Emirates has become the first Middle Eastern airline to offer visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through its website.
The application, for its Asian customers, can be accessed by Emirates ticket holders from 35 countries, provided they follow regulations from the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).
A four-day visa will cost US$44, while a 30-day visa will cost US$57, there will also be separate service fees. Visas will be emailed within four working days. Passengers can track their application's status on the Emirates website.
"Advancements in aviation are often related to simplifications in the travel process. I'm delighted Emirates is advancing travel convenience by allowing its customers to apply, purchase and track their UAE visa online - another initiative in a series of self-service tools that offer more convenience, flexibility and control to passengers," said Richard Vaughan, Emirates' divisional senior vice-president, commercial operations worldwide.
Groups and families will gain most as the feature allows requests of up to nine people provided they are on the same booking. The application can be made by holders of Emirates tickets regardless of whether the booking was made through an airline sales office, online or through a travel agent.
The first phase of the programme will target 35 countries in East Asia, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. A second phase will target countries that do not have direct Emirates services, but which connect to nearby gateways of the airline.
Passengers can apply for visas at the time of booking or afterward provided the four-day limit is observed.
UK nationals do not need a visa to enter Dubai.
- originally published on ABTN's sister publication asia.businesstraveller.com