Dubai: Emirates announces pre-approved visa-on-arrival for some Indian travellers

Emirates has announced a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for some Indian passport holders. The option is available to eligible Indians who have booked their travel with the airline.

Issued as a 14-day single entry visa, the new initiative will enable Emirates customers to skip queues when arriving in Dubai. The application is fulfilled by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) — VFS Global’ s facility designated by Emirates Airline to process UAE visas.

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Eligibility, cost

Indian nationals with a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months can obtain visa-on-arrival in the UAE. The Indian passport holders must have a US visa or green card; or EU or UK residency that’s valid for at least six months.

Eligible travellers have been getting visa-on-arrival at UAE airports since 2017. The visa is typically stamped at the immigration counter once travellers disembark from their flights. With the new service, Emirates customers can pre-arrange the visa, simplifying their arrival formalities by letting them “breeze through customs”. The initiative costs $47, with a service fee of $18.50.

The issuance of visas remains at the “absolute discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs”, Emirates said.

How to apply

• UAE: No pre-entry visa needed for citizens travelling to UK