Dubai has recently introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel from India. This visa, issued within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, permits the holder to stay in the country for 90 days. It can be extended once for a similar period, while the total stay should not exceed 180 days in one year.
This allows for a total of 900 days in the UAE within five years, though not consecutively. Additionally, the visa is issued within just 48 hours, adding to its convenience.
According to the latest data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai received 2.46 million overnight visitors from India between January and December 2023. This shows a significant increase from the 1.84 million tourists in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 1.97 million visitors in 2019. DET notes that this ‘significant’ initiative allows tourists to leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for both business engagements and leisure travel.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Shashank Agarwal, an Advocate at the Delhi High Court, clarifies that besides fulfilling other procedural requirements, there are two additional conditions for the visa:
- The traveler must demonstrate evidence of having maintained a balance of US$4000 or its equivalent over the last six months prior to the visa application.
- The duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days, with the possibility of extension up to 180 days.
According to a travel agent who preferred to remain anonymous, a key stipulation of this visa is that the individual must visit Dubai at least once every six months. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the cancellation of the visa.
Regarding the potential conditions attached to this visa grant, while specifics may vary, typical requirements could include:
- Compliance with Immigration Laws: Visa holders are expected to adhere to Dubai’s immigration laws and regulations during their stay.
- Study Obligations: The visa might be contingent upon enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Dubai. Students may need to furnish proof of enrollment or maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain the visa.
- Health Insurance: Visa holders may be obligated to maintain adequate health insurance coverage for their duration in Dubai.
- Employment Restrictions: Without explicit permission, visa holders are generally barred from engaging in employment or business activities in Dubai.
- Residency Duties: Visa holders might be required to fulfill certain residency duties, such as periodic reporting to immigration authorities or obtaining residence permits for prolonged stays.
- Exit and Re-entry Regulations: While allowing for multiple entries, the visa may impose restrictions on the maximum duration of each stay and outline requirements for exiting and re-entering the country.
Kumar expressed that for Indian students, this development holds considerable benefits, promising enhanced travel convenience, reduced administrative burdens, increased flexibility, and enriched academic experiences. “Furthermore, this initiative will also be advantageous for expatriates, particularly Indian nationals who frequently travel to the country for business purposes,” stated Agarwal.
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Earlier this month, Dubai’s Emirates Airline entered into an agreement with VFS Global to introduce a pre-approved visa-on-arrival service tailored for certain Indian passport holders flying with the airline. This exclusive service is designed specifically for Indian passport holders who possess a valid six-month visa for the US, a US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. Eligible travelers will receive a 14-day single entry visa, allowing them to bypass queues upon their arrival in Dubai.
To fulfill the eligibility criteria, Indian citizens must ensure they meet the following requirements:
- Possession of a passport with a validity of at least six months at the time of submission.
- Submission of a passport-size photograph.
- Provision of valid medical insurance for the UAE.
- Presentation of a bank statement from the last six months indicating a minimum balance of $4,000.
- Furnishing of a local UAE address, local landline number, and mobile number.
- Submission of a copy of the round trip flight ticket and proof of residence.
- Option to provide either an invitation letter from friends and family in the UAE or confirmation of hotel booking or a lease agreement.
Applicants have various channels through which they can apply, including digital platforms like the GDFRA website or AMER service centers.
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“The requirement for a sponsor/host within Dubai for such visas has been eliminated. The processing time ranges from 2 to 5 working days, although some portals like ICP mention a 48-hour turnaround. The fee structure comprises 100 AED (application fee), 500 AED (issuance fee), and 50 AED (electronic service),” explained Shiv Sapra, Partner at Kochhar & Co.
This visa offers significant advantages to companies sending their personnel to the UAE for meetings, conferences, events, individuals visiting family members regularly, and other frequent travelers to Dubai.
“With the new visa rule, it has become not only cost-effective for families visiting the UAE frequently but also offers flexibility in visa application, entry, and exit into the country. Previously, travelers had to bear hefty expenses for visa applications, especially for multiple visits, which was burdensome,” highlighted Alay Razvi, Partner at Accord Juris LLP, Hyderabad.
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