Emirates has unveiled a new hassle-free service for Indian travelers who have booked flights with the Dubai-based airline.
In collaboration with VFS Global, Emirates announced on Thursday a convenient visa-on-arrival service exclusively for Indian passport holders traveling to Dubai.
The partnership aims to streamline the arrival process for Emirates customers, allowing them to bypass long queues and swiftly navigate customs upon arrival at their destination.
A spokesperson from VFS Global stated, “VFS Global is a leading provider of outsourced visa and consular services for governments and has proudly partnered with Emirates since 2002, offering UAE visa services to their passengers for over two decades. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service to our applicants, ensuring convenient and seamless experiences.”
India tops passenger traffic at Dubai Airports
In November, Arabian Business reported Dubai Airports’ robust growth in the first three quarters of the year, with average monthly traffic reaching 7.6 million passengers, matching pre-pandemic levels.
India emerged as the top destination in terms of passenger numbers, welcoming 8.9 million travelers during the initial nine months of the year. Saudi Arabia followed closely with 4.8 million passengers, while the UK secured the third position with 4.4 million passengers. Significant numbers of passengers also arrived from Pakistan, the US, and Russia.
In terms of city traffic, London, Riyadh, Mumbai, and Jeddah were among the top destinations.
Regarding the potential for increased Indian travelers following the new deal with Emirates, the spokesperson noted, “UAE has long been a high-demand destination for Indian travelers, and we anticipate continued growth in footfall from this key source market.”
New UAE visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers: All you need to know
Indian travelers who have booked flights with Emirates now have access to a new hassle-free service, as announced by the airline. Here’s how it works:
By navigating to the ‘Manage an existing booking’ section on the airline’s website, customers can find a link to apply for a UAE visa.
This link directs them to the online UAE Visa application site, powered by VFS Global Services, where they can review the necessary requirements and terms for the application process. Further details can be found on Emirates’ official website.
It’s worth noting that this exclusive visa-on-arrival service is specifically tailored for Indian passport holders who possess a valid six-month visa for the US, a US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency. However, visa issuance remains subject to the discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
Dubai stands as a popular destination for Indian travelers, offering a diverse array of attractions and accommodation options that cater to various preferences, ages, and budgets.
Moreover, the city boasts a vibrant Indian community that frequently hosts family and friends from India and across the globe.
According to Dubai Tourism statistics, between January and October 2023, Dubai welcomed over 2 million overnight visitors from India.
Emirates presently operates 167 weekly flights to nine destinations in India, providing seamless connections to Dubai and over 140 global destinations.
The airline’s network in India encompasses Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.