UAE Visit Visa for Indians 2026: Visa on Arrival Rules and How to Apply
Visa facts checked against official sources on 7 October 2026.
Indian passport holders need a visa for the UAE. There is no free 30-day visa on arrival for Indians in general. A 14-day visa on arrival is available only to Indians who already hold certain visas or residence permits; everyone else must arrange a tourist visa before flying.
An earlier version of this article said most Indian travellers receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. That was wrong, and this page has been corrected against the official sources listed at the end.
Key fact
The visa on arrival for Indians is for 14 days, costs AED 100, and can be extended once for another 14 days for AED 250. It is only for holders of the visas and permits listed below.
Who qualifies for the 14-day visa on arrival
You can get a visa on arrival with an ordinary Indian passport if you hold one of these, valid for at least six months:
- A visa or Green Card issued by the United States
- A visa or residence permit issued by the United Kingdom or an EU country
- A residence permit issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore (added on 13 February 2025)
Your passport must also be valid for at least six months. Carry the original visa or permit, because the airline and immigration will ask for it.
Everyone else: a prearranged tourist visa
If you do not hold one of those documents, you need a tourist visa issued before you travel. UAE tourist visas are sponsored by a UAE airline, hotel or licensed travel agency, and are issued through the immigration authorities: GDRFA for Dubai and ICP for the other emirates.
- Tourist visas are issued for 30 or 60 days, as single-entry or multiple-entry visas.
- A five-year multiple-entry tourist visa also exists; its conditions are set out on the official portals.
- The price depends on the visa type and the sponsor you apply through, so we do not quote a single figure. The official service pages show the government fees.
Fees at a glance
| Option | Stay | Official fee |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (eligible holders only) | 14 days | AED 100 |
| Extension of the visa on arrival | A further 14 days, once | AED 250 |
| Prearranged tourist visa | 30 or 60 days, single or multiple entry | Depends on the visa and sponsor |
Documents
Official sources do not give one list for every case; these are the documents applicants are normally asked for:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport photo
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking or host details
- For the visa on arrival: the qualifying visa, Green Card or residence permit
How to apply
- Check whether you hold a qualifying visa or residence permit that is valid for at least six months.
- If you do, fly with it and get the visa on arrival at immigration.
- If you do not, apply for a tourist visa through your airline, your hotel or a licensed UAE travel agency before you book non-refundable travel.
- Carry a copy of the e-visa, and leave or extend before your permitted stay ends to avoid overstay fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Indians get a free 30-day visa on arrival in the UAE?
A: No. The visa on arrival for Indian passport holders is for 14 days, costs AED 100, and is only for those holding a qualifying US, UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore.
Q: Do Indians need a visa to visit Dubai?
A: Yes. Unless you qualify for the 14-day visa on arrival, you need a tourist visa arranged before travel through an airline, a hotel or a licensed travel agency.
Q: Can the visa on arrival be extended?
A: Yes, once, for a further 14 days. The official extension fee is AED 250.
Q: How much does a UAE tourist visa cost?
A: It depends on the visa type and the sponsor you apply through. The government fees are shown on the GDRFA and ICP service pages; airlines and agencies add their own charges.
Planning a trip to the UAE?
See the visa options, fees and documents in our UAE guide, checked against official sources.
Read the UAE visa guideOfficial Resources
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UAE visa rules, fees, eligibility conditions, and processing times are subject to change by the UAE authorities. Always verify the latest information on the official ICP and GDRFA portals, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, and your airline or travel provider before making travel arrangements.