Do Indian passport holders need a visa for the UAE?
Indian passport holders are eligible for a free visa on arrival when travelling to the UAE. This means you do not need to apply for a visa before leaving India, simply arrive at any UAE international airport or port of entry and a 30-day visa is issued on the spot, at no charge.
This benefit applies to all seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. The UAE is consistently among the top three destinations for Indian travellers, attracting millions of visitors every year for tourism, business, and shopping.
How to Apply
Since the UAE offers visa on arrival for Indian passport holders, there is no advance visa application required. Here is what to expect:
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Book your flights and accommodation freely: No visa approval needed before booking.
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Board your flight: Present your valid Indian passport and return ticket when checking in. Some airlines verify documents before boarding.
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Arrive at a UAE port of entry: This includes Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and major sea and land ports.
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Proceed to immigration: Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They will verify your documents and issue a 30-day visa stamp in your passport.
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Extend if needed: If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for a single 30-day extension through a UAE immigration office (GDRFA) or an authorised document processing centre (typing centre) before your visa expires.
Documents Required
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival)
- Return flight ticket (confirmed onward travel)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or letter from a UAE-based host)
- Sufficient funds for your stay (a credit card or equivalent of USD 100–200 per day is a general guideline)
- Passport-sized photographs (may occasionally be requested)
Costs & Fees
The UAE visa on arrival for Indian passport holders is entirely free. There are no government fees for the 30-day visa.
- Visa on arrival: Free
- 30-day extension: AED 600 (approx. ₹13,500)
- Overstay fine: AED 200 per day, avoid this by tracking your visa expiry date carefully
Tips
- Return ticket is non-negotiable: Both the airline check-in staff and UAE immigration may ask for it. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
- Show sufficient funds: If asked, AED 3,000–5,000 in cash or a credit card statement is typically sufficient.
- Dress appropriately at the airport: While Dubai is cosmopolitan, the UAE is a Muslim country. Modest dress at the airport and public places is respectful and expected.
- Transit passengers: If transiting through the UAE to a third country, a 96-hour transit visa on arrival is also available for Indian passport holders at no charge.
- Work activities: The visa on arrival covers tourism and some short-term business meetings. For employment or long-term business operations, a separate work or investor visa is required.
- Multiple entries: The standard visa on arrival is a single-entry visa. If you plan to exit and re-enter the UAE during the same trip (e.g., for a day trip to Oman), consult with the airline or UAE immigration in advance.