Visa on Arrival for Indians in UAE: Everything You Need to Know

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Indian passport holders with tourist visas or residence permits from the European Union (EU), the United States (US), or the United Kingdom (UK) can now enjoy the convenience of visa-on-arrival access in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Since 2017, Indian citizens holding valid US visas, Green Cards, or residency permits from the EU or UK have been eligible for this facility. In 2024, the UAE expanded the scheme to include Indian nationals holding valid tourist visas for the EU, US, or UK, further simplifying travel procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

Indian citizens and their family members with ordinary passports qualify for a visa on arrival at all UAE entry points if they possess:

A valid tourist visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States.

A valid tourist visa or residence permit issued by EU countries or the United Kingdom.

Note: The visa, permit, and passport must all have a validity of at least six months.

Duration of Stay

14-day visa-on-arrival: This option is extendable for an additional 14 days (fees apply) if the EU, US, or UK visa remains valid with at least six months of passport validity.

60-day visa-on-arrival: This non-extendable option is suitable for longer trips.

Costs

14-day entry visa: AED 100

14-day extension: AED 250

60-day visa: AED 250 (non-extendable)

How to Apply

To secure a visa-on-arrival, Indian travelers must apply online in advance through one of the following options:

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) - Dubai: For those arriving in Dubai, visit gdrfad.gov.ae.

Emirates Pre-approved Visa: Available for Emirates Airlines passengers via the ‘Manage Your Booking’ section at emirates.com.

ICP Website: Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae.

Travel Agencies: Arrange your visa through certified travel agencies.

Required Documents

A copy of a valid Indian passport (bio-data and address pages) with at least six months validity.

A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.

A copy of a valid tourist visa or residence permit from the US, UK, or EU (with at least six months validity).

Application Process

Via GDRFA Dubai

Visit gdrfad.gov.ae and click ‘Login’. Select ‘Register with Email’ to create an account.

Enter your details, including full name, date of birth, email, and password. Verify with the OTP sent to your email.

Log in, select ‘New Application’, and choose ‘New Visit Entry Permit – Indian’.

Fill in the required details, upload the necessary documents, and confirm before making the payment.

Once submitted, your visa will be emailed within 48 hours.

Via ICP

Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and select ‘Public Visa Services’.

Choose ‘Issue Entry Permit for Holders of Special Visas’ and start the service.

Provide personal details, including name, passport number, and visa information.

Enter a UAE address (hotel or residential).

Upload the required documents and submit the application. Processing takes up to 48 hours.

Emirates Pre-approved Visa Service

For passengers flying with Emirates, a pre-approved visa-on-arrival service simplifies the process, allowing eligible travelers to bypass immigration queues in Dubai. Apply through the ‘Manage Your Booking’ section at emirates.com or contact the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) for more details.

With these streamlined procedures and expanded eligibility, Indian travelers can now explore the UAE with greater ease and convenience.