Visa-On-Arrival in UAE for Indian Travellers | Everything You Should Know

New Delhi: In a significant development for Indian travelers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new visa-on-arrival policy. This change allows easier entry for Indian nationals who hold valid permanent resident cards or visas from the United States, United Kingdom, or any European Union country. Eligible Indian citizens can now receive a 14-day visa when they arrive in the UAE.

This policy was announced by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) on Thursday, October 17. It applies to Indian passport holders with regular (ordinary) passports and aims to simplify travel between India and the UAE. Previously, only Indian citizens who held residence permits from these countries could get a visa-on-arrival.

This change is part of the growing relationship between India and the UAE, where more than 3.5 million Indians currently live. It is expected to improve travel and business opportunities between the two countries.

• Travellers can get a 14-day visa upon arrival in the UAE if they meet certain requirements.
• Requirements include:
• A valid visa, residence permit, or green card from the United States.
• A valid visa or residence permit from any European Union country or the United Kingdom.
• A passport that is valid for at least six months.
• The 14-day visa can be extended for another 60 days by paying the necessary fees.
• This new process is aimed at making travel to the UAE easier for Indian citizens, especially tourists, business professionals, and expatriates.
• The UAE hopes this will strengthen its position as a top destination for Indian travelers.

The move was expected to relieve travel for Indian visitors, making last-minute trips more convenient and enhancing business ties. Indian tourists formed a significant portion of the UAE’s tourism industry, contributing to the country’s economy.

In the past, Indian travelers to the UAE were required to apply for a visa in advance through a formal application process, which involved documentation and waiting periods. 

The visa-on-arrival scheme was part of the UAE’s efforts to improve tourism and business relations with India, which were already strong. This policy change mirrored similar steps taken by other countries to attract Indian travelers.