UAE Visa on Arrival for Indians — Who Qualifies in 2025-26
One of the most frequently misunderstood facts about UAE travel for Indians is the visa on arrival programme. Most Indians believe they need to apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance. Many do not — if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from certain countries, you can get a 14-day visa on arrival at Dubai Airport free of charge.
Who Qualifies for UAE Visa on Arrival?
As of 2025-2026, Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from any of these countries:
- United States (B1/B2 visa, H1B, Green Card, or any valid US visa)
- United Kingdom (Standard Visitor visa, BRP, or any valid UK visa)
- Any European Union country (Schengen visa or residence permit)
- Australia (tourist visa, PR, or any valid Australian visa)
- Canada (visitor visa, PR, or any valid Canadian visa)
- Singapore (visit pass, EP, or any valid Singapore visa)
- Japan (any valid Japanese visa)
- South Korea (any valid South Korean visa)
- New Zealand (any valid New Zealand visa)
The qualifying document must be valid — it cannot be expired — on the date you enter the UAE.
What Do You Get?
A 14-day stay extendable once for another 14 days — giving you up to 28 days total in the UAE on a visa on arrival. The fee is AED 100 (approximately ₹2,300), payable at the Dubai Airport immigration counter.
Three Ways to Get the UAE Visa on Arrival
Option 1: At Dubai Airport on arrival
Show your qualifying visa/permit at the immigration counter, pay AED 100 by card, and receive your UAE entry stamp. This is the most straightforward method but can involve queues during busy periods.
Option 2: Pre-approved via Emirates airline
If you are flying Emirates, go to Manage My Booking on emirates.com and apply for a pre-approved visa on arrival before your flight. This is processed in 24-48 hours and allows you to skip the immigration queue in Dubai. This is the best option if you are flying Emirates.
Option 3: Pre-approved via GDRFA Dubai
Apply at gdrfad.gov.ae before travel. Available for all travellers regardless of airline. Processing takes 2-3 working days.
If You Don’t Have a Qualifying Visa
If you do not hold any of the qualifying visas, you need to apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance. The three main routes are: applying through Emirates, Flydubai, or Air Arabia if you are flying on one of those airlines; applying through the GDRFA Dubai online portal; or using a UAE-registered travel agent who has access to the GDRFA system.
Processing is typically 24-72 hours and the fee is approximately AED 150-300 (₹3,500-7,000) for a 30-day tourist visa.
Overstaying in the UAE
Overstaying a UAE visa — including a visa on arrival — carries a daily fine of AED 100 (approximately ₹2,300) per day with no grace period. Always depart before your visa expires. The UAE immigration system is precise and overstay violations affect future UAE entry.
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This article reflects our understanding of visa requirements as of April 2026. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official embassy or government website before submitting any application. This is educational content, not legal or immigration advice.