The latest development in a diplomatic row over landing rights will now mean that Canadian nationals may have to pay up to $1,000 in visa fees to travel to the United Arab Emirates from next month
Tensions have increased between the UAE and Canada who denied expanded landing rights for UAE airlines flying to Canada which in turn triggered a UAE government decision to end access to a military base used by the Canadian military to support troops in Afghanistan.
The UAE embassy in Ottawa stated on its website that Canadians would be charged $250 for a 30 day single entry visa while a 6 month multiple entry visa would cost $1000, with a maximum stay of 14 days during each visit.
Canada was among more than 30 mostly Western countries whose citizens benefited from a UAE visa waiver, but a UAE official said in November that Canadians must obtain a visa in advance to travel from 2nd January to the Gulf state, which includes regional tourism hub Dubai and major oil exporter Abu Dhabi.
Dubai carrier Emirates has been lobbying the Canadian government to boost its 3 weekly direct 30 day single entry visa and more Canadian destinations with support from the UAE government but failed to gain greater access. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways also wants to increase its flights.
With 25,000 Canadians living in the UAE as well as 200 Canadian companies active in the UAE today, 6 flights per week does not service the economic needs of both countries or the potential for growth.
UAE’s efforts to gain more landing rights in Canada has been criticised by Air Canada which has accused Emirates of wanting to steal away connecting passengers that help make its routes profitable.