Big News for Indian travelers! The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders who meet specific eligibility criteria. This move is set to make travel to Dubai and other emirates much easier for many Indian tourists and business travelers.
Who is eligible?
Indian citizens can now avail themselves of a Visa on Arrival in the UAE if they meet these conditions:
- Hold a valid visa or residence permit from six countries: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
- Have a passport with at least six months of validity.
Previously. This facility was only available to Indian citizens holding US, UK, or EU residency permits or visas, but it has now been expanded to include more countries.
When is this facility effective?
According to reports, the Visa on Arrivals for eligible Indians came into effect on February 13, 2025. This update allows more Indian travelers to enter the UAE without applying for a visa in advance.
How much does it cost?
The UAE has categorized the Visa on Arrival into three options:
- 4-day visa: AED 100
- 14-day Visa: AED 250
- 60-day visa: AED 250
Other visa options for Indians
Apart from Visa on Arrivals, Indians traveling to the UAE can also apply for;
- Single-entry tourist visa (valid for 30 or 60 days)
- Multiple-entry tourist visa (valid for 30, 60, days, or up to 5 years)
- Transit visa (valid for 48 or 96 hours)
- E-visa for GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents
What does this mean for Indian travelers?
This decision by the UAE makers makes travel more convenient for thousands of Indian tourists and professionals. With fewer visa hurdles, visiting Dubai and other emirates for business, tourism, or family visits will be faster and easier.
However, this expansion of Visa on Arrivals is a welcome step for Indian travelers, especially those who frequently visit the UAE for business or leisure. If you meet the eligibility criteria, anyone can now enjoy hassle-free entry into the UAE without the need for prior visa approvals.