July 17, 2018 TnH Global 1

UAE exempts visa fee for children of tourists under the age of 18

Exemption applies for those travelling to the country till September 15.

Children of tourists, under the age of 18 visiting UAE will be exempted from visa fee, during the summer season from July 15th to September 15th of each year UAE cabinet announced on Sunday. The new law came in support of family tourism and to reduce the cost on visitors in the holiday season. The Cabinet’s decision reflects the UAE’s position in the global tourism sector as a prime destination attracting visitors and families from all over the world.

The number of passengers traveling through the country’s airports reached 32.8 million passengers during the first quarter of this year. Visitors come to the UAE to enjoy hotels and tourism services, with a number of festivals and activities happening throughout the year. The decision of the Cabinet goes in line with the growth of the tourism sector in the country following the exemption of transit tourists from visa fees for the first 48 hours.

Commenting on the same, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa & Passport Services, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “At Thomas Cook India, we truly welcome the UAE Government’s announcement of a free visa for children under 18, if accompanied by parents. UAE is a leading holiday destination for the Indian family segment and this strategic move creates impactful impetus to demand during a traditional off-season period.”

He added, “UAE’s opportunity is significant and hence offers increased potential for repeat visits to the destination: both the convenience a short haul and a stopover holiday for long haul trips; additionally the diversity of its on-ground product- culture, architecture, theme parks, entertainment (Ferrari World, Bollywood parks, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros-Yas Island, La Perle, etc.) and of course shopping. Our consumer analytics at Thomas Cook India, reveals that value-seeker Indians are increasingly opting for off-season travel to capitalise on significant savings/offers and hence this visa free announcement is certainly a step in the right direction.”