The United Arab Emirates has extended its visa-on-arrival programme to citizens of six countries and their family members. In a significant move for travel to the UAE, nationals of six countries will now be able to obtain visas on arrival upon entry.
Eligible travellers can obtain a visa on arrival for 14 days or 60 days, as long as they hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the brotherly Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, or a member state of the European Union.
Which Countries Are Eligible for a Visa on Arrival?
The countries eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE include Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and the Republic of South Africa. The rule applies to all travellers holding ordinary passports, along with their accompanying family members. Earlier, only Indian nationals could avail this type of visa.
The expansion of the visa-on-arrival programme reflects the UAE’s move towards more flexible travel and a more convenient residency framework. This will allow passengers to enjoy a smoother travel experience. The move also builds on the UAE’s bilateral relations with countries, allowing for closer ties.
Mainly, travellers from multiple countries can now enjoy holidays in and visits to the UAE much more easily. Notably, the scheme requires applicants and their accompanying family members to be nationals of one of the countries.
The 14-day visa can be extended once while the holder is in the UAE, while the 60-day visa is usually issued for a single stay and cannot be extended. Once the visa expires, travellers must leave the UAE. Those staying back beyond the designated period will have to pay an overstay fine of AED 50 per day.
The issuance fee for the 14-day visa is AED 100, and for the 60-day visa it is AED 250.
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