How Will the UAE’s Enhanced Visa-on-Arrival Facility for Indian Passport Holders from Countries Like Singapore, Japan, Canada and More Transform Global Travel?

Published on February 20, 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced an expansion of its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian passport holders. This update now includes Indian nationals who possess a valid residence permit or visa from six additional countries: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Prior to this change, the visa-on-arrival facility was only available to Indian citizens holding valid visas or residence permits from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states. With this expanded eligibility, a greater number of Indian travelers can now benefit from a simplified process for entering the UAE.

Simplifying Travel for Indian Nationals

Under the updated guidelines, Indian travelers holding a valid passport and residence permits or visas from one of the listed countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival when entering the UAE. To qualify, travelers must meet a few basic requirements, such as having a passport that remains valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE. This adjustment is anticipated to streamline the travel experience for Indian nationals, particularly those who have resided in one of the eligible countries.

Visa Options and Fees

Indian travelers now have access to three main visa options under the UAE’s visa-on-arrival program:

• A 4-day visa, available for a fee of AED 100.
• A 14-day extension, priced at AED 250.
• A 60-day visa, also available for AED 250.

This flexibility in visa options provides greater convenience for tourists, business travelers, and those looking for short-term stays in the UAE. These visa categories are designed to simplify travel for Indian nationals, fostering more fluid connections between India and the UAE, which is seen as a central global hub for business and tourism.

Additional UAE Visa Options for Indian Travelers

While the visa-on-arrival facility is a significant step forward, Indian passport holders also have access to other visa options, further expanding their opportunities for travel to the UAE:

• Single-entry tourist visas, valid for either 30 or 60 days.
• Multiple-entry tourist visas, available in both 30-day and 60-day durations.
• Long-term multiple-entry tourist visas, which are valid for five years.
• Transit visas, offering 48-hour and 96-hour options.

In addition to these, residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are still eligible for visa-free entry to the UAE. The expanded visa-on-arrival program, combined with these other visa categories, ensures that Indian travelers can choose the option that best suits their needs. This provides more flexibility for those visiting for tourism, business, or even residency purposes.

Impact on the Travel Industry

This updated visa policy is set to have a significant impact on the travel industry, both within India and internationally. With this expansion, the UAE is making itself an even more attractive destination for Indian nationals. This change is expected to ease travel for a large number of Indian citizens who may already have valid visas or residence permits from the newly included countries. It is also likely to encourage more Indian nationals to travel to the UAE for business, leisure, or short-term stays.

The streamlined visa process will likely lead to an increase in tourism from India, with travelers taking advantage of the more efficient entry process. This, in turn, is expected to have positive effects on the hospitality and service sectors in the UAE, as the increased influx of travelers will drive demand for accommodations, dining, and other travel-related services. Furthermore, the UAE’s position as a global travel hub will be further strengthened as a result of this expanded visa policy.

Indian businesses and professionals will also benefit from this policy change, as it will make business travel to the UAE more accessible. With many sectors in the UAE having strong connections with India, including trade, real estate, and technology, the expanded visa facility offers increased potential for collaborations and networking between the two countries.

The travel industry within India will also see an uptick in demand for flights to the UAE, with airlines likely to increase the number of flights in response to the growing number of travelers. Additionally, the increased ease of travel will make the UAE a more viable option for those looking to move to the region for employment or long-term residency. This could lead to new opportunities for the UAE to attract a wider variety of professionals and skilled workers from India.

Strengthening UAE’s Position as a Global Destination

With the changes in the visa-on-arrival policy, the UAE is positioning itself as an even more important and accessible global travel destination. As Indian nationals make up a significant portion of international travelers, the extension of this visa facility is expected to increase the number of tourists, business professionals, and long-term residents from India. This policy will also contribute to the UAE’s broader efforts to strengthen its tourism and business sectors.

The expanded visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals is likely to have wide-reaching effects on both the travel industry in India and the UAE. By making travel easier, the UAE will see an increase in tourism, business exchanges, and employment opportunities. This development is a step towards fostering stronger ties between India and the UAE, and will continue to influence the travel landscape for years to come.