Dubai: Indians holding an ordinary passport and a US green card or residence visa from the UK or European Union countries must now apply online for a pre-approved visa-on-arrival to enter the UAE as visitors. This visa allows a 14-day stay, extendable for another 14 days once, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
Previously, eligible Indian travellers were granted a visa-on-arrival directly at UAE airports. Now, they must first apply online. The application process involves logging into the GDRFA website, registering details, fulfilling requirements and paying a fee of Dh253. The visa is typically processed within 48 hours and sent via email.
Requirements for the Visa:
1. A valid passport or travel document.
2. A permanent residence card (green card) issued by the USA or a residence visa from the UK or European Union countries.
3. A personal photo with a white background.
Terms and Conditions:
1. The traveller must not have restrictions preventing entry to the UAE.
2. The passport or travel document must be valid for at least six months.
3. The US green card or residence visa from the UK or EU must be valid for at least six months.
Emirates Airlines also offers a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for some Indian passport holders who book their travel with the airline. This service, fulfilled by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC), allows customers to bypass queues upon arrival in Dubai. Emirates clarified, “the issuance of visas remains at the absolute discretion of GDRFA.”