UAE Visa on arrival for Indian travellers
If you’re an Indian planning a spontaneous trip to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s visa-on-arrival option makes it easier than ever. But it isn’t open to everyone, you must meet certain conditions linked to residency or visas from specific countries. Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for at least six months can get a 14-day single-entry visa on arrival, which can be extended once for another 14 days. The cost is USD 63 (around AED 253), and the process takes only a few minutes at UAE airports.
Eligibility rules for Indian passport holders
To qualify, Indian travellers must hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the approved countries, and it must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. You are eligible if you hold:
- A US Green Card or any valid US visa.
- A residence permit or valid visa issued by the United Kingdom, including e-visas.
- A residence permit or valid visa from any EU member state.
- A residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea.
This means that Indians residing or holding long-term visas from these countries can simply fly in and get stamped at immigration, with no prior application required.
What’s new in 2025
In February 2025, the UAE expanded this programme by adding six more countries: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, to the eligibility list. Before this update, the visa-on-arrival rule applied only to Indian travellers holding visas or residence permits from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union member states. The change now opens doors to a much larger group of Indian professionals and students living abroad who can visit the UAE without paperwork delays.
Validity, extension, and overstay rules
- Stay Duration: 14 days from the date of entry.
- Extension: Once only, for an extra 14 days (total 28 days). The extension costs about AED 250 (₹5,600) and must be done before your first 14 days expire.
- Overstay Fine: AED 200 for the first day, with higher penalties thereafter. There is no grace period — you must exit or extend on time.
Documents you’ll need
When you arrive at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport, head to the Marhaba visa-on-arrival counter before immigration. Have these ready:
- Indian passport (ordinary type, valid for at least six months).
- Valid visa or residence permit from one of the eligible countries — printed or in physical form.
- Return or onward ticket showing departure within 14 days.
- Proof of accommodation — hotel booking or host details.
- Proof of funds (bank statement, cash, or card).
- Travel insurance — not mandatory but recommended.
The process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on airport queues.
When Indians don’t qualify
If you’re an Indian passport holder without a valid visa or residency from any of the approved countries, you’ll need to apply for a UAE tourist or visit visa before you travel. These visas — usually for 30 or 60 days, can be obtained through UAE-based airlines like Emirates or Etihad, licensed travel agents, or via GDRFA or ICP online portals. Processing generally takes two to five working days.
For reference: Other nationalities eligible for Visa on Arrival
While Indians have conditional eligibility, many nationalities receive automatic entry benefits.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry (no fee, issued on arrival):
Andorra, Brunei, Hong Kong (China), Kazakhstan, Macau (China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Republic of Ireland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican City.
90-Day Multiple-Entry Visa (valid for six months):
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Guyana, Romania, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.
180-Day Visa (for Mexican nationals):
Holders of Mexican passports can obtain a multiple-entry 180-day visa valid for six months.
Why it matters for Indian travellers
Indians form the largest expat community in the UAE, yet most Indian passport holders still don’t qualify for a visa on arrival. However, those with valid residence permits or visas from countries like the US, UK, or EU can now make use of the UAE’s relaxed entry rules — a change that opens up easier travel for many professionals and frequent flyers.It’s a small but meaningful shift that makes travel easier for Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who frequently move between these regions. Quick business trips, family visits, or spontaneous weekends in Dubai are now simpler for those with international ties. And while the wider Indian community still awaits broader access, the expansion of eligibility marks a step in the right direction, one that reflects the UAE’s growing openness and its enduring connection with India.
