UAE announces visa exemptions for EU citisens

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday that citizens of 13 European Union member states, who hold ordinary passports, will be exempted from the need to acquire pre-entry visas to the UAE with effect from March 15, 2014, in implementation of the decision taken by the UAE Cabinet in this regard.The UAE official news agency, WAM, which reported this exemption listed the countries concerned as Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria.This means, in effect, that citizens of all 28 countries in the EU will be allowed to enter the UAE without having to previously apply for a visa. The Ministry statement added that all necessary measures have been taken by the Ministry of the Interior to implement the decision at all UAE points of entry.The ministry said the exemptions will enhance political relations between the UAE and the European Union, and also help develop economic ties and bilateral trade and encourage mutual investment.On February 27, 2014, The European Parliament has voted to allow visa-free travel for UAE citizens to Europe. Emiratis will no longer require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in the Schengen area, whether for business, tourist, or family visit purposes.