Citizens of certain countries doesn't include Indian citizens (doesn't matter if you have a Green Card).
Also, If you're getting the visa through them, you'll have to get their overpriced hotel. If you know someone in Dubai, ask them to apply for one for you (though this can be complicated if you aren't an immediate relative).
I don't know if changing your flight is an option for you if the difference in visa fees flying EK makes it worth it, but they have decent fares to India, and you can credit miles to UA (not to mention avoid IC).
Even if a TA can't help you if you aren't a customer, I'm sure they'd be able to tell you what you can do.
Originally Posted by
aniruddh77
Hang on. Citizens of certain countries can get a free visit visa for 30 days on arrival (
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/visa-arriva...ionalities.php).
Also, per
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/visa-transit-dubai.php,
You can obtain a 96 hour transit visa in one of the following ways:
- Pre-apply through the airline, travel agent, or UAE hotel that you are booked with. None of them are likely to arrange a transit visa for you unless you are a customer.
- Obtain one on arrival in Dubai at the Marhaba services counter in Terminal 1, or the Emirates Hotels and Visas for Dubai desk in Terminal 3. This is not guaranteed, as the granting of the visa is subject to Dubai immigration department approval. You will need to buy at least one night in a Dubai hotel from Marhaba or Emirates to be issued a transit visa.
Seems like your hotel night must be bought, but why don't you see if you can get it for a cheaper hotel than something as expensive as $250?