Individuals can now apply for UAE tourist visas using the free calling app Botim, which has partnered with the travel website musafir.com. The visa prices begin at Dh450.
“The Botim app now allows customers to apply for 30- and 60-day single and multi-entry visas. This will allow expatriates living in the UAE to bring their family and friends to the country for a short visit more easily and conveniently as other options are typically more costly and time-consuming,”
Abdallah Abu Shaikh, co-founder and CEO of Astra Tech, Botim’s parent company, told Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview.
Botim's evolution into an "ultra" app includes this effort to provide visa application services.
“The service can also be used by tourists in the country who wish to extend their visas. With musafir.com’s extensive experience in the UAE tourist visa processing, the visa applications process will be smooth, efficient, and hassle-free for customers,”
Abu Shaikh said.
Using Botim, visa applications usually take between 24 to 72 hours to process. However, an 'express' option is available for those who need their application completed within 24 hours.
“This service will also permit visitors to get free Internet calling, mobile top-ups, recharge services, and more,”
added Abu Shaikh.
How it works
The tourist visa service provided on Botim by musafir.com is a complete end-to-end service. It commences with the visa application form, which includes selecting the 'visa service', filling in personal information, submitting the application, and making the payment.
“Once done, users can track their application status on the Botim app and receive a copy of the approved tourist visa. The app also features a transaction history page, where users are able to view their applications submitted to date,”
said Abu Shaikh.
New features
In addition to the visa application service, Botim has added several new features to its app. These include the ability to transfer money internationally through a partnership with MoneyGram, and a Red Crescent donations tile that allows customers to donate to aid those impacted by the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey.
Premium Experiences
Abu Shaikh stressed that Botim is
“completely free for everyone in any corner of the world”, but users can choose to upgrade their experience “by taking a very economical paid membership called Botim VIP”.
Through this,
“users can get access to HD calling, an ad-free experience, better call quality optimization, a VIP profile badge, and beta access to upcoming features”.
“Users can choose to take monthly or yearly plans and even gift Botim VIP to their friends and family members to enjoy the ultimate experience. The VIP programme will soon be getting some … upgrades which will make it even more attractive for Botim users.”
When asked about the completion of the app's relaunch, the CEO of Astra Tech stated that these new services are only the initial steps in transforming Botim into an "ultra" app.
News Source: Khaleej Times
