Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has unveiled a pre-approved visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders who have booked their travel with the airline, simplifying arrival procedures and offering a hassle-free experience for passengers.
Emirates has collaborated exclusively with VFS Global to introduce this innovative feature, promising to streamline entry processes for Indian travelers and provide a seamless experience upon arrival in Dubai.
This pre-approved visa on arrival, issued by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC), is tailored for Indian passport holders who have made flight bookings with Emirates. It offers a 14-day single entry visa, allowing travelers to bypass queues and enjoy a more efficient entry process into Dubai.
In a tweet, Emirates shared the news, stating, “We’ve partnered with VFS Global to introduce a pre-approved visa on arrival facility for Indian passport holders who have booked their travel with us. The new process will help customers skip queues when arriving in Dubai.”
The process is designed to be straightforward: Emirates customers can secure their flights through emirates.com or their preferred travel agent. Upon accessing their booking on emirates.com, customers can easily navigate to the ‘apply for a UAE visa’ link.
This link redirects them to the online UAE Visa application site powered by VFS Global Services. Here, the application requirements, terms, and conditions are outlined, ensuring a smooth and efficient visa application process.
The pre-approved visa-on-arrival service is available exclusively to Indian passport holders with a valid six-month visa for the US, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs retains discretion over visa issuance.
Dubai, known for its diverse attractions and accommodation options, has been a favorite destination for Indian travelers. The city boasts a vibrant Indian community and has seen a significant influx of visitors. According to Dubai Tourism statistics, between January and October 2023, the city welcomed a remarkable 2 million overnight visitors from India.
Emirates, a key player connecting travelers to Dubai and over 140 global destinations, currently serves nine destinations in India with 167 weekly flights. The airline’s Indian network includes Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. This latest initiative is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for Indian passengers flying with Emirates and further strengthen the airline’s ties with its Indian customer base.