Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in Dubai.

As from March 22, citizens of Malta together with citizens of another 12 EU member states, will be exempted from the need to acquire pre-entry visas to the UAE and visas will be free of charge.

The other 12 countries are Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

This follows the decision taken by the UAE Cabinet. As a result, citizens of all 28 EU countries will now be allowed to enter the UAE without having to previously apply for a visa.

Maltese citizens travelling to Dubai need to check that their respective passport has a minimum validity of three months at the time of travelling to Dubai and that the duration of their stay is of not more than 30 days.

Emirates Malta country manager Paul Fleri Soler said: “Emirates welcomes the relaxation of visa restrictions for Maltese citizens travelling to the UAE. This will facilitate ease of travel and add a much greater level of convenience for our passengers.

“While Emirates hometown, Dubai, remains a top business and leisure destination, Emirates is confident that this change in visa policy will further stimulate demand for travel to this incredible city.”