Most Indians still need a visa before flying to Dubai. But if you already hold a visa or residence permit from certain countries, you can get a UAE visa on arrival, and that list grew in 2026.
Who qualifies for visa on arrival
You qualify if you hold an Indian ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months and one of these:
- A valid US visa, US residence permit or Green Card
- A valid visa or residence permit from the UK or an EU country
- A valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada
Accompanying family members can also qualify under the June 2026 update announced by the UAE’s ICP.
| Option | Stay | Extension | Reported fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa on arrival | 14 days | Once, for 14 more days | About AED 100 to 200, plus service charges |
| 60-day visa on arrival | 60 days | Not extendable, single entry | AED 250, plus service charges |
Fees have been reported differently across sources, so confirm on the official ICP smart services portal before you fly.
Everyone else: get a UAE tourist visa before you fly
If you don’t hold one of those visas, apply for a UAE tourist e-visa in advance. The common routes are:
- Through your airline. Emirates, flydubai, Air India and others offer visa services when you book with them.
- Through an authorised travel agent in India.
- Through official UAE portals such as ICP or GDRFA Dubai.
Tourist visas usually come as 30-day or 60-day options, single or multiple entry. Prices vary by route and visa type, and fees are not refunded if the visa is refused.
For the full picture, see our UAE visa guide.
Typical documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with a clear scan of the front and back pages
- Recent passport-size photo on a white background
- Confirmed return flight
- Hotel booking, or the host’s details if staying with family
Tips for a smooth trip
- Check your other visa’s validity. For visa on arrival, the US, UK, EU or other visa must still be valid when you land.
- Apply 1 to 2 weeks ahead in peak season (November to March) and around Diwali and New Year.
- Don’t overstay. Overstay fines add up daily and can affect future UAE visas.
Frequently asked questions
No. Only those holding a valid visa or residence permit from the listed countries.
A valid visa or residence permit from an EU country qualifies; check that your specific visa type is accepted before you fly.
No. Only the 14-day visa can be extended, once.
Yes. A UAE visa covers all seven emirates.
Sources
- Khaleej Times: UAE updates visa-on-arrival rules (June 2026)
- Gulf News: UAE expands visa on arrival for Indian citizens
- Esquire India: Dubai visa on arrival for Indians 2026
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees and processing times can change. Confirm the latest details on the official embassy, consulate or immigration website before you book or apply.