On-Arrival Visas in Dubai for Indian Nationals

Dubai is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the world, it is a major tourist and business Centre attracting millions of visitors annually. For the convenience of travelers, On-Arrival Visas in Dubai for Indian Nationals has been introduced. This article is a one-stop guide for Indian citizens to understand how they can benefit from this service, more of the requirements, eligibility and other factors to consider.

What Is a Visa on Arrival?

A Visa on Arrival is a type of visa which permits a traveler to enter Dubai without having to secure a visa before his trip. However, tourists can get their visa stamped upon their arrival to Dubai International Airport thus making the process easier. The allowed time for stay granted under the visa on arrival depends on the country of the traveler.

Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens

Indian Citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai, but specific conditions apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The Indian passport holders must have a visit visa issued by the USA, or a green card issued by the USA, or a residence visa issued by the UK, or a residence visa issued by the EU.
2. Validity: The U. S. visa, green card or residence visa must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the UAE.

Duration and Fees:

• Initial Stay: This visa is issued for a period of 14 days and is called the visa on arrival.
• Extension: This visa can also be renewed for an additional two weeks (14 Days).
• Fees: The visa is free for the first 14 days while the extension will cost AED 250.

Visa on Arrival for Other Nationalities

Dubai offers different types of visas on arrival based on nationality:

30-Day Visa on Arrival:

Eligible Countries: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, New Zealand Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City.

Process: This visa is issued at immigration counter and is for 30 days which can be extended for 10 days.

90-Day Visa on Arrival:

Eligible Countries: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador and more.

Process: This multiple-entry visa allows for a total stay of 90 days within a six-month period.

INDIANS eligible for the On-Arrival Visa must APPLY ONLINE for pre-approval before Arrival

Before this, Indian travelers who were eligible could obtain a visa on arrival at UAE airports. However, this new regulation as of May 2024 announced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in Dubai GDRFAD now requires eligible Indian travelers to apply online first through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en

Here is Step by Step Guide for the Online Application Process:

1. Visit the GDFRA Website and Register with required details – https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/
2. Log in and Apply: Enter the required personal details in the form, attach the required documents, pay the fees (253 Dirham) and submit the application.
3. The processing time for approval is 48 hours
4. Once the visa has been approved, it will be sent to your registered email.

Important Documents Required:

• A valid passport with a validity of no less than 6 months
• Permanent residency card or visa issued by the USA, or a residence visa issued by the UK or the European Union with a validity of no less than 6 months
• Personal photo with a white background
• NOTE – GDFRA ultimately decides to approve or reject the visa application

Emirates Airline Announce Pre-Approved Visa on Arrival for Indian Travelers

If you’re an Indian traveler looking for an On-Arrival Visa in Dubai, you have a Benefit with Emirates! Emirates new initiative as of Feb 1, 2024, allows Indian passport holders to get a pre-approved On-Arrival Visa if the eligible Indian has booked their flight with Emirates Airline.

• Emirates has partnered with VFS Global to offer a pre-approved visa on arrival for Indian passport holders who book with the airline, where the Visa issued by Dubai Visa Processing Centre is a 14-day single-entry Visa.
• To apply, book flights via emirates.com or a travel agent, then use the ‘apply for a UAE visa’ link on the website.
• The service is available for Indian passport holders with a valid US visa, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency.
• NOTE – GDFRA ultimately decides to approve or reject the visa application

Important Considerations

Passport Validity: See that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.

Policy Changes: The visas of different countries may vary, and therefore it is recommended to clarify the matter with the embassy or consulate of UAE.

Additional Requirements: It is also important to be aware of any other conditions for entry for example health and safety measures.