In a bid to attract more visitors, especially families, to the country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has changed their visa policy.
Under the new rules, kids under 18 years of age, can avail two months free when applying for their tourist visa with their parents or guardians. The two months relaxation in visa fees will be valid from 15 July to 15 September every year.
The decision to exempt under 18 dependents from the visa fee came following the UAE Cabinet’s decision on Sunday to promote family tourism.
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In its bid to be considered as the leading tourist destination of the world, UAE has been working to attract more foreigners in the country. During the last few months, the authorities have also waived off the entry fee for transit passengers in the first 48 hours, with an option to extend this duration to 96 hours for just AED 50.
More Tourists
The first quarter of 2018 has seen 32.8 million passengers travel through the airports in UAE. With more tourist-friendly policies being introduced, the numbers are likely to skyrocket more than ever.
The no-visa-fee policy for dependents is valid for tourists from all over the world and is already in effect. You don’t have to pay for the visa fee of your children anymore if you are planning to travel to UAE in the holiday season from mid-July to mid-September.
Image via Emirates 24/7
This is a bid to attract tourists when weather of Dubai and Abu Dhabi is 52 C, most of the attractions are empty and hotels are dirt cheap due to low demand. Not to mention this comes in July when school holidays are almost over in Pakistan and India.
Furthermore this is just a decision, its not a law yet. At the time of writing this response, child visa fee is still being charged through all travel agencies/ airlines.
Visa fee is not a hefty amount for Children. You must provide Free Emirates tickers for Children only :p
Aur bachoun ko travel bhi free UAE main ;)
I believe its just they are saving their economic situation in front of the world.