UAE Visa For Indians – Apply For Dubai Visa Online For Indians
UAE Visa For Indians. The UAE Visa for Indians has become one of the most searched travel topics in 2025 and for good reason. Every year, thousands of Indian citizens travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates for tourism, business, or family visits. The United Arab Emirates now offers easy online visa applications and visa-on-arrival options for eligible Indian travelers holding US, UK, or Schengen visas.
As someone who has been writing about finance and travel for over two years, in thisI’ll explain everything you need to know from how to apply for a UAE visa online, to visa on arrival in Dubai for Indians, transit visa options, official government websites, fees, and required documents.
Why UAE Is the Top Travel Destination for Indians
The UAE attracts millions of Indian tourists and job seekers every year. With its modern lifestyle, world-class shopping, beaches, and job opportunities, it’s no surprise that Indians rank among the top visitors to Dubai.
To make travel easier, the UAE government and airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Fly Dubai now offer online visa facilities and even visa-on-arrival options for eligible Indians.
Types of UAE Visas for Indian Citizens
The UAE offers different types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of your visit.
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Validity Before Entry | Extendable | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-Hour Transit Visa | 2 Days | 30 Days | No | $10 |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | 4 Days | 30 Days | No | $49 |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry – 30 Days) | 30 Days | 60 Days | Yes ($230) | $90 |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry – 30 Days) | 30 Days | 60 Days | Yes ($230) | $136 |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry – 60 Days) | 60 Days | 60 Days | Yes ($230) | $177 |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry – 60 Days) | 60 Days | 60 Days | Yes ($230) | $231 |
Note: All visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue (except 48/96-hour transit visas valid for 30 days).
UAE Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens
The UAE introduced a special visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens in January 2024, updated again in February 2025 to include more eligibility categories.
Eligibility Conditions
Indian passport holders can obtain a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival if they have any of the following valid for at least six months:
- A US Visa (Tourist/Business) or US Green Card
- A UK Visa or Residence Permit
- A Schengen Visa or Residence Permit issued by any EU member country
- A Residence Permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea
This 14-day visa can be extended for another 14 days by paying a small fee at immigration.
Visa on Arrival Fee: USD 63 (approx. AED 230)
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Valid US/UK/EU visa or residence permit
- Return ticket or proof of onward journey
- Hotel booking or stay details
- Sufficient funds to cover stay
Once you land at Dubai International Airport, go to the Visa on Arrival counter, show your documents, pay the fee, and get your visa stamped instantly.
How to Apply for UAE Visa Online (For Indian or elsewhere)
If you’re not eligible for visa-on-arrival, you can easily apply for a UAE visa online. The process is fast, simple, and completely digital.
- Visit the Official UAE Visa Portal
- Emirates.com – for Emirates flight passengers
- ICP Smart Services – https://icp.gov.ae
- GDRFA Dubai – https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- Choose Your Visa Type
Select 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day tourist visa depending on your travel plan. - Fill the Application Form
Enter your personal details, passport number, and travel information carefully. - Upload Documents
- Passport copy (valid for 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo
- Return flight ticket
- Hotel reservation or family address proof
- Pay Visa Fee
Use a debit/credit card to pay the visa processing fee online. - Receive Your E-Visa
Once approved, you’ll receive your e-visa via email. Print it or keep a soft copy on your phone.
Processing Time
- Normal: 3–5 working days
- Express: 24–48 hours (extra fee applies)
Transit Visa for Indian Citizens
If you are flying through UAE and want to explore the city during your layover, you can apply for a transit visa.
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-Hour Transit Visa | 2 Days | $10 | Must have onward flight within 48 hours |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | 4 Days | $49 | Must have onward flight within 96 hours |
Important Notes
- Must apply before arrival (through airline).
- Must show confirmed onward ticket.
- Cannot be extended.
- Only valid for travelers transiting through UAE airports.
Documents Required for UAE Visa (All Types)
Here’s a list of common documents required for all UAE visa applications:
- Color passport copy (6-month validity minimum)
- Recent color photo (white background)
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel booking or family residence proof
- Financial proof (optional, for long visas)
- Visa copy of US/UK/EU (for visa-on-arrival cases)
- Relationship proof (if visiting relatives)
UAE Visa for Indians with US Visa
If you already hold a valid US visa or Green Card, you’re among the lucky travelers who can get a visa on arrival in the UAE.
Key Points
- Validity: US visa must be valid for at least six months.
- Duration: Stay up to 14 days, extendable for another 14 days.
- Processing: Done directly at the airport.
- Fee: Around USD 63.
This benefit has made travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi very convenient for Indian professionals and students with US visas.
UAE Visa for Indians with Schengen or UK Visa
Indian passport holders with a valid UK or Schengen visa also qualify for visa on arrival in the UAE.
Eligibility Criteria
- The visa must be valid and not expired.
- Minimum validity: 6 months.
- Same 14-day stay rule applies, extendable for another 14 days.
This means if you’ve recently traveled to Europe or the UK, you can easily enter the UAE without applying in advance.
UAE Visit Visa Extension Rules
If you want to extend your tourist or visit visa while in the UAE, you can do so without leaving the country.
Extension Details
- Cost: AED 600–800 (approx. USD 160–220)
- Valid for: 30 days per extension
- Maximum: Two extensions allowed (total 60 additional days)
- Where to apply: GDRFA, ICP portal, or authorized visa center
Make sure to apply before your visa expires to avoid fines.
Overstay Fines in UAE
If you stay beyond your visa validity, you will be fined.
| Overstay Duration | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| First day | 200 |
| Each additional day | 50 |
| Service fee | 100 |
Always renew or exit before expiry to avoid penalties or future visa rejections.
30-day / 60-day / 90-day Visit Eligibility
You had asked about 30-, 60-, 90-day visit eligibility and free visas. Let me clarify:
30-day visit eligibility (Visa on arrival for some nationalities)
- Citizens of some countries are allowed to get a 30-day visa on arrival (with a possible 10-day grace period) without prior visa arrangement.
- Indian nationals are not in that list by default; their visa on arrival is only available under special criteria (with qualifying visas / permits).
90-day visit eligibility
- Some nationals from Europe / Americas / other countries are allowed to stay up to 90 days via visa on arrival.
- That doesn’t directly apply to Indian citizens unless special conditions exist.
Thus, while the UAE has 30-day and 90-day visa on arrival for various countries, Indians’ benefits are via the newer visa-on-arrival scheme, not the general “automatic 30 / 90 day” list.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection & Tips to Avoid Them
Here are some pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Passport validity too short – many rejections occur when passport has less than six months’ validity.
- Document mismatch or incomplete application – missing photos, wrong name spelling, no hotel booking, etc.
- Invalid or short validity of your qualifying visa / residence permit – it must be valid for at least six months.
- Criminal record or past immigration violations – overstay in UAE or elsewhere may cause rejection.
- Suspicious travel history or weak proof of financial capacity – officials may doubt that you will return.
- Using nonofficial or fake visa agents – always use legitimate channels.
- No printed confirmation or visa permit during check – immigration may ask for the permit copy.
If your visa is rejected, sometimes you can reapply with better documentation, or ask for the reason and resolve the issue.
Recent Expansions & Updates (2025)
As your blogger Nadeem, I stay up to date. Here are some important changes:
- As of 13 February 2025, the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include Indian nationals holding valid residence permits/visas or green cards from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore (in addition to existing US / UK / EU).
- The expansion allows more Indians to benefit from visa-on-arrival, without needing to prearrange visa.
- The official Emirates website states that from Jan 2024, eligible Indian nationals can apply for entry permit via “Manage your booking” option.
- UAE authorities strongly warn against fake online visa services and unauthorized agents. Always use official UAE / airline / government websites.
- Also note: the visa rules and eligibility criteria may change. Always verify the latest on official UAE portals before you travel.
Important Rules and Tips Before You Travel
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months from entry date.
- Handwritten passports are not accepted.
- Keep both soft and hard copies of your visa with you.
- Immigration may perform random eye screening at Dubai Airport.
- Carry AED cash for small service charges if needed.
- Check if your return flight and hotel booking dates match your visa period.
Contact Details of UAE Visa Centers
| City | Office | Working Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Emirates Visa Office, Terminal 3 | Mon–Fri (7am–7pm) |
| Abu Dhabi | Al Sawari Tower C, Corniche Road | Mon–Fri (8:30am–5pm) |
| Sharjah | Crystal Plaza, Buhaira Corniche | Mon–Sat (9am–7pm) |
| Ajman | Escape Tower | Mon–Sat (9am–8pm) |
| Al Ain | Sheikh Khalifa Street | Mon–Sat (8:30am–6pm) |
You can also email Emirates Visa queries at [email protected].
FAQs
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Ans: Yes, Indian citizens can get a 14-day visa on arrival if they have a valid US/UK/EU/Australia/Canada/Japan/Singapore visa or residence permit.
Can I apply for a UAE visa online?
Ans: Yes, you can apply via Emirates.com, ICP.gov.ae, or GDRFA.gov.ae before traveling.
How long does it take to get a UAE visa?
Ans: Normally 3–5 working days. Express options are available within 24–48 hours.
How can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Ans: Apply through GDRFA or ICP Smart Services portals. Each extension gives you 30 extra days.
What happens if I overstay my UAE visa?
Ans: Overstaying leads to fines (AED 50 per day) and possible travel bans. Always renew or exit before expiry.
Conclusion
UAE visa for Indians in 2025 is more flexible than ever. With online applications and visa-on-arrival options for those with US, UK, or Schengen visas, traveling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi has become easier and faster.
