82 Nationalities Enjoy Visa-Free Travel to the UAE
Most countries across the globe allow foreigners to enter and stay for a specific time only with a valid visa. Until recently, the UAE also had the same rule in place. But it has been announced that citizens from 82 countries can enter the UAE without obtaining a visa beforehand. As in, they can receive the visa on arrival.
There are two possible visas available on arrival – a 30-day entry visa which can be extended for another 10 days, and a 90-day visa. Some of the countries that are eligible for this visa-free travel include Australia, Swiss Confederation, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, French Republic, UK, USA, Japan, Ukraine, Canada and New Zealand.
Please note that individuals from GCC countries can enter with their passports or Identity cards and do not need visa or a sponsor. For Indian citizens, visa-free travel is possible only when they fulfil the following criteria:
- Have a visit visa or permanent residency card issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, or any EU country.
- Have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival
With these in place, Indian citizens with an ordinary passport can enter the UAE with a 14-day entry visa upon arrival and can apply for 14-day extension.
Visitors who are not eligible for a visa-free entry or a visa upon arrival require entry permit issued by their sponsor before they enter the UAE, clarified the authorities. The issuance of this entry permit depends on the purpose of the visit to the country and is usually done by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE encourages visitors to check its official website for latest visa updates before embarking on the journey. Visa requirements and other visa related details can also be found on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s (ICP) official website. Airlines can also be contacted for the latest information.
Currently the ministry’s official website shows that while citizens of 82 countries can travel visa-free, 115 countries require a visa to enter the UAE.
Any query related to visa and immigration can be forwarded to the Al Nahda Center, Dubai. We are a one-stop destination for all government related services and we can assist you will your queries promptly.
