For Indian travelers planning a trip to Dubai who require a visa, a convenient option exists: visa issuance upon arrival at Dubai International Airport. This facility is currently available to eligible Indian passport holders, streamlining the travel process for those without pre-applied visas.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all Indian passport holders are eligible for this visa-on-arrival service. Specific conditions and eligibility requirements must be satisfied prior to utilizing this option.

Interested in determining your eligibility, understanding the visa on arrival process, required documentation, and visa validity duration? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Dubai visa on arrival for Indian applicants, detailing eligibility criteria, application procedures, associated fees, and practical tips to ensure a seamless arrival experience.

Dubai Visa On-Arrival: An Overview

A Dubai Visa On-Arrival provides entry into the UAE through issuance of an entry visa directly at the airport upon arrival, instead of requiring prior application. The United Arab Emirates offers this facility to select nationalities, including Indian citizens, subject to particular conditions. For eligible Indian travelers, a Dubai Visa On-Arrival constitutes a 14-day entry permit, granted upon arrival without prior application. This streamlines the travel process, facilitating both planned and immediate travel to Dubai.

It is important to acknowledge that obtaining a Visa On-Arrival is not universally available to all Indian nationals. This privilege is contingent upon meeting defined eligibility criteria, primarily holding valid visas from other countries, as detailed subsequently. If you satisfy these requirements, you can travel to Dubai and receive your visa stamped at the airport, offering a considerably simpler procedure. Otherwise, you must acquire a UAE visa through the standard application process in advance.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals Seeking a Visa on Arrival in the UAE

Not all Indian passport holders are permitted to receive a visa on arrival within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai. Specific criteria established by UAE authorities dictate eligibility. Here are the requirements for Indian citizens to obtain a Dubai visa upon arrival:

Mandatory Indian Passport: Applicants must present an Indian passport with a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.

Supporting Visa or Residence Permit: Alongside your Indian passport, you must hold at least one of the following valid visas or residence permits (with a minimum 6 months validity period):

• A valid tourist visa issued by the United States of America, or

• A valid Green Card issued by the United States of America, or

• A valid residence visa issued by the United Kingdom, or

• A valid residence visa issued by a member state of the European Union.

(Recent Update 2025) Indian nationals possessing a valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore are eligible for visa on arrival at any UAE entry point.

Crucial Requirement: The foreign visa or residence permit utilized for eligibility must maintain validity for a minimum 6 months period from your arrival date. For instance, if you hold a U.S. tourist visa, ensure it does not expire within the immediate future when traveling to the UAE. Premature expiration will preclude eligibility for visa on arrival.

Required Documents for Visa on Arrival

To proceed with a visa on arrival in Dubai, it’s essential to possess the necessary documentation. The following documents are typically required for Indian travelers applying for this visa type:

• Original Indian Passport: You must present your ordinary passport, ensuring it has at least 6 months’ days of validity remaining. The passport should be in good condition and not approaching its expiration date.

• Valid Visa/Permit: Carry the original physical visa or residence permit issued by a qualifying country, such as the USA, UK, or an EU nation (as detailed in the list above). If your visa is stamped within an older passport, bring that passport alongside. For electronic visas (e.g., e-visas for the Schengen area), a printed copy of the electronic visa is necessary. The document must display validity for 6 months or more days.

• Confirmed Return Ticket: Evidence of a confirmed return flight from the UAE, or an onward ticket to another destination. Immigration officers routinely verify that travelers have plans to depart the UAE before their visa’s expiration date, confirming an intention to leave and preventing overstaying.

• Accommodation Confirmation: Documentation confirming your accommodation arrangements in Dubai or the UAE. This may include a hotel booking confirmation, or an invitation letter and address details if staying with friends or relatives. This documentation is advisable, as immigration officials may request proof of your accommodation address within the UAE.

• Proof of Financial Resources: Evidence demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay. While not always requested, UAE authorities may require proof of funds through recent bank statements or access to cash/credit cards, to ascertain a traveler’s ability to self-support during a tourist visit.

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): Although not mandatory for a visa on arrival, obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can mitigate risks associated with medical emergencies or trip interruptions. Some visa types or airline requirements necessitate it, providing an added layer of protection.

Note: Maintain all these documents organised and readily accessible within your carry-on luggage. You will be required to present your passport and visa/permit at the visa-on-arrival checkpoint, and may be asked to provide additional documents if requested by immigration authorities. Proper preparation streamlines the process and facilitates a smoother experience.

Procedure for Obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Dubai

To obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport (or another UAE airport), follow these steps if you meet the necessary requirements. The process is designed to be efficient, with clear guidance available at the airport:

1. Arrival and Guidance: Upon arrival at the designated airport, proceed directly to the immigration area. Look for signage indicating “Visa on Arrival” services or request assistance from airport staff for directions to the relevant service point.

2. Presentation at the Marhaba Services Counter: At Dubai airports, the visa on arrival service is facilitated by the Marhaba Services counter, strategically located prior to the immigration passport control area. Please queue to present your passport and any qualifying visa/permit (e.g., US visa), to the Marhaba representative. The representative will scrutinize your documentation to confirm eligibility, potentially including scanning your passport and verifying the validity of your US or UK visa, or other pertinent documents. This constitutes the initial visa application phase, completed immediately upon arrival at the airport.

3. Fee Payment: Following verification of your eligibility, you will be required to pay the applicable visa on arrival fee. Upon successful payment, staff will issue a receipt and a visa document (typically a printed copy or a slip), which you must retain for presentation to immigration.

4. Immigration Process: Present your visa-on-arrival receipt and passport at the immigration passport counters. A designated queue for visa-on-arrival holders might exist, or you can join the standard queue for foreign passport holders. The immigration officer will examine your documents, pose routine questions (such as “What is the purpose of your visit?” or “How long will you stay?”), and then stamp your passport with an entry stamp, validating your 14-day visit visa. Standard entry procedures may include biometric data capture (fingerprints) at this stage.

5. Collection of Baggage and Exit: Upon successful completion of the immigration process, you will have received your UAE visa on arrival. Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage and exit the airport.

What is the approximate timeframe for the visa-on-arrival procedure?

The visa-on-arrival process is generally a relatively swift operation. The document verification and payment transaction at the designated counter typically requires approximately 5-15 minutes, contingent upon queue lengths. Immigration stamping is also generally completed promptly. Consequently, the entire process usually necessitates around 10-30 minutes. Extended wait times are possible during periods of heightened travel demand or when multiple flights arrive concurrently.

Important Consideration: The specific protocol of the visa-on-arrival process may differ depending on the airport. At Dubai Airport, payment is initially handled at the Marhaba counter, followed by immigration procedures. Conversely, Abu Dhabi Airport has been cited in reports where payment is conducted directly at the immigration counter.

Dubai Visa-on-Arrival Fee Details

The visa-on-arrival fee for Dubai is currently set at AED 100 per individual. This fee is approximately equivalent to ₹2,200 Indian Rupees, or approximately $27 US Dollars. Please note that currency conversion rates are subject to change and will impact the final cost, depending on prevailing exchange rates and the chosen payment method at the time of application.

What is the validity of the Dubai visa-on-arrival?

The visa on arrival allows a maximum stay of 14 days in the UAE. This is usually a single-entry permit. The 14 days typically start from the day of entry (counting that day as day 1). So if you enter on, say, the 1st of the month, you can stay until the 14th.

Please note:  There is no extra grace period beyond the 14 days for a visa-on-arrival. You must depart the UAE on or before the last day allowed. Overstaying by even one day can incur heavy fines (often AED 200 for the first day and higher for subsequent days).

Can Indians extend their Dubai visa on arrival?

The UAE does allow a one-time extension of a visa-on-arrival. If 14 days is insufficient, you can apply to extend the stay by an additional 14 days (making it a total of up to 28 days). The extension comes with a fee of around AED 250 (approx ₹5,600) and must be arranged before your initial 14 days expire. Typically, you would visit the UAE immigration authority (GDRFA office in Dubai) or use an authorised typing service to file for an extension.

Please note that visa fees and regulations are subject to change, so it’s always best to verify the most up-to-date information with UAE immigration or official sources before travelling.

When Indians are Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival (and What to Do)

Suppose you’re an Indian passport holder without a valid visa or residency permit for the US, UK, EU, or any other country listed above. In that case, you cannot obtain a Dubai visa on arrival. Don’t worry, you can still visit the UAE; you’ll just need to apply for a visa in advance through the regular process. Here’s what you should know:

Indians who do not meet the visa-on-arrival criteria must obtain a UAE tourist visa or visit visa before travelling. These are typically 30-day or 60-day visas (single or multiple entry) that can be applied for through a travel agent, such as VisaFast. You typically need to submit documents such as your passport copy, photos, and flight tickets, and pay the visa fee. Processing is done in a few working days.

Recommendations for a Seamless Visa on Arrival Experience

• Verify Eligibility Requirements: Prior to booking travel arrangements, confirm your eligibility for UAE visa-on-arrival according to the latest regulations. These policies are subject to change, therefore, verify your eligibility through official UAE government sources or your airline. For example, the list of eligible countries for on-arrival visas has been expanded as noted in 2025. Consult the UAE embassy website in India or the official UAE visa portal for the most current updates.

• Carry Printed Documentation: Bring printed copies of essential documents, including your return travel tickets, hotel reservations, and your visa (if applicable, such as an e-visa or digital version). While digital copies on mobile devices are often accepted, maintaining physical copies is advisable as a contingency measure in case of technical difficulties or if requested by an immigration officer.

• Prepare at the Departure Airport: At Indian airports, check-in staff may inquire about your UAE visa status. Inform them of your intention to utilize the visa-on-arrival facility and present your valid US, UK, or other qualifying visa. Airlines frequently acknowledge this service and may record your eligibility within your booking. Indian immigration officers may also ask about your visa plans; clearly explain that you will obtain your visa upon arrival.

• Upon Arrival at Dubai Airport: Follow directional signage to the visa-on-arrival counter and settle the associated visa fee before proceeding through immigration. Note that many travelers mistakenly queue for immigration first, only to be directed back to pay the fee. If you are uncertain, seek assistance from airport staff to be directed to the correct counter.

• Maintain Adequate Local Currency: Keep a sufficient amount of UAE Dirhams (AED) readily available for immediate payment of the visa fee. While cards are generally accepted at counters, international transactions may occasionally encounter issues. Having approximately AED 100 in cash serves as a reliable backup. Currency exchange services and ATMs are accessible at the airport.

• Adhere to Visa Duration Limits: Pay close attention to your visa’s expiration date, which is typically 14 days. If you require an extended stay, submit an application for an extension several days prior to your visa’s expiry. Overstaying your visa can result in significant fines and negatively impact future travel to the UAE.

• Enjoy Your Trip: After successfully completing immigration procedures, immerse yourself in your stay in Dubai and the broader UAE! Your visa-on-arrival allows you to explore cities such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah during your 14-day duration. This is a convenient option for spontaneous trips without the traditional visa application process.

The Dubai visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens presents a traveller-friendly option, simplifying visits to the UAE for those meeting the necessary qualifications. If you hold an Indian passport and possess a valid visa or residency permit from the US, UK, Schengen/EU, or select other countries, you can obtain your visa upon arrival in Dubai. It is crucial to satisfy eligibility criteria, carry all required documents, and follow the established procedures at the airport for a streamlined process. This initiative is designed to welcome visitors with minimal inconvenience and maximum ease.

Please be aware that visa policies are subject to change, as evidenced by updates in 2024 and 2025. It is essential to verify the latest information from the UAE government’s official portal or by contacting the UAE Embassy before your travel dates.