UAE travel agents have welcomed the decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to provide more Indian nationals with visas upon arrival in the country .

“We expect our business to increase by at least 15 to 17 percent with this move,” said Praveen Chawdhary of Saffron Travel and Tourism. “People who usually travel to the EU or UK from India often prefer to transit through the UAE, either on the outbound or return journey. Now that they have the option of obtaining a visa upon arrival, most travelers will choose to spend at least one or two additional days here and explore the UAE before continuing their trip.

Under the rules announced on Thursday, Indian nationals holding tourist visas for the UK and EU countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival. Previously, this was only available to those holding a US residency or tourist visa, as well as those residing in the UK and EU.

Safeer Mahamood, managing director of Smart Travels, gives similar figures. “Based on our historical data, we expect demand for our services to increase by at least 10 to 15 percent, particularly among transit passengers,” he said.

“And it also comes at a good time, because between November and March is the peak tourist season. Several groups of people will fly to Europe to visit their families. Now these people will choose to transit through the UAE and stay there for a day or two before

Perfect moment

For Indian tourist Ibrahim Babu, this decision comes at a “perfect time”. He and his wife plan to travel to Italy in April to attend their son’s convocation and this new rule means they will now be able to obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE.

“My sister lives in Dubai and she asked me to transit through the UAE when I returned from Italy,” he said. “However, I didn’t want to have to worry more about getting the visit visa, so I declined. Today, as soon as the news broke, she sent me a message. Since this is a visa on arrival, my wife and I are seriously considering spending a week in Dubai on the way back. It’s definitely a good decision that comes at the perfect time for me.

Nasreen Abdallah

Nasreen Abdulla is a special correspondent who covers stories on food, technology and humanity. When she’s not facing deadlines, you’ll find her performing submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.