When to apply for visa, validity, documents required: All your questions answered.
For some Indian nationals flying with Emirates Airline to Dubai, a pre-approved visa-on-arrival may be renewed once while in the country. VFS Global, the company handling the prearranged visa applications, that the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office in the Dubai Airport Free Zone is where the extension may be completed.
The document is processed by VFS Global's Dubai Visa Processing Center and is valid for 14 days for single entry for Indian passport holders who have a valid US visa, green card, or valid residency in the EU or the UK for at least six months. It costs $69 (Dh250) for the service. By paying Dh250, the visa can be extended for an additional 14 days.
The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Skip queues
Since 2017, eligible travelers have been able to obtain a visa at UAE airports upon arrival. This prearranged visa is new because it will enable holders to arrive in Dubai without having to wait in line.
"VFS clarified that by using the pre-approved UAE visa solution, travelers can skip the Marhaba counter or bank to pay the visa-on-arrival fee and obtain their receipt before proceeding to immigration,"
the company said.
When must travellers apply?
“No more than 60 days and no less than two days prior to their date of arrival in Dubai,”
is when travelers can apply for the pre-approved UAE visa. The timeframes for processing visa applications are "in line with the policies established by Emirates."
"VFS Global is solely in charge of the administrative and non-judgmental duties involved in the application process."
How to apply?
Indian nationals who qualify must first schedule an Emirates flight. After then, customers can access their reservation by using the airline's digital tools to "Manage an existing booking."
"They will be taken to the VFS Global Services-powered online visa application site for the UAE, which outlines the prerequisites, terms, and conditions to streamline the visa application process,"
stated Emirates.
They have to turn in the following paperwork:
- Verified return/onward Emirates ticket
- An Indian passport that is good for at least half a year
- A valid green card, valid UK residency, or a valid US visa with a least six-month validity
News Source: Khaleej Times
