, and the city’s efforts to foster closer ties have clearly paid off. In 2023, Dubai saw a remarkable surge in Indian visitors, further cementing India’s status as a critical market for the UAE. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the city-state welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India in 2023. This figure represents a 25 percent increase compared to the pre-pandemic period, a clear indication of India’s growing importance to Dubai’s tourism industry.
Dubai’s success in attracting Indian visitors can be attributed to several factors, including the city’s world-class infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene, and reputation as a hub for business and investment. Furthermore, the city’s government has made a concerted effort to develop visa policies that make it easier for Indian nationals to travel to Dubai, either for short trips or extended stays. The introduction of the visa-on-arrival policy and the five-year multiple-entry visa are just two examples of the UAE’s proactive approach to fostering closer economic and cultural ties with India.
The introduction of visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals is expected to have a significant positive impact on travel between India and the UAE. With millions of Indians traveling to the UAE each year, the new visa policy is likely to further increase the number of visitors from India, benefiting both nations economically and culturally. For Indian travelers, the ease of access to the UAE will provide greater flexibility and convenience, whether they are visiting for business, tourism, or personal reasons.
This policy change is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for tourism and business. The UAE government has been working to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues, and tourism is a critical component of this strategy. By making it easier for Indian nationals to visit the UAE, the government hopes to attract more tourists, business professionals, and investors from India, all of whom can contribute to the country’s economic growth.
For Indians, this policy opens new doors for travel, allowing for spontaneous trips to the UAE, whether for leisure or business. The option to obtain a visa upon arrival eliminates the need for prior visa applications, which can sometimes be time-consuming or complicated, thus making the UAE an even more attractive destination for Indian travelers. Whether visiting for a short getaway or an extended business trip, Indian nationals can now enjoy greater ease and flexibility when planning their travels to the UAE.
The UAE’s decision to grant visa-on-arrival privileges to Indian nationals represents a significant development in the travel relationship between the two countries. With India already being the top source market for visitors to Dubai, this new policy is expected to strengthen that connection further, driving increased tourism, economic ties, and cultural exchange. As the UAE continues to diversify its economy and position itself as a global destination, policies like this one will play an important role in attracting visitors and fostering international cooperation.