India Expands Visa-on-Arrival for UAE Nationals to Nine Airports

India has made it easier for people from the UAE to visit India. The Indian government has added Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad to its visa-on-arrival network for Emirati visitors. These join New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, so nine airports now give this quick visa entry option.

Where UAE travellers Can Use Visa on Arrival

The nine airports are New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad. This covers many key gateways in South, West, and North India. It suits trips for family visits, short breaks, business meetings, and medical care.

The move comes as flights between the two countries stay very busy. Large Indian communities live in the Gulf, and more Emiratis visit for holidays, trade fairs, and medical treatment. Officials say the step will deepen people's links in the UAE-India corridor and support fast-growing air traffic.

Who Can Get This Visa At The Airport

The visa-on-arrival facility is available only to eligible UAE nationals who have previously held an Indian e-visa or regular visa. First-time visitors must apply for an UAE visa to India through the appropriate online e-visa process before travelling. Applicants must also hold a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages.

The visa allows a stay of up to 60 days with double-entry permission, making it suitable for travellers who need to leave and re-enter India during the validity period. It is valid for tourism, business, conferences, and medical treatment but cannot be extended or converted into another visa category.

However, UAE nationals whose parents or grandparents were born in, or are permanent residents of, Pakistan are not eligible for this facility and must apply through the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai.

Fees, Forms, And On-Arrival Steps

The fee for this visa is Rs 2,000 per passenger, including children, paid in rupees or equal foreign currency at the airport counter.

On landing, travelers fill Annexure-A and the disembarkation card and hand both to the visa desk. Many passengers now use the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app or the official visa site to fill these forms in advance, which cuts time in the queue. 

Additionally, officers may also ask for proof of money for the stay, hotel, or other stay details, and a return or onward flight ticket.

Indian Rupee And UAE Dirham

Recent market data shows that 1 UAE dirham has traded around 24 Indian rupees. At that rough rate, Rs 2,000 equals about 82 to 85 dirhams. The exact amount in dirhams will change with the daily exchange rate, so travellers should check live rates before they fly or pay.

What This Means For UAE-India Travel

The expanded visa-on-arrival network makes travel to India quicker and more convenient for eligible Emirati visitors. Whether planning a short holiday in Kochi, a business trip to Ahmedabad, or medical treatment in Hyderabad, travellers can now enjoy a smoother arrival experience.

At MusafirBaba we recommend checking the latest visa eligibility requirements and carrying all required documents before departure to ensure a hassle-free journey to India.