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

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Emmad Khalil, Journalist

Citizens of more than 50 countries can get a 30-day visa on arrival, which can be extended for 10 days, or a 90-day visa on arrival. The UAE Digital Government (DGov) said that citizens of other countries must obtain an entry permit before arriving in the UAE and will need to be sponsored by someone.

It also explained that citizens of GCC countries do not require visas or permits, nor do they require sponsorship by UAE nationals or residents. They will need to show their GCC national passport or national identity card when entering the UAE.

DGov also noted that citizens of more than 50 countries can visit Dubai with a 30-day or 90-day visa-on-arrival through the “Visit Dubai” website. Anyone can check if he/she is eligible for UAE visa on arrival via https://www.visitdubai.com.

It further explained that Indian citizens holding ordinary passports with a visit visa issued by the US or a green card issued by the US or a residence visa issued by the UK or a residence visa issued by the European Union can obtain a visa for a stay of up to 14 days provided the visa or green card Valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the UAE. The visa can be extended for a further 14 days.

In general, passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE, the DGov said, noting that the list of countries eligible for visa-on-arrival may change from time to time, so it advises applicants to travel to the UAE with Embassies in their countries.

Entry clearance depends on the purpose of the visit. It can be used for tourism, visit, transit or work. The guarantor for the visa can be a UAE citizen, a foreign resident with a valid residence permit in the UAE, Emirates Airline, an Emirates hotel or travel agency, a government entity or a company in the private sector or a free zone, 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 on a visit or tourist visa. According to the labor and residence laws of the UAE, if a person does not have a work permit and a work visa, s/he cannot work. Offenders could be fined and deported.