Travelling to the UAE has become easier for Indian passport holders residing in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada following the recent expansion of the UAE’s visa waiver programme.
Effective February 13, the new rule will simplify travel by eliminating visa application hassles and reducing costs for Indian travellers residing in these six countries.
This move will make way for smoother immigration procedures, provide greater travel flexibility, and significantly reduce visa expenses, travel agents said.
Increase in leisure travel
One of the key impacts of this policy is its potential to boost leisure travel, according to travel experts.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, highlighted how seasonal travellers will benefit from this new rule. “Many Indians living in Canada prefer visiting the UAE in winter due to the harsh weather back home. Similarly, Australians travel to Dubai during their summer months for a change in climate,” he said.
He noted that because of this new rule, families will enjoy significant cost savings. “Previously, a family of four or five had to pay around Dh500 per person for a 30-day visa. Now, they can stay in the UAE for up to two months without incurring these expenses,” Subair added.
The new rule also brings greater travel flexibility. “They no longer need to wait for visa approvals or plan their trips extensively. They can travel whenever they want,” added Subair.
Benefits for business professionals
Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Travels, emphasised the benefits of the new rule for business travellers. He explained that many Indian professionals working in these six countries “frequently visit the UAE for exhibitions and business collaborations”.
“With this new rule, they can now travel seamlessly without visa-related concerns,” he said.
Libin also pointed out Dubai’s role as a strategic global business hub. “For professionals from Europe or the Americas, Dubai is often the ideal meeting destination. Now, Indian professionals based in these countries can simply pack their bags and fly without visa delays,” he added.
Smooth journey for travellers
For Indian nationals like Ruksar M from Bangalore, the change brings much-needed relief. A frequent traveller to Canada, she often stops in Dubai for a few days during her journey. Previously, she had to apply for a UAE visa in advance, adding to her travel preparations.
“My trips required a lot of planning, and I spent days sorting out my visa. Now, one part of my journey will be stress-free,” she said.
She also welcomed the convenience of extended stays. “I have many relatives in Dubai and usually spend time with them before heading to Canada for four months. Now, with a two-month visa option, I can extend my stay in the UAE without extra hassle,” she added.
