Citizens of more than 50 countries can get UAE visa on arrival

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The citizens of more than 50 countries can get a 30-day visa on arrival into the country, which can be extended for 10 days, or a 90-day visa on arrival. While, citizens of other countries are required to get an entry permit prior to arrival into the UAE and someone to sponsor it, the UAE Digital Government (DGov) stated.

It also explained that the citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit or to be sponsored by a national or resident in the UAE. They need to present their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry into the UAE.

The DGov also pointed out that through the “Visit Dubai” website citizens of more than 50 countries can visit Dubai with a visa on arrival for 30 days or 90 days. Anyone can check his/her eligibility for the UAE visa on arrival via https://www.visitdubai.com.

It further explained that the Indian citizens holding a normal passport and either a visit visa issued by the USA or a green card issued by the USA or a residence visa issued by the UK or a residence visa issued by the EU, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE. The visa can be extended for additional 14 days.

Generally, the passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE, the DGov said, noting that the lists of countries eligible for visa on arrival may vary from time to time, so it advised applicants to check with the UAE embassy in their country before travelling to the UAE.

The entry permit depends on the purpose of the visit. It could be for tourism, visit, transit or work. The sponsor for the visa could be a UAE citizen, an expatriate resident with valid residency permit in the UAE, a UAE-based airline, a UAE-based hotel or tour agent, a government entity, or companies in the private sector or free zones, according to the DGov.

It also explained that visitors and tourists should be aware that it is illegal to work in the UAE with or without pay while being on a visit or tourist visa. According to the UAE's labour and residency laws, a person cannot work if he/he has not been issued a work permit and an employment visa. Offenders may be liable to fines and deportation.