United Arab Emirates entry requirements for India passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United Arab Emirates. There is no visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals, so plan ahead and apply through the UAE embassy or a licensed visa service.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UAE entry visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure a visa before flying. Visa required for Indian passport holders | Indian citizens must obtain a UAE entry visa before travel. eVisa is not available for Indian nationals; apply at the nearest UAE embassy or consulate, or through an approved sponsor in the UAE. Visa must be valid for the entire stay. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in the UAE. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the UAE entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket as proof you will leave. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from the UAE before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids issues at immigration. Sufficient funds for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in the UAE. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into the UAE for Indian passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is not available for your nationality. Not eligible | Indian passport holders are not eligible for the UAE eVisa. Do not attempt an online eVisa application; apply through an embassy/consulate or an approved sponsor instead. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Indian passport holders cannot get a UAE visa at the airport. If you arrive without a pre-arranged visa, you'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Always secure your visa before booking flights.
Visa validity and entry
Your UAE visa has a validity window (usually 30 or 60 days from issue). You must enter the UAE within that window. Once you enter, the allowed stay is typically 30 days, but check your visa's specific terms.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your UAE visa
Contact the UAE embassy or consulate in India, or use a licensed visa service. Submit your passport, photo, and application form. Processing typically takes 3–5 working days, but start at least 2 weeks before your trip to account for any delays.
2
Receive your visa and check details
Once approved, you'll get a visa document (often emailed as a PDF). Check your name spelling, passport number, and validity dates. Print a copy to carry with you.
3
Arrive at the airport in the UAE
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and visa. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready if asked. After stamping, you're in.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry tourist visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity5 years from issue date
CostAED 2,500 (approx. $680) plus service fees
Available for Indian nationals with a valid US visa, green card, UK residence permit, or EU residence permit; allows multiple entries.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
Validity1–2 years
CostVaries (sponsor covers most fees)
Requires a job offer from a UAE employer; sponsor handles application.
Freelance visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostAED 7,500–10,000 (approx. $2,040–2,720)
For self-employed individuals; requires a freelance permit from a UAE free zone.
Golden visa (long-term residence)
Max stay5 or 10 years
Validity5 or 10 years
CostVaries (application fees + medical insurance)
For investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and outstanding students; requires meeting specific criteria.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and minimum monthly income of AED 15,000. Includes health insurance.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
10 years, renewable
AED 10,000 (~$2,722 USD) application fee
For investors in real estate (AED 2 million minimum) or businesses. Grants long-term residency and family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Varies (sponsored by employer)
For those with a job offer in the UAE. Employer handles visa process and costs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (14-day)For Indian nationals with a valid US visa, green card, UK residence permit, or EU residence permit; valid for 14 days, non-extendable. | AED 120 (approx. $33) |
| Pre-arranged visit visa (30 days)Obtained through UAE airlines, hotels, or travel agents; single entry, extendable once for 30 days at additional cost. | AED 300–500 (approx. $82–136) plus service fees |
| Pre-arranged visit visa (60 days)Obtained through UAE airlines, hotels, or travel agents; single entry, non-extendable. | AED 650–800 (approx. $177–218) plus service fees |
| Visa extension (30 days)For extending a 30-day visit visa; must be applied before expiry. | AED 600 (approx. $163) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day of overstay beyond visa validity. | AED 50 per day (approx. $14) |
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 United Arab Emirates
Transit visa required
Indian nationals transiting through UAE airports require a transit visa unless they are eligible for visa on arrival (e.g., holding a US visa, green card, UK residence permit, or EU residence permit). Transit visas are issued for 48 or 96 hours and must be arranged by the airline before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Indian nationals with a valid US visa, green card, UK residence permit, or EU residence permit can obtain a visa on arrival for 48 or 14 days, which can be used for transit.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who remain airside for less than 8 hours may be allowed to transit without a visa at some airports, but this is at the discretion of immigration authorities and not guaranteed.
Transit hubsDubai International (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International (AUH) · Sharjah International (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from street food or improperly handled food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsLow risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate allergies; mask in crowded places.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Visit early to avoid queues.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Ma'arid, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services and extensions.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Processing times vary. Through the embassy or a visa service, it usually takes 3–5 working days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance to be safe.
Fees depend on the visa type and the service you use. Tourist visas typically cost around INR 7,000–10,000 including service charges. Check with the embassy or your visa agent for exact fees.
No, the standard tourist visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
For tourist visas, a sponsor (like a hotel or travel agency) is often required. Many visa services in India handle this for you. For visit visas, a relative or friend in the UAE can sponsor you.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport before applying for the UAE visa.
No, Indian citizens are not eligible for the UAE eVisa. You must apply through the embassy or a licensed visa service.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.