Introduction
Dubai, UAE: The United Arab Emirates is a captivating destination for travelers from around the world, with over 80 nationalities enjoying the privilege of visa-free entry. However, what many Indian citizens may not know is that even if they don’t hold a passport from one of these exempted countries, they can still qualify for a visa on arrival under specific conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE.
Who is Eligible for the 14-Day Visa on Arrival?
Indian passport holders with standard passports can avail a 14-day visa on arrival by meeting specific criteria. To qualify, you must possess one of the following:
- A visit visa issued by the United States.
- A green card issued by the United States.
- A residence visa issued by the United Kingdom.
- A residence visa issued by the European Union.
It’s crucial to note that the validity of the visa or green card must extend for at least six months from your arrival date in the UAE. Additionally, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your entry into the UAE.
Can I Apply for the Visa in Advance?
Indian citizens eligible for the visa on arrival have the convenient option to apply for it online in advance. This service is provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) through its online portal – smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Applying in advance allows you to bypass the queues at the airport since your on-arrival visa will already be issued.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the icp.gov.ae website and click on ‘Public Visa Services’ in the menu tab.
- Find the service titled ‘Issue Entry Permit For Holders Of Special Visas’ and click on the ‘start service’ button.
- Complete the application with the following details:
- Your full name.
- Preferred language.
- The department from which you want to issue the visa (this choice won’t affect your point
of entry). - Current nationality.
- Date of birth, place of birth, and gender.
- Passport issue place and country.
- Passport number and type.
- Passport issue and expiry date.
- Religion and marital status.
- Qualifications
- Email address.
- Enter your UAE address, which can be a hotel address or a residential address if you’re staying with friends or relatives.
- Provide your ‘special visa information,’ including details about your entry permit, visit visa, or green card.
- Select the visa type from the drop-down menu.
- Enter the residence permit/visa/green card issue and expiry dates.
- Click ‘next.’
- Upload copies of your passport and EU, US, UK visit visa, and residence permit.
How to Extend the Visa on Arrival?
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs allows for an extension of the initial 14-day visa on arrival for an additional 14 days.
If you wish to extend your visa in Dubai, you’ll need to apply for the extension through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD). In other emirates like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, the immigration authority responsible for extending the visa is ICP.
To extend the visa, you can visit a registered typing center or an Amer center, which handles tourist and residence visa processing on behalf of GDRFAD.
For the list of Amer Centers locations in Dubai, visit this link: [Amer Centers Locations](insert link). To find authorized typing offices in each emirate, visit this link: [Authorized Typing Offices](insert link).
Cost for Online Application
When applying online, there are several fees to consider:
- Fees for issuing the visa – Dh100.
- E-Services fee – Dh28.
- ICP fees – Dh22.
- Smart services fee – Dh100.
It’s essential to note that service fees may vary depending on the information provided in your application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indian travelers can conveniently obtain a 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE by meeting specific criteria and, if desired, applying in advance through the online portal. Additionally, the option to extend your stay for another 14 days ensures flexibility for your UAE visit. Make sure to check for any updates or changes in the visa requirements before planning your trip to the UAE.
Whether you’re heading to Dubai for a leisurely vacation or a business trip, this guide should help you navigate the visa process with ease, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to this vibrant Middle Eastern destination. Safe travels!
Please visit our website www.visaliv.com for more details, where you will find answers to all of your visa and immigration-related questions.
Thanks,
VisaLiv Team