UAE to allow two days stay for transit passengers through Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports

Transit passenger flying to other international destinations will enjoy a short stay over of two days at Dubai and Abu Dhabi without paying any visa fee. United Arab Emirates has decided to grant free transit visas for two days, which can also be extended for up to 96 hours by paying 50 Dirham (nearly Rs 930).

The implementation date has not been decided. Furthermore, a number of express counters at the passport-control hall across UAE airports will be set up for obtaining quick transit visa.\

India is already the number one international tourist source market for Dubai. According to Dubai Tourism department, around 1.8 crore Indians travel to the UAE every year mostly through Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports. Dubai is the preferred destination for Indians for leisure travel and jewellery shopping.

Emirates, flyDubai and Etihad are the major airlines for the people of India who visit UAE. Emirates is the biggest international airline of UAE, while Jet and Etihad together forms the biggest airline in terms of international travel to and from India.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi occupies around 75 per cent of international transit travellers. The decision to grant free 48-hour transit visas is expected to enhance the number further.

UAE has announced a number of changes in its Visa rules, besides the transit visa. New visa rules including a review of the current residency system to allow a two-year extension of the residency period for the dependents of their parents after finishing their university studies has been approved by the ministry.