The UAE has made travel easier and more affordable for Indian passport holders residing in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Effective February 13, the expanded visa waiver program eliminates visa application hassles and reduces costs.
Easier and More Flexible Travel
This new regulation simplifies immigration procedures and provides greater travel flexibility. Travel agents anticipate this will significantly reduce visa expenses for Indian travelers.
Boost for Leisure Travel
Travel experts predict a boost in leisure travel due to the policy change. Seasonal travelers, such as Indians in Canada seeking warmer winter climates and Australians visiting Dubai during their summer months, stand to benefit significantly. Families can now enjoy substantial cost savings, avoiding visa fees previously required for stays up to two months. The new rule also eliminates the need for extensive pre-trip planning and visa approval wait times.
Benefits for Business Professionals
The expanded visa waiver program also benefits business travelers. Many Indian professionals working in the six newly added countries frequently visit the UAE for exhibitions and business collaborations. They can now travel seamlessly without visa-related concerns, leveraging Dubai’s strategic role as a global business hub. This allows professionals from Europe or the Americas meeting in Dubai to connect with Indian colleagues more easily.
Real-World Impact: Smooth Journeys for Travelers
For Indian nationals like Priya Sharma from Bangalore, this change brings much-needed relief. As a frequent traveler to Canada with stopovers in Dubai, Priya previously had to apply for a UAE visa in advance. Now, this part of her journey will be stress-free. The convenience of extended stays also appeals to Priya, who can now spend more time with relatives in Dubai before continuing her travels to Canada.
