UAE has made a significant change to the visa-on-arrival policy for Indians. This is a very important update that everyone holding an Indian passport should be aware of. This new rule can affect who qualifies for the popular entry facility. Since the guidelines updated by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security haven’t come into effect yet, learning about them will help you to plan your future travels efficiently by applying for a UAE visa in advance.
Big Change: UK Residence Visa Will No Longer Qualify
One of the significant updates is that Indian passport holders who only have a UK residence visa will no longer be eligible for a visa on arrival. They previously had the facility to enter the UAE on a 14-day visa on arrival. However, after the policy comes into effect, Indian passport holders will need to apply for a UAE visa before traveling to the country.
As an Indian passport holder, if you have any of the travel documents listed below, you can still enjoy the benefit of a 14-day conditional visa on arrival. Moreover, you will also be eligible to extend your stay for another 14 days under the existing rules:
- A valid US visit visa
- A US Green Card
- A valid EU visit visa
- A valid EU residence visa
A New 60-Day Visa-on-Arrival Could Be Introduced
There are also plans to introduce a 60-day conditional visa on arrival for eligible Indian passport holders. Although it is expected to follow the same eligibility requirements as the current 14-day visa on arrival, the date for its launch hasn’t been announced yet. Currently 60 days Dubai Visa details can be found here.
Planning a UAE Trip? Here’s What You Should Do
The UAE is not just a popular tourist destination but also a hub for several professionals and business travelers in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you are someone who is relying on a UK residence visa to get the benefit of a visa on arrival, it is worth checking your travel plans before booking your tickets. Depending on your eligibility, you may now need to:
- Apply for a UAE tourist visa before travelling.
- Obtain a visa through an approved airline or authorized visa service.
- Check whether you qualify under another UAE visa category.
This is a very crucial change and even if the dates haven’t been announced for its implementation, you must always confirm the latest visa rules before boarding. All Indian travelers should stay updated on this visa policy change and make the required documents available for their future travels in advance to have a hassle-free immigration process.
