By admin 
New Delhi: Effective February 13, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has broadened its visa-on-arrival program to include Indian nationals holding valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six additional countries. The new countries are Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Previously, this option was available to Indian nationals with valid documents from the United States, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom.
To be eligible for the visa-on-arrival, Indian travelers must have an ordinary passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. They also need a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from one of the eligible countries. Upon meeting these requirements, travelers will need to pay the visa fee at the UAE immigration checkpoints.
Here is a breakdown of the visa fees for eligible Indian travelers:
14-day visa: Dh100 (approximately Rs 2,270)
14-day extension: Dh250 (approximately Rs 5,670)
60-day visa: Dh250 (approximately Rs 5,670)
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), stated that this initiative is in line with the strategic partnership between the UAE and India. The move intends to ease travel for Indian citizens and provide opportunities for tourism, residency, and employment in the UAE. It also aims to enhance the UAE’s position as a global financial, tourism, and economic hub by attracting international talent, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Gill Bikram Singh