‘Perfect timing’: UAE’s new visa-on-arrival rule for Indians to help meet winter travel demand – News

Travel agencies in the UAE have welcomed the decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to provide more Indian nationals with a visa on arrival in the country.

“We expect our business to increase by at least 15 to 17 percent with this move,” said Praveen Chawdhary of Saffron Travel and Tourism. “People who usually travel to the EU or the UK from India often prefer to transit through the UAE, either on their way to or on their way back. Now that they have the option of getting a visa on arrival, most travelers will choose to spend at least an extra day or two here and explore the UAE before continuing their journey.”

Under the rules announced on Thursday, Indian nationals holding tourist visas in the UK and EU countries will be able to get a visa on arrival. Previously, it was only available to those who had residence or tourist visas in the US, as well as those with residences in the UK and the EU.

Safeer Mahamood, managing director of Smart Travels, gave similar figures. “Based on our historical data, we expect demand for our services to increase by at least 10 to 15 percent, especially among transit passengers,” he said.

“And it also comes at a good time because between November and March is the peak travel season. There are several groups of people who will fly to Europe to visit their families. Now, these people will choose to transit through the UAE and stay here a day or two earlier

perfect timing

For Indian tourist Ibrahim Babu, the move comes at a “perfect time”. He and his wife plan to travel to Italy in April to attend their son’s convocation and this new rule means they will now be able to obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE.

“My sister lives in Dubai and she had asked me to transit through the UAE on her way back from Italy,” he said. “However, I didn’t want to take the extra hassle of getting the visitor visa, so I refused. Today, as soon as the news broke, he sent me a message. Since the visa in arrival, my wife and I are seriously considering spending a week in Dubai on the way back. It’s definitely a good move that has come at the perfect time for me.”