THE UAE’S amended visa rules have allowed travellers from India, Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States, South Africa, and Brazil to obtain multiple-entry cruise or medical tourism visas since August 1.
The 200 dirham (US$54) cruise visas permit cruise passengers to sail out of the emirate’s Port Rashid and return on the same visa. Re-entry was not permissible previously.
Tariq Abdullah Al Hashimi, senior executive congress development, Dubai Convention Bureau, said: “The multiple-entry visa will allow conference delegates to go on post-tours to neighbouring countries and re-enter Dubai before departing. Incentive groups on cruises are very popular so land extensions will be added upon re-entry.”
Meanwhile, Dubai has announced that medical tourism visas will cost 550 dirhams for entry and 1,400 dirhams for a multiple-entry permit, with costs applicable to the patient’s companions.
Visa renewal is priced at 500 dirhams for the patient and 600 dirhams for companions.
Sunny Augustine, managing director of White Sands Tours & Travel Dubai, explained the appeal of Dubai as a medical tourism hub: “Since Dubai is a shorter flight than South-east Asia or India and has more leisure options, medical tourism is booming. The facilities are state-of-the-art too.”
Sanjay Kothari, managing director, Just Holidays Kolkata, said: “The multiple-entry visa frees up many logistical problems when designing and executing land-cruise itineraries involving the UAE. Besides the cost, it is the convenience that will encourage tourists to visit the region more. Medical tourism facilities on Sadiyat Island will attract medical tourists from Russia and Western Europe.”
