UAE eases entry and stay period for Indians with US, UK, EU visas

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced an expansion of the visa exemption for Indian nationals with EU, US and UK residency.

The exemption now includes those holding tourist visas for EU, US and UK countries, and the period of stay may be extended beyond the initial visa period, provided that the visa and passport validity is not less than six months and the prescribed fees are paid.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, the Director General of the ICP, stated that the decision to grant visas to citizens of the Republic of India, which includes holders of visas from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, aligns with the long-term strategic partnership between the UAE and the Republic of India. He further emphasised that this decision is driven by the desire of the leadership of both countries to enhance economic and trade relations, elevate the level of bilateral trade, attract capital, entrepreneurs, talents, and expertise, and to reinforce the UAE's position as a global hub for tourism and economic activity.

Furthermore, the ICP has announced an updated schedule of fees for services provided to nationals of the Republic of India. This is based on a decision previously made by the Cabinet.

The fees for issuing an entry visa with a validity period of 14 days for nationals of the Republic of India and their family members from ordinary passport holders holding a visa are as follows: The fees for issuing a visa for a residence or green card holders issued by the United States, European Union countries, or the United Kingdom were set at Dhs100, while the fees for extending that visa for another 14 days were set at Dhs250. The fees for issuing a 60-day visa were set at Dhs250.

Recently, the UAE Digital Government (DGOV) has detailed the four digital channels for applying for all types of entry or residence visas in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the DGOV, these channels include: Smart Channels for Residency and Citizenship (E-channels), the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA )- Dubai, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship's application on the Google Play Store or Apple Store and the “Dubai Now” application on the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

DGOV has invited foreigners who wish to visit the UAE to take advantage of these channels if they want to obtain a Golden Residency visa, a Green Residency visa, an Exploration Visa for Business Establishment Opportunities, a Virtual Work Residency Visa, a Work Permit, a Visit Visa, or a Tourism Visa.