UAE Tourism Gets Boost After Free Transit Visa for 48 Hours

UAE recently announced that transit passengers will be exempted from all entry fees for first 48 hours. "This transit visa can be extended for up to 96 hours for a fee of only AED 50. Getting transit visa will be facilitated by a number of express counters at the passport-control hall across UAE airports," as per a cabinet announcement. 

UAE Ambassador to India, Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, said, "this has been done to encourage people from abroad to come to the UAE and experience the development and the tremendous changes that took place in UAE in the last 36 years. Relaxed rules for Indians carrying Green Cards or have a US visa or residency in Europe and UK have already been in force. They can come directly and get a visa upon arrival. The 48-hour visa fee waiver was created to further enhance tourism". 

According to some reports, it is said that Dubai is the 4th most visited city for Indians. ‘The Economic Times' wrote, "Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the top tourist destinations for Indians". This decision by the UAE will fetch many tourists in Dubai and Abu Dubai. 

Executive of Cox and Kings, Karan Anand said, "The move by the UAE to exempt transit passengers from all entry fees for the first 48 hours is significant. Many new attractions are opening up in these destinations, and as Dubai gears up for the Expo Dubai 2020, these measures will boost tourism inflows." 

Source: Emirates News Agency