UAE Visa for Indians – Complete Guide
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) — home to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and more — is one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists and business travellers. Whether you are travelling for holidays, a business visit, a family reunion, or transit, understanding the UAE visa process is essential because Indians must have a valid visa before arriving in the UAE.
The UAE offers quick, convenient, and fully digital visa options, making the journey easier than ever for Indian citizens.
Do Indians Need a Visa for the UAE?
Yes. All Indian passport holders require a pre-approved UAE visa before travelling, unless they hold:
A valid US visa (visa or green card), or
A valid UK or EU residency permit
In such cases, Indians may get a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days, subject to conditions.
For most travellers, however, a UAE eVisa (electronic visa) is required.
What Type of Visa Is It?
For Indian travellers, the UAE issues:
eVisa / Electronic Visa (sent via email as a PDF)
No sticker visa
No visa stamping required
Checked electronically at immigration
Types of UAE Visas Available for Indians
Indian travellers can apply for the following common UAE visa types:
1. 30-Day Single Entry Visa
Ideal for tourism, short business trips, or family visits.
2. 30-Day Multiple Entry Visa
Perfect for travellers entering and exiting the UAE several times within a month.
3. 60-Day Single Entry Visa
Recommended for longer leisure stays or extended family visits.
4. 60-Day Multiple Entry Visa
Suited for business travellers or those with frequent travel plans.
5. UAE Transit Visa
Available for 48 hours or 96 hours, depending on flight duration and layover.
UAE Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To apply for a UAE visa, you need:
Passport valid for at least 6 months from travel date
Scanned colour copy of the passport’s first and last page
Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
Confirmed return flight ticket
Hotel booking or address of the stay
For transit visas: confirmed onward flight
Sometimes additional documents may be requested, such as:
Bank statement
PAN card copy
Travel insurance
Invitation letter (for business or family visits)
How to Apply for a UAE Visa
The UAE visa process for Indians is fully online:
1. Choose your visa type (30-day, 60-day, single-entry, multiple-entry).
2. Submit your passport and photograph online.
3. Provide flight and accommodation details.
4. Pay the visa fee.
5. Receive your UAE eVisa via email.
6. Print the visa or keep a digital copy to show at immigration.
Most travellers receive their visas via authorised travel agencies or airlines like Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia.
UAE Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for a UAE visa is:
24 to 72 hours for tourist visas
48 to 72 hours for transit visas
Urgent/express processing is available for a higher fee.
UAE Visa Fees for Indians
The cost varies based on visa type:
30-day single entry
30-day multiple entry
60-day single entry
60-day multiple entry
48/96 hours transit visa
(Fees vary depending on the service provider, airline, or travel agency.)
Important Rules for UAE Visa Holders
When travelling to the UAE:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Carry a printed copy of your eVisa.
You must exit the UAE before your visa expires.
Overstay fines apply if you exceed your permitted stay.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
UAE Visa on Arrival for Indians (Special Cases Only)
Indian travellers may obtain a 14-day visa on arrival if they have:
A valid US visa (minimum 6 months validity), or
A valid UK/EU residency permit
This visa can be extended for an additional 14 days.
