Emirates starts visa on arrival for Indian travellers

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Emirates has teamed up with VFS Global to introduce a pioneering service that offers Indian nationals a pre-approved visa on arrival, aimed at simplifying the process of entering Dubai. This initiative, which began on February 1, 2024, targets eligible Indian passport holders who have confirmed Emirates bookings and hold a valid six-month visa for US, EU, or UK residency.

This collaborative effort between Emirates and the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) ensures a 14-day single-entry visa is arranged prior to arrival, enabling passengers to avoid the visa-on-arrival queues and facilitating a smoother entry into Dubai. Emirates communicated through X that this partnership with VFS Global is designed to expedite the entry process for travelers, allowing them to start their Dubai experience with minimal delay.

For those interested in taking advantage of this service, it is necessary to book flights either directly through Emirates’ website or via a preferred travel agency. Following this, customers can manage their booking online and navigate to the ‘apply for a UAE visa’ section, which directs them to the VFS Global Services website for comprehensive visa application details.

The service caters exclusively to Indian passport holders who possess a valid six-month visa or residency in the US, EU, or UK, emphasizing the discretionary power of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in visa issuance.

Dubai, a favored destination among Indian travelers, offers a plethora of attractions and lodging options catering to a wide array of tastes and budgets. It is also home to a significant Indian community, frequently welcoming visitors from India and beyond.

Statistics from Dubai Tourism reveal that the city attracted 2 million overnight Indian visitors between January and October 2023, underscoring its popularity. Emirates plays a crucial role in this dynamic, operating 167 weekly flights to nine cities in India, thereby connecting a vast network of travellers to Dubai and beyond.

The airline’s expansive network in India includes major cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting its importance in facilitating tourism and cultural exchange.

[Image Source: Business Today]

« Back to Page

• Explore how different airplanes shaping worldwide travel  

• Strong international and domestic travel demand raises ANA Holding profits

• Learn everything about new US Airlines rules regarding refund

• Emirates introduces new flights to London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne

• A small aircraft plane crashes into an Alaskan river