Abu Dhabi launches new visa on arrival process

A new visa counter has been launched at Abu Dhabi International Airport, speeding up the visa on arrival processes for passengers flying into the capital.

Located at the Terminal 3 transit area of the airport, the counter will facilitate the visa application process and grant both transit and arriving passenger visas to Abu Dhabi within 15 to 30 minutes.

It was launched by The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Airways and General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi.

The service also includes activation of the new 96-hour transit visa for all nationalities travelling through the airport. The AED 300-visa can be used by passengers with planned trips from AUH, or with intermediate flights through Abu Dhabi en route to their destination if their layover exceeds four hours. It is part of the emirate’s ongoing efforts to attract more visitors to the capital.

HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, director general of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi: said: “We are pleased to see the result of these joint efforts with our key partners. The visa counter at AUH will further enhance the tourist experience when visiting Abu Dhabi.

“In addition, the newly launched 96-hour transit visa will facilitate the passenger experience of over 15 million (as per 2016 numbers) travellers who transfer through our airport every year.  We can now process their requests for a transit visa in just 30 minutes.

“This initiative will enhance Abu Dhabi’s accessibility to more passengers from around the world and invite them to discover the Emirate, which has quickly become a destination of distinction for its rich cultural experiences and exciting family-friendly activities.

“The new transit visa scheme is aligned with our strategic plans to leverage every available opportunity to boost the tourism sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s economic diversification plans.”