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• Visa and Immigration in UAE

UAE visit visas: 6 recent changes you need to know

From new fee to in-country extension being suspended, multiple processes have been revised.

Nasreen Abdulla

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Published: Fri 20 Jan 2023, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Sat 21 Jan 2023, 10:48 AM

The UAE has introduced several changes in its visa procedures as part of the sweeping reforms known as the Advanced Visa System, which came into effect in October 2022. Introduced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), it was one of the largest residency and entry permit reforms in the UAE.

Since then, several developments have happened in the visit visa system of the country. In the latest move today, the fees for issuing Emirates ID, visit, and residency visas in the UAE have been increased.

Khaleej Times puts together a list of 6 changes that have occurred in the visit visa system since the reforms came into effect.

No visit visa extensions from within the country: Visit visa holders do not have the option to extend their visas beyond its stipulated term from within the country. Those with a visiting visa but wanting to continue staying in the country must exit the UAE and then reenter on a new visit visa. “Visitors have the option of extending their visas for one month at a cost,” said Afi Ahmed, Managing Director, Smart Travels. “After that they must exit the country either through air or land and can re-enter.”

Increase in fee: The fees for issuing Emirates IDs and visas increased . The new costs apply to all services rendered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), as confirmed by a representative. As per the new rules, Emirates ID will now cost Dh370 instead of Dh270; and the fee to issue a one-month visit visa is Dh370 instead of Dh270.

5-year multiple entry visa: With the visa, tourists can enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days during each visit. Holders can extend the visas for 90 days in addition to the initial 90 days without leaving the country. According to authorities, the visa allows families outside the country to spend more time with their loved ones in the UAE. People applying for the multiple entry visa need to provide supporting documents including bank statement for the last six months with a balance of $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies, proof of UAE health insurance, copy of the flight ticket and proof of residence, like an invitation letter from friends and family in the UAE.

Overstay fine: Visitors who overstay their visit visa duration must pay their overstay fine and obtain an out pass or leave permit at an additional cost before exiting the country. “This is applicable to visitors who are exiting through Dubai,” said a spokesperson for Deira travels. “The out pass is not required by visitors you are leaving from other emirates.”

60 days visas resumed: The issuing of 60 days visit visas was resumed in the UAE after the reforms. Currently, 30-day visit visas and 60-day visit visas are being issued for those wanting to visit the country.

Entry permit to visit relatives or friends: As per the current amendment, a visitor can apply for this entry permit if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. It does not require them to go through a travel agency. “The friend or relative can sponsor the visitor by paying a refundable deposit of Dhs. 1000,” said Praveen Chowdhary from Saffron Travels and Tourism.

• Abu Dhabi Golden Visa now valid for 10 years for all categories
• Dubai tourist visa: Visitors must pay overstay fines, up to Dh300 for outpass to exit country
• UAE visit visa change: Travel agents offer same-day visa status change with airport-to-airport packages

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What are the latest UAE visa changes and who do they affect?

The emirates is implementing a long-term vision to invest in talent from around the globe.

Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of property developer Danube, was given a golden visa in 2019. At the time, he also welcomed the decision to allow mid-level managers earning Dh30,000 ($8,000) per month to apply for long-term visas. Antonie Robertson / The National

Visa reforms are transforming the workplace of the UAE and creating a gateway to attract top talent from around the world.

As the Emirates prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee next month, the march into the next 50 years is well under way with skilled workers acting as the engine room for continued development.

Authorities have rolled out key changes to its visa system in recent years , helping to shed previous views of the county as a short-term, sunshine destination for professionals on their career journey.

Now the UAE – to diversify its economy and build for the future – is helping people to put down roots in the country as well as creating a more agile model in which to do business.

Here, The National looks at the visa rules helping to keep the UAE on the path to prosperity.

Dubai's five-year plan

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, on Tuesday announced that Dubai had begun to issue multi-entry, five-year visas to employees of multinational companies based in the emirate.

Sheikh Hamdan said the policy was part of efforts to make Dubai the “best city to work and live in the world".

The visa aims to further simplify application procedures, provide ease of access to the city and extend the duration of stay of international visitors.

“The five-year multi-entry visa is especially beneficial to employees of foreign-owned firms as it enables them to participate in events, conferences, training courses, exhibitions and similar activities hosted in Dubai by these companies,” Dubai Media Office reported.

The new visa has been introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

It allows employees of multinational companies to visit and stay in the UAE for 90 days, with the option of extending this period for another 90 days.

It is just the latest in a series of key changes to visa protocols in the Emirates.

A golden vision for the future

Residents receive special visas at a special ceremony in Abu Dhabi in 2019 attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. Prof Afaf Kamal Eldin (second left), Prof Ghaleb Husseini (fourth from left) and Prof Hassan Arafat (second right) received golden visas. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The government took a significant step towards changing life in the UAE when introducing the golden visa .

The new long-term residency scheme was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in May, 2019.

The 10-year renewable visa – which is also given to the family of the recipient – is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives, scientists, frontline workers and outstanding students.

Wealthy investors, entrepreneurs and company owners are sought after. Officials hope they will set down roots, invest in property and make the country their long-term home.

But the wide range of 10 visa types may benefit many residents and people who are looking to make the country home.

There are several visa types that are aimed at these groups, including Golden Visas, which were first approved in late 2020. In the first year, 44,000 visas were issued in Dubai alone.

Thousands of people have already received the visa as part of a plan to retain expertise and encourage more skilled professionals to set up home in the country.

In early 2021, frontline doctors were urged to apply for golden visas in recognition of their significant contribution to health care in the country, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UAE also set out a scheme to provide 100,000 golden visas to the best computer programming talent, at home and abroad.

Green is go

The UAE announced the introduction of a ' green visa ' in September aimed at business owners, investors and entrepreneurs, which will will offer expanded benefits for sponsoring family members.

It is to cater for people who have their own businesses and are not working for, or sponsored by, an employer.

SME owners and high-performing students will also be eligible under the scheme, unveiled as part of the UAE's 50 projects and initiatives to boost long-term development.

To be eligible, an applicant requires a monthly salary of Dh15,000 along with a bachelor's degree in certain skilled fields, including science, law, education, culture or social sciences, among others.

Someone who currently holds a two or three-year trade licence for freelance work may find this option attractive, but the costs have not yet been set out.

A Green Visa holder can sponsor relatives for residency for five years. Previously, this was typically allowed for two years.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said the new visa was aimed at the "self-dependent" investor who needed to sponsor family members.

"He's not going to be attached to companies. He's going to sponsor his parents, sponsor his children up to 25 – instead of 18 years old, like nowadays," he told The National .

Plan allows teens to enter workplace

Dr Al Zeyoudi, when announcing the green visa, also set out plans to allow children over the age of 15 to work for the first time.

A temporary work permit would allow them to secure a part-time job and get a taste for the workplace, without interrupting their studies.

The decision could be hugely significant and bring about a culture of part-time and temporary work.

"Anyone who's living here, who's above 15 years old, can apply for a temporary job," Dr Al Zeyoudi said.

A remote revolution

British Mums staff meet at venues across Dubai to catch up in person every week. Pictured here at the Caya restaurant in Town Square are Jen Crowther, Catherine Broad, Natalie Waugh and Lauren Savill. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The rise of the pandemic may have made the world seem smaller for a time, as borders closed and air travel was grounded. Yet it led to the emergence of remote working and opened up the opportunity of carrying out your duties far away from the office – even in a different country from your employer.

In March, the UAE announced the introduction of a residence permit for remote workers.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the residency permit meant that "any employee anywhere in the world can reside in the UAE to practise work remotely even if the company is not present in the country".

The one-year visa allows people to enter the UAE from overseas under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.

Last October, Dubai announced a remote-working programme to allow professionals to live in the emirate while employed by companies overseas.

Retiring in the UAE?

Dubai Creek today is a popular tourist destination and could now be a place to retire. Reem Mohammed / The National

The UAE approved plans in 2018 for residents aged 55 or over to secure a five-year retirement visa, if they met certain requirements.

The UAE Cabinet announced further details of the criteria earlier this month.

Under the new conditions approved by the Cabinet, non-citizens with at least one property worth Dh1 million ($272,300), or a bank deposit of no less than Dh1m, or an active annual income of at least Dh180,000, are eligible to apply for the visa.

"Today, we also approved the conditions for granting residency to retired foreigners. Retirees can continue their stay with us in the UAE. We welcome everyone in our country," Sheikh Mohammed said.

This story was updated on April 20, 2022

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• Visit visas

Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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UAE changes entry rule for 90-day tourist visa holders

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The UAE has changed the entry rule for 90-day tourist visa holders, allowing them to enter the country more than once.

The new entry rule for holders of the regular 90-day tourist visa was announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

Previously, holders of the regular 90-day tourist visa were allowed to enter the UAE only once.

According to the ICP, the updated system will be enforced starting October 3, and will also include updates to other visas, including multiple entry visas.

ALSO READ: 4 multiple entry visas to UAE  

Changing the entry rule for 90-day normal visit visa to allow the holder to enter more than once will be applied to all types of visas within the new updated system, according to the ICP.

The ICP pointed out, however, that some visas will only allow entry to the UAE once, which includes visit visa.

Multi-entry UAE visit visa

The authority also issues a multi-entry visit visa for the purpose of tourism, valid for a period of 5 years, without the requirement of a guarantor or host within the country. The applicant needs provide proof of a six-month bank balance of $4,000.

ALSO READ: Dubai starts issuing 5-year multiple entry visas

The ICP clarified that the multiple-entry tourist visa allows holder to stay in the country for a continuous period not exceeding 90 days, and can be extended for a similar period, provided that the entire stay period does not exceed 180 days in a year.

The updated entry visas provide new and multiple options for those wishing to visit the UAE with flexible and extendable periods of up to one year, without the requirement of a guarantor or host, according to the ICP. ICA/Expat Media

ALSO READ: New UAE visa rules

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UAE announces visa rules: Expats must have Dh10,000 in monthly income to sponsor relatives

Uae government.

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3 categories of visas exempt from cancellation if they stay abroad for more than 180 days

Dubai: The UAE has announced new visa regulations and clarifications for expats in a new resolution.

Ali Mohammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, issued Resolution No. 74 of 2022, which covers the conditions and controls under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which came into effect on October 3, 2022. 

The new decision features all procedures related to the loss or damage of passports or identity cards for expats, inside or outside the country. Details of the resolution were first reported by Al Khaleej. 

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Lost passport/ID?

The decision allows expats to enter the UAE if they have lost their passport or identity card or both, and visit the competent department within three working days to complete procedures. The expats must first submit an entry request to the UAE through the smart services platform, reporting the loss.

The new decision also outlines the conditions for granting tourist visas, including that the sponsor or host should be a tourism-related institution, company, or registered body in the accredited facility card system and provide a tourism program. It also specifies the conditions for entry visas for truck drivers from land entry outlets or UAE embassies abroad, and for employees' entry visas on tourist ships and picnic boats.

Border ports

Foreigners may be granted an entry visa at adjacent border areas of land entry ports for a 90-day period. Visa holders can enter the country multiple times as long as the visa is valid, and stay every time for a period not exceeding 48 hours, provided that the holder has a valid residence visa in the adjacent border country, is a resident in it, and is not a worker. Domestic workers are excluded if accompanied by the employer or their family members, and visa holders are not allowed to work in the UAE with or without wages.

According to the decision, the Director General of Residence and Foreigners Affairs or their representative may issue an entry visa to expats who are required by relevant authorities in the UAE, based on an official request. In addition, the Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs is authorized to issue a "private entry permit" to individuals accompanying heads of state and ministers during their official visits to the UAE.

Entry Visas

The decision specifies that entry visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and permit the holder to stay in the country in accordance with the type of visa issued. All visit visas allow their holders to enter the UAE once or multiple times, as determined by the issuing entity. However, the visa holder is not allowed to stay in the country for more than 180 days.

Furthermore, the decision includes new regulations for issuing a visit visa to a friend or relative. These conditions apply in addition to previously announced requirements. To obtain the visa, the visitor coming to the UAE must be a friend or relative of an Emirati citizen, regardless of their degree of kinship. Alternatively, the visitor must be a first or second-degree relative of an expat residing in the UAE, in which case the resident expat must hold a job within the first or second level.

Humanitarian cases: 5 rules to sponsor relatives

The decision outlines the issuance of a residence permit that is valid for one renewable year, subject to the availability of a sponsor or host. The decision also lays out 5 conditions that must be met to issue a residence visa for expats from countries affected by wars, disasters, or unrest. These conditions include holding the nationality of a country classified as being in a state of war, disaster, or unrest, as determined by the chairman of the authority, being present in the UAE, having sufficient financial solvency, and having suitable accommodation.

The residence permit may also include family members of the applicant, whether they are inside or outside the country.

Who can be sponsored?

With regards to expat relatives, the decision specifies that those wishing to bring their relatives or their wives' relatives must meet certain requirements to obtain a residence permit. If the expat is related to an Emirati in the UAE, they must prove their kinship. If the foreigner is related to a UAE resident or their spouse, they must have the following degree of kinship: the foreigner's father, mother, or underage siblings, provided that they can financially sponsor them, or the wife's father and mother.

Additionally, the decision requires that a foreigner who wishes to bring their relatives or their wives' relatives must have adequate housing and monthly income. They are allowed to bring in up to 5 individuals if their monthly income is Dh10,000, and up to 6 individuals if their monthly income is Dh15,000. If the number of individuals exceeds 6, the chairman of the authority will determine the applicant's suitability.

Staying outside UAE

The decision outlines 3 categories of individuals exempt from having their residence visa cancelled if they stay outside of the country for more than 180 days. The residence permit will remain valid until its expiration for holders of golden visas and their families, green visas and their families, and individuals approved for exemption by the Director General of Residence and Foreigners Affairs for legitimate reasons and upon payment of the prescribed fee.

Furthermore, the decision specifies 6 categories of foreigners who are exempt from the passport validity requirement upon entering the UAE, as long as their passport is valid for at least one month. These include airplane crews, sailors, workers on board tourist and picnic ships, those with emergency entry, transit, and entry visas, and individuals entering adjacent areas.

The decision also identifies 5 categories of individuals permitted to stay in the UAE for up to 180 days after the cancellation or expiration of their residence permit. These include holders of golden and green visas and their families, foreign widows and divorced expats residing in the UAE, students continuing their studies after graduation, and spouses, parents, and children of Emiratis or foreign passport holders.

Only two categories of individuals are permitted to stay in the country for 90 days after visa cancellation or visa expiration: skilled professionals from the first, second, and third levels, and property owners. Holders of visas issued by sponsors or hosts are allowed to stay for 60 days, while all other categories are only permitted to stay for 30 days.

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Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to boost travel between India and the Gulf nation. "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.

UAE updates visa-on-arrival for 87 countries; is India included?

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its visa exemption policy, allowing citizens from 87 countries to enter without a pre-entry visa. However, nationals from 110 countries still need a visa before arriving in the UAE. GCC citizens can enter with just a passport or identity card. Those interested can find the list of exempt nationalities on the provided link.

Dubai cuts work permit and residency visa processing time from 30 days to 5

The UAE government's new "Work Bundle" platform slashes processing time for work permits and residency visas from 30 days to just five. Initially introduced in Dubai, it streamlines procedures by consolidating eight services into a single platform, reducing steps from 15 to five, documents required from 16 to five, and visits from seven to two.

No investment, tax-free: Perks of Dubai Startup Visa

Many young entrepreneurs look to startup visa programmes in Canada, Dubai, Ireland, and other countries in search of more favourable conditions. Aware of the potential to draw in foreign talent, these countries provide simplified procedures, low investment needs, and alluring benefits like funding, mentorship, and routes to citizenship or permanent residency. These locations stand out as hubs for budding innovators to realise their ambitious ideas as the global startup scene develops, according to Varun Singh, MD, XIPHIAS Immigration.

Dubai emerges as global hedge fund hotspot: A new financial powerhouse

Dubai is fast becoming a destination for global hedge funds, thanks to a strong talent pool and access to a growing asset base.

Dubai dusts off a two-year-old plan to lure wealthy retirees as expats begin to move out

Foreigners over the age of 55 will be eligible for a five-year renewable visa if they meet certain criteria, according to the Dubai Media Office. In its initial phase, the program will focus on residents working in the second-biggest sheikhdom in the United Arab Emirates.

Gulf Carriers, travel companies lure IPL fans with attractive deals

Sharjah-based Air Arabia has slashed prices toRs 20,499 for a round trip, which includes meals, luggage fees and even visa cost.

These Indian travellers can get visas on arrival in the UAE

The Emirates currently serves nine destinations in India with 167 weekly flights, connecting travellers to Dubai and onwards to a global network of more than 140 destinations. The airline's network in India includes Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Flight sent back from France: Statements of 66 from Gujarat recorded by CID

The flight operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines had landed at Vatry near Paris on December 21 after which French authorities intervened to probe a human trafficking angle. The flight, with 276 passengers, landed in Mumbai on December 26.

Nicaragua flight: 'Passengers from Gujarat agreed to pay Rs 60-80 lakh to agents to enter US illegally'

​​According to a senior state Crime Investigation Department (CID) - Crime and Railways official, those passengers included 66 from Gujarat, who have already reached their respective native places in the state. Superintendent of Police, CID- Crime and Railways, Sanjay Kharat, who is investigating the case, said these 66 Gujarat natives, including some minors, were mainly from Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Anand districts.

Fake sites, lengthy interviews, shifting offices: How fraudsters duped over 5,000 Dubai job seekers

Police have apprehended a gang involved in a widespread job racket that targeted jobseekers interested in Gulf countries. The gang carried out fraudulent job interviews, promising positions with reputed Dubai-based companies. After victims paid the demanded amount, the criminals would sever all communication, leaving them deceived and helpless.

VFS Global resumes UAE tourist visa services for Indian travellers

Travellers will be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service, which use the QR code System, as well as Rapid PCR Test report conducted at the departure airport 6 hours prior to departure, provided with a QR code system.

Emirates does away with COVID-19 jab certificate for UAE residents from India

Dubai visa holders must apply for a pre-entry approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. As Emirates airline updated its travel rules for UAE residents flying in from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda, COVID-19 vaccination certificate is no longer stated as a requirement for entry into Dubai.

Global travel shedding Covid baggage as several nations ease restrictions for Indians

Though India is yet to resume scheduled commercial international flight operations, eased restrictions for Indian travellers have brought hope of a better summer for travel companies and tour operators.

300 Indians stranded at Al Maktoum Airport near Dubai

About 300 Indian passengers, many of them from Hyderabad, were stranded for over 12 hours without food or water at the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) on Saturday after their flight to Dubai was diverted due to heavy rainfall. Terminal 1 at the Dubai International Airport (DBX) was, reportedly, flooded.

Ask The Travel Expert: What is the ideal time to go on a trip to Europe?

When in Europe, don't forget to visit Paris, London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

Dnata aims to be among top 5 travel agencies in India

Middle East's travel firm, Dnata, aims to be among the top five travel agencies in India, focuses on corporate travel, Dubai visa, holidays and Marhaba.

Visa fees rise on the back of rupee’s fall

Some countries, including US, have started raising their visa fees in recent days for this reason, and travel agents say other nations may follow suit.

Gulf carriers, Indian travel firms line up goodies to lure IPL fans

Gulf carriers, Indian travel companies are enticing customers with attractive offers to Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi for the upcoming IPL.