Photo for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Agency packages for travelers to travel and renew their visas simultaneously have begun to be offered as the holiday season gets underway. This initiative followed after the launch of the new visa policy, which requires visitors to leave the country before applying for renewal or extension. Travel agencies offer packages with countries that provide visas-on-arrival and e-visas to several nationalities. The nations are: Azerbaijan Armenia Kazakhstan South Asia Maldives Bhutan Nepal Thailand Georgia "The package price for Georgia and Azerbaijan start at Dh2,023, excluding visa renewal. If one wants to renew their visas, an extra charge of Dh600 is applicable," said Libin Varghese, director of sales at Rooh Travel and Tourism. Traveling to Armenia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, and Thailand without renewing the UAE visa could cost between Dh1,800 and Dh2,000. Varghese stated that the cost could rise to Dh3,000 with an extension of the UAE visa. He explained that not all nationalities are eligible for the packages and advised interested parties to check with the travel agency. The departures are scheduled for December 30, and the package includes airfare, lodging, sightseeing and excursion tours, activities, an inbound country visa, and more. According to experts, island nations like the Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius are in high demand for the New Year, but visa renewal may be more expensive. In addition, Varghese noted that lodging costs are on the expensive side. The option for UAE residents with visit visas to extend visas without leaving the country was eliminated on Tuesday (December 13), and the new regulations went into effect. BKM/ Expat Media
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