India has significantly expanded its visa-on-arrival facility for UAE citizens. This facility will no longer be limited to a few airports, but will now extend to many major cities. However, this facility comes with specific conditions and will not apply to some travelers.
If you are a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and wish to visit India, this news is for you. The Indian government has expanded the scope of the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) facility for UAE citizens. This facility is now available at nine major airports in the country, not just a select few. This initiative is designed to strengthen the friendship and ties between India and the UAE. This expansion means UAE citizens will now be able to visit India an unlimited number of times each year without hassle, making travel much easier and more convenient.
Visa-on-Arrival Facility Available at These 9 Airports
The Indian government has expanded this facility to airports in several major cities. Previously, this facility was available only at a few locations, but now UAE travelers will be able to use it at nine international airports in the country. New airports like Calicut and Ahmedabad have now been added to this list. Additionally, existing major airports like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Kochi will also continue to offer this facility. The launch of this facility at these nine major airports indicates the Indian government’s commitment to providing better service to the growing number of travelers arriving from the UAE. This initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to facilitating travel for foreign nationals, especially those from neighboring countries like the UAE.
Who can avail the benefit and what are the necessary conditions?
This Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) facility will not be available to all UAE passport holders; certain conditions apply. This facility will only be available to UAE citizens who have previously held an Indian e-Visa or regular visa. This means that if you are visiting India for the first time, you must first apply for an e-Visa or a regular visa. Only after your first visit can you avail of the Visa-on-Arrival benefit on subsequent visits.
This Visa-on-Arrival allows travelers to stay in India for up to 60 days. If a double-entry visa is obtained, they can enter the country twice during this period. This visa is valid for various purposes, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending conferences. However, it is important to note that once issued, this Visa-on-Arrival cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa, such as employment or study.
Rules for Pakistan
A special condition has been added to this simplified visa-on-arrival facility. This facility will not be available to UAE citizens who were born in Pakistan, or who reside there permanently, or whose parents or grandparents were born in Pakistan. Such travelers will need to follow the normal visa application process through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the UAE.
Special Advice for First-Time Travelers
Furthermore, first-time visitors to the UAE are advised to apply for an e-Visa or regular visa before using Visa-on-Arrival on future trips. This e-Visa or regular visa will serve as the initial entry document, after which the traveler can avail of Visa-on-Arrival for subsequent trips.
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