The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a popular tourist destination, well-known for its extravagance and resorts. Recently, traveling has become much easier as websites are popping up with visa services right online. Currently, there are 33 countries that have an agreement whereby visitors can receive their visas on their arrival to the UAE:

• Australia • Andorra • Austria • Brunei • Belgium • Canada • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Hong Kong • Iceland • Ireland • Italy • Japan • Liechtenstein • Luxembourg • Malaysia • Monaco • Netherlands • New Zealand • Norway • Portugal • San Marino • Singapore • South Korea • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • United Kingdom • United States of America • The Vatican

For the rest, the United Arab Emirates requires visitors to apply for their visa prior to arriving in the country. With corporate travel down by almost 50% last year and with the move to have more visitors schedule a layover visit, new inventive ways have been created to make the visa process easier.

Now, there are two online visa services available through the Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways:

-Emirates Airlines offer the online visa application for travelers both the 96-hour visa 30-day visa. After applying, visas will be sent electronically within four business days and passengers will be able to follow the application status online.

-Etihad Airways will offer online visas for 90 days, tourist visa for 30 days, entry permit for 14 days as well as transit visa for 96 hours. Like Emirates Airlines, you will be able to apply and submit all required documents online. Additionally, you will also be able to track your visa status online which usually takes five to seven business days.

These services are expected to increase travel to the United Arab Emirates as processing is now easier and more convenient. As these services become more widely used, the online visa services are anticipated to expand into other visa offerings as well.