NEW DELHI: More Indian nationals are now eligible for a visa on arrival (VoA) in the UAE, which continues to be the most popular international destination for Indian tourists. Indian citizens holding valid visas for the UK and EU countries are now included in this eligibility group. Previously, only individuals with tourist or residence visas for the US, along with residents of the UK and EU, could apply for the Visa on Arrival (VoA) in the UAE.
To be eligible, Indian passports must remain valid for a minimum of six months.
On Thursday, the Indian embassy in the UAE issued a statement about the Visa on Arrival (VoA) policy for Indian travelers. They announced that “Indian citizens and their family members holding ordinary passports will be granted a visa on arrival at all entry points in the UAE. This applies to individuals who meet the following criteria:”
- A valid visa, residence permit, or green card from the United States.
- A valid visa or residence permit from European Union countries and the United Kingdom.
- A passport that remains valid for no less than six months.”
Additionally, the embassy mentioned that eligible travelers can select between a 14-day VoA, which can be extended for another 14 days, or a 60-day VoA, which is non-extendable, by paying the necessary fees according to UAE regulations.
The UAE continues to be the leading international destination for Indian travelers. Major airlines like Emirates and Etihad operate flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which serve as key transit hubs connecting India to the rest of the world. By expanding the eligibility criteria for the VoA, the UAE aims to enhance travel opportunities for more Indians and promote transit travelers to consider stopovers there.
