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Travel to Dubai from India: A quick guide for Indian travellers on passports, visas, and SIM cards

Dubai is one of those popular international tourist destinations that lures a large number of visitors every year. This destination promises a blend of modern luxury and traditional charm, which rightfully justifies the tag of most sought-after destination. If you are also keen to plan a trip to this city, here is a quick guide to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Passport requirements Before booking your flight tickets to Dubai, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If your passport meets this requirement, you're ready to go ahead and embark on an exciting trip. Visa process Do note that Indian citizens planning a visit to Dubai will need a visa, and the process is relatively straightforward. Here are the common visa options: Tourist visa This is the most common type of visa for travellers, which can be obtained via hotel booking or a sponsor in the UAE. You can also apply for an e-visa through the official website or through authorised travel agencies. Visit Visa If you have friends or family in Dubai, they can sponsor your visit by obtaining a visa for you. This process involves submitting necessary documents and receiving approval from the UAE immigration authorities. Transit visa For those with a layover in Dubai, a transit visa may be sufficient. Airlines often assist with obtaining transit visas for eligible passengers. However, make sure that you initiate the visa application process well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications. Now, more about connectivity and how to stay connected with your loved ones when in Dubai. Prepaid SIM card Staying connected is crucial while travelling, and getting a local SIM card in Dubai is a convenient option. Here's a simple guide: Providers: Du and Etisalat are the major telecom providers in Dubai. Both offer prepaid SIM cards with various data and call packages. Documents: To purchase a SIM card, you'll need to provide a copy of your passport and visa. Some shops may also ask for your Emirates ID, which is not mandatory for tourists. Availability: SIM cards are readily available at the airport, shopping malls, and various outlets throughout the city. Having a local SIM card will not only ensure seamless connectivity, but will also help you to navigate the city easily, via maps, information that is readily available, and staying in touch with friends and family. A journey from India to Dubai will definitely involve careful attention to passport validity, visa requirements, and communication needs through a local SIM card. And if you adhere to the guidelines, you can focus on enjoying your trip, and indulge in cultural experiences that Dubai has to offer.

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Iran scraps visa requirements for 33 countries, including India

In a move aimed at boosting tourism and fostering international goodwill, the Iranian Cabinet, led by Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami, has unilaterally decided to waive visa requirements for visitors from India. This decision was announced recently which reflects Iran's commitment to attracting a diverse range of tourists from around the globe. Minister Zarghami emphasized the broader goal of this initiative during a press briefing following the cabinet meeting. He highlighted the positive impact such efforts can have in countering Iranophobia campaigns and creating a more welcoming environment for travelers.This gesture follows similar actions taken by countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, all of which recently waived visa requirements for Indian visitors. The newly implemented visa-waiver program extends to a total of 33 countries, showcasing Iran's dedication to expanding its tourism industry. Among the countries included in this program are Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,, Brazil, Mauritius, Seychelles, Japan, Bosnia, Tanzania, Vietnam, and many others. The addition of India, with its rapidly growing outbound tourism market, aligns with Iran's strategy to tap into diverse tourist demographics. Iran had previously introduced visa waiver programs for several countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria. This recent expansion shows Iran's commitment to facilitating travel and fostering cultural exchange on a global scale. Recent statistics highlight the success of Iran's efforts to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination. The number of foreign arrivals in the country surged to 4.4 million during the first eight months of the current Iranian year, marking a substantial 48.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. By unilaterally canceling visa requirements and expanding their visa-waiver program, Iran is positioning itself as a more accessible and inviting destination for international visitors. The move not only supports the tourism industry but also contributes to dispelling negative perceptions, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering economic growth through increased tourist arrivals.

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Maharashtra: Day safari at Kas Plateau resumes after 6-month hiatus

As per the latest development, the Kas darshan 'day' safari at Kas Plateau, which is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra's Satara district, have resumed bookings, after it was closed down in June. Referring to this, The Kas Plateau Executive Committee that is responsible for managing the plateau, expressed concerns about revenue loss due to the delayed resumption of the day safari. Nevertheless, the resumption of the safari will provide a boost to tourism in the region, and will also help provide employment opportunities for local youth. This day safari typically takes visitors around, which showcases the beauty of Kaas plateau and its surroundings. Maruti Chikne, a member of the Kas Plateau Executive Committee, highlighted that approximately 20 youths from nearby villages have gained employment through this initiative. Their roles include wildfire control, maintaining artificial water holes, and conducting night patrols, effectively curbing poaching activities. Datta Kirdat, the Deputy Head of the Kas Plateau Executive Committee, explained that the Kas Darshan safari covers nearly 50 km, which allows tourists to explore various attractions, like Kas Plateau, Sajjangad point, Mandapghal caves, Ghatai Devrai (sacred groves), Kumudini lake, Vajrai waterfall, Vanjulwadi, Andhari Sahyadri Nagar windmills, Venna river, Ekiw falls, and Navra-Navri hill at Attadi village. During the Kas Flower festival, which takes place between end-August to mid-October, most points on the day safari are closed for visitors. However, tourists can explore these natural sites during the rest of the year, according to Kirdat. The executive committee operating under the guidance of the Satara Forest Department was established by villages in the Kas plateau area to preserve the biodiversity of the Kas flower plateau. Kas Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, stands out for its breathtaking beauty and unique biodiversity. Renowned for its vibrant Kas Flower festival, the plateau features a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The resumption of the Kas Darshan safari not only offers tourists a chance to explore its diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, caves, and sacred groves, but also contributes to local youth employment and wildlife conservation efforts.

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Surat likely get daily Dubai flight from December 17

“The booking for this flight will start on December 14 and probably is the first flight to take in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he lands in Surat for inauguration of the new expanded terminal of Surat airport. The flight is likely to be daily or four days a week all goes well, Surat will also have a Hong Kong flight also,” sources said. A day after the civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s tweet on Surat airport, news has it that Air India Express will start a daily Dubai flight from Surat. According to sources, the flight will take off early in the morning from Surat to reach Dubai at around 9 am. The same flight will return at around 1 pm. But surprisingly, the airport authorities are unaware of any such development. “The booking for this flight will start on December 14 and probably is the first flight to take off in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi It was a long-pending demand of diamond traders and Surtis as well as Dubai gives connectivity for the whole world. Surtis frequent Dubai, US and Europe for trading and tourism purposes. With the flight for Dubai, they will be able to connect to the world easily. “At present, Surat has five days a week flight for Sharjah. If anyone wants to catch flight for the US or Europe from Dubai, they will need to travel for at least one hour from Sharjah to Dubai. Now, that headache will not be there,” sources added. Surat airport director Rupesh Kumar, however, said: “We are not aware of any flight for Dubai at present.”

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Airlines must facilitate passengers affected due to cancellations, delay per DGCA norms: MoS

Airlines are free to charge air fares as per their operation viabilities subject to compliance DGCA rules, MoS in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Dr V. K. Singh stated in a written reply to question in Lok Sabha. But they must also comply with DGCA guidelines in case of cancellations and delays, he said. DGCA, on its part, keeps a check on regulations compli by scheduled domestic airlines, he shared. According to the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Dr V. K. Singh, the airlines must facilitate the passengers affected due to cancellation and delay in flights in accordance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines. These guidelines, encapsulated in the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV, dictate the responsibilities of airlines in scenarios involving denied boarding, flight cancellations and delays. Singh emphasised the dynamic nature of airfares, elucidating that they are shaped by the principles of demand and supply, alongside several influencing factors. Factors such as seat occupancy, fuel prices, aircraft capacity, competition, seasonal variations, holidays, and events significantly impact airfare fluctuations. Notably, the government does not set or regulate airfares. Instead, Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, mandates that airlines, engaged in scheduled air services, establish tariffs considering various factors including operational costs and prevailing tariffs. Airlines are free to charge air fares as per their operation liabilities subject to compliance to above said rule, Singh stated in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. In case of cancellation, if the passenger is not informed earlier of the cancellation, the airlines shall either provide alternate flight or provide compensation in addition to the full refund of the air ticket. In addition, the airline has to provide meals and refreshments to the passengers who have already reported for their original flight at the airport while waiting for the alternate flight. Similarly, in cases of flight delays beyond the initially scheduled departure time, airlines must cater to passengers who have checked in on time. This includes provisions for meals, refreshments, hotel accommodations, alternate flights, or full refunds, depending on the duration of the delay. In order to check the compliance of laid down regulations by scheduled domestic airlines, DGCA carries out inspections at various airports in the country on a random basis. During inspection, if an airline is found in violation of the provisions of CAR, necessary penal action, including financial penalty, is imposed against the airline, shared Singh Singh also highlighted the seasonal nature of India's aviation market. Months like May, June, and mid-July witness high traffic, with international flows contributing to domestic travel. July to September constitutes a quieter period due to monsoons and religious reasons. Festive seasons, starting from October with Dussehra, rekindle travel demands until mid-January. This trend continues until the last week of April, after which demand softens until summer holidays drive a surge in demand again, he recalled.

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IndiGo to operate first flight out of Ayodhya from January 6

The first flight from Delhi will arrive in Ayodhya on December 30, 2023. Thereafter, direct commercial flights between Delhi and Ayodhya will commence from January 06, 2024, followed by tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya from January 11, 2024. We the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya scheduled for January 2024, the city is expected to witness a significant surge in travel activity. IndiGo has announced Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh as its 86th domestic and 118th overall destination in their 6E network as the airline is all set to commence operations from the holy city. IndiGo is also going to be the first airline to operate flights from the soon-to-be-opened Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya. The first flight from Delhi will arrive in Ayodhya on December 30, 2023. Thereafter, direct commercial flights between Delhi and Ayodhya will commence from January 06, 2024, followed by tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya from January 11, 2024. With the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya scheduled for January 2024, the city is expected to witness a significant surge in travel activity. These new flights will provide pilgrims direct access to Ayodhya from Delhi and Ahmedabad and further across the 6E network across India and overseas. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, "We are delighted to announce the launch of operations from IndiGo's 86th domestic destination, Ayodhya. The new flights connecting Delhi-Ayodhya and Ahmedabad-Ayodhya will bring Ayodhya on the country’s aviation map. Given Ayodhya’s historical and cultural significance, our new flights will provide ease of access to the city for pilgrims as well as other tourists. As India’s leading carrier.” Ayodhya holds tremendous historical and cultural importance in India. For centuries, it has been a cornerstone of religious devotion, as it is the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. The city boasts a plethora of ancient temples, ghats, and sacred sites that draw pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. Among these landmarks, the upcoming Ram Mandir holds a prominent place that is expected to attract worshippers from A day after the civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s tweet on Surat airport, news has it that Air India Express will start a daily Dubai flight from Surat. “The booking for this flight will start on December 14 and probably is the first flight to take off in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he lands in Surat for inauguration of the new expanded terminal of Surat airport. The flight is likely to be daily or four days a week. If all goes well, Surat will also have a Hong Kong flight also,” sources said. It was a long-pending demand of diamond traders and Surtis as well as Dubai gives connectivity for the whole world. Surtis frequent Dubai, US and Europe for trading and tourism purposes. With the flight for Dubai Surat airport director Rupesh Kumar, however, said: “We are not aware of any flight for Dubai at present.”

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