Dubai: The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme for Indian citizens to include those holding valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six additional countries.
Since February 13, Indian citizens with ordinary passports and valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada are eligible for visas on arrival at all UAE entry points.According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), travellers must have passports valid for at least six months and pay the applicable visa fees to qualify.
Previously, this policy only applied to Indian passport holders with tourist visas or residence permits from the European Union (EU), the United States (US), or the United Kingdom (UK).
Who is eligible?
Indian citizens and their family members holding ordinary passports can obtain a visa on arrival at all UAE entry points if they have:
A valid tourist visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States.
A valid tourist visa or residence permit issued by an EU country or the United Kingdom.
A valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
How long can you stay?
According to the ICP website, the visa-on-arrival programme for Indian citizens allows a 14-day stay, which can be extended.
Visa-on-arrival costs
14-day entry visa: Dh200
60-day visa: Dh250 (non-extendable)
Where to apply?
Eligible Indian passport holders can also apply for a pre-approved visa on arrival in advance through:
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 airline passengers.
ICP website – Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
Travel agencies – Certain travel agencies facilitate the process.
Required documents
A copy of your valid Indian passport (both bio-data and address pages) with at least six months’ validity.
A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
A copy of your valid tourist visa or residence permit from an eligible country.
How to apply for a UAE visa-on-arrival
GDRFA Dubai
- Visit gdrfad.gov.ae and click ‘Login’. Select ‘Register with Email’ to create an account.
- Enter your details, including your full name, date of birth, email address, and password. An OTP (one-time password) will be sent to your email. Enter the OTP, agree to the terms, and register.
- Log in with your new credentials. On your dashboard, click on ‘New Application’ and select ‘Visa on arrival for citizens of the Republic of India residing in (America, Britain, European Union countries)’.
- Fill in the required details – full name, passport details, visa or residence permit information.
- Upload your documents and confirm the details before submitting your application and payment. You should receive your visa within 48 hours via email.
ICP
- Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and click on ‘Public Visa Services’.
- Look for the service ‘Issue Entry Permit for Holders of Special Visas’ and click ‘Start Service’.
- Complete the application by providing your personal details – name, passport number, nationality, visa information.
- Enter your UAE address (either a hotel or residential address).
- Upload the required documents (passport copy, visa/residence permit) and submit the application.
Once processed, you will receive your visa within 48 hours via email.
Pre-approval for Emirates passengers
If you are flying with Emirates, you can use their pre-approved visa-on-arrival service, launched earlier this year. This allows eligible Indian nationals to bypass immigration queues in Dubai. You can apply for the visa-on-arrival entry permit through the ‘Manage Your Booking’ section on emirates.com, where you will be directed to the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC). Click here for more information.
This article was originally published in October 21, 2024 and has been updated since.
