Visa-processing norms for Dubai become easier

If you are flying to Dubai, you need not have a sponsor for a visa. Now your travel agent, irrespective of which airline you use for the travel, will arrange your visa.

The Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) which till now arranged visas for Emirates Airlines has extended the facility to all other airlines.

"The agency has started accepting visa applications since last week," a source said.

Besides Emirates, leading operators in the India-Dubai sector include Air-India, Indian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air and Qatar Airways.

Of course, you have to pay a bit more. For a visiting visa for 59 days you fork out Rs 3100 for travel by other airlines, but for Emirates it is still Rs 2900.

However, for a 96-hours visa the facility will still be available only with Emirates.