UAE to allow stopover passengers to stayover

By Angel Chan

ABU DHABI 16 April 2018: With increasing numbers of transit passengers across UAE airports, the UAE Cabinet is looking into ways to enhance transit visa procedures and allow stopover passengers to enjoy a day out in the city.

The cabinet approved the formation of a working group to propose a new general policy for transit visas in the UAE to promote the tourism sector and enhance local economy, as well to grant transit passengers the opportunity to explore UAE’s world-renowned attractions, said Wam.

The local aviation industry is one of the most successful international models, having achieved world records and topped many international indicators in a relatively short period. Transit passengers in the UAE constituted 70 percent of the total passengers last year, and an enhanced entry-visa system would have a huge potential to benefit local tourism and economy.

The working group, led by Federal Authority for Identity and Nationality, will propose a general policy for transit visas. The policy will include visa fees and mechanisms to increase the number of visitors.