[xtypo_dropcap]T[/xtypo_dropcap]he United Arab Emirates has imposed stiff visa fees on Canadian travellers in the latest volley in a dispute over UAE airlines access to Canada.
Once a close ally of Canada that granted Canadian Forces rent-free use of a military base in its borders critical to Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, the UAE ejected the Canadian Forces from the country when Transport Canada refused to allow UAE airlines additional landing rights in Canada.
The UAE is Canada’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, according to the country’s ambassador to Canada, Mohamed Abdulla Al Ghafi. Trade between the two nations passed $1.5 billion, 95 percent of which were Canadian exports, Al Ghafi said in a press release.
The visa fees start at $250 for a 30-day non-renewable visa and cap at $1,000 for a six-month multiple entry visa.
