Dubai has rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel between India and the Gulf nation, news agency PTI reported, citing the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Last year, 2.46 million Indians visited Dubai, a 25 per cent rise from the pre-Covid-19 pandemic era. This figure has made India the number one source market with an exceptional 34 per cent year-on-year growth, according to the latest DET data on February 22.

In the year-ago period, the city hosted 1.84 million tourists from India, while in 2019, it welcomed 1.97 million visitors, it added.

Eligible Indian nationals can now enjoy the convenience of multiple entries into Dubai for five years, with each stay allowed up to 90 days. This visa can be extended once for a similar period, ensuring that the total stay does not exceed 180 days within a year.

The visa-issuance process is notably efficient, with applications being processed within two to five working days upon receiving and accepting the service request.

To qualify for the visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including possessing a bank balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months and having valid health insurance coverage applicable in the UAE.

Through this initiative, tourists can leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless connectivity, DET said, PTI reported.

"Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to further bolster travel between India and Dubai, to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties," the DET said.

"As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai's position as a hub for business, investment and tourism," said Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said.

"Our inbound visitation from India in 2023 was outstanding, contributing to a record-breaking performance by our tourism sector," he added.

Habib said the move will not only allow Indian tourists to visit Dubai but also provide a platform for enhanced economic collaboration.

"With exceptional flight connectivity and our ongoing commitment to the Indian market, we are confident that our upcoming initiatives will further amplify awareness about Dubai's diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, continuing to make it the top travel choice for Indian tourists," he said.

Source: India Today