India entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
From 2026, UAE passport holders can get a visa on arrival in India. You skip the embassy and handle everything at the airport immigration counter. The process is straightforward, but you need a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | India requires an eVisa for UAE passport holders — no visa on arrival at the airport. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on the eVisa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually arrives within 72 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Immigration officers at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru check this strictly — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show at check-in and immigration | Airlines and Indian immigration require proof of a return or onward flight within your eVisa validity period. Budget carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet enforce this at check-in counters. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers at major airports occasionally ask for a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $300 USD per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not available at all entry points
You can only get a visa on arrival at designated international airports. If you're arriving by land from Nepal, Bhutan, or Bangladesh, you must have a visa issued before travel.
Keep your documents handy
Immigration officers can be strict. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready before you reach the counter. Fumbling for documents can cause delays.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before landing
Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking confirmation easily accessible. Screenshots on your phone work fine.
2
Queue at the Visa on Arrival counter
At major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'e-Visa' counters. Join the queue and wait for your turn.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (typically around $25 USD, payable in cash or card).
4
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Then proceed to the regular immigration counter for entry stamping.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostINR 3,000 (~USD 36)
For a single visit; must be used within validity.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostINR 5,000 (~USD 60)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay180 days per visit
Validity1 year
CostINR 10,000 (~USD 120)
Requires business invitation letter; for work-related visits.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostINR 15,000 (~USD 180)
For enrolled students at recognized Indian institutions.
work visa
Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
INR 15,000 (~USD 180) plus processing
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
INR 15,000 (~USD 180)
For full-time students enrolled at recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work in some cases.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
1 year, renewable
INR 10,000 (~USD 120)
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows multiple entries and longer stays.
long term resident visa
Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
5 years, renewable
INR 50,000 (~USD 600)
For foreign nationals of Indian origin or with strong ties to India. Requires proof of Indian ancestry or long-term residence. Allows work and study.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival feeNo fee for UAE passport holders; visa on arrival is granted at designated airports. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who prefer a pre-arranged visa; valid for 30 days. | INR 3,000 (~USD 36) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year with multiple entries; max stay 90 days per visit. | INR 5,000 (~USD 60) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of INR 20,000 (~USD 240). | INR 500 (~USD 6) per day |
| Stay extension fee (via FRRO)Extension possible for up to 14 days; apply before visa expiry. | INR 1,000 (~USD 12) plus processing |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not require a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports for up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or other specified visas may be eligible for e-Visa or visa on arrival for short visits.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk regions.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and other infections; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most parts of India, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for travellers to high-risk regions, particularly during monsoon season.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
East Block-8, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extension and registration; bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe-II, CIDCO Bhavan, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; online appointment recommended.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.78 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 60 days. You cannot extend it beyond that. If you need a longer stay, apply for a regular visa before travel.
No. It's only available at major international airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi. If you arrive by land or sea, you need a visa in advance.
The fee is around $25 USD (roughly 2000 INR). You can pay in cash (USD or INR) or by credit card. Exact amounts may vary slightly by airport.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions are made.
No, a digital copy on your phone is fine. But make sure it's easily accessible — don't waste time scrolling through emails.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. You cannot take up employment. For work, you need a proper work visa.
Overstaying can result in fines (up to $100 USD per day), deportation, and a ban from re-entering India. Always leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.