If you’re an Indian planning a trip to Dubai but don’t have the time to apply for a visa in advance, here’s some great news for you! The UAE government now allows eligible Indian travellers to get a Dubai visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport, making last-minute travel much easier and more convenient.

But, and this is important, there’s a catch. Not every Indian passport holder qualifies for this visa-on-arrival facility. There are specific conditions and eligibility criteria you need to meet before you can benefit from this service.

Wondering if you qualify? Curious about how the visa on arrival process works, what documents you’ll need, and how long the visa is valid? Don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Dubai visa on arrival for Indians, including who can get it, how to apply, fees, and some useful tips to make your arrival smooth and hassle-free.

What is a Dubai Visa on Arrival?

A visa on arrival means you receive your entry visa at the airport upon arrival, rather than having to arrange it in advance. The UAE extends this facility to certain nationalities, and under specific criteria, to Indian citizens as well. For eligible Indian travellers, the Dubai visa on arrival is essentially a 14-day entry permit issued upon arrival, without the need for a prior application. This saves time and effort, allowing spontaneous or urgent travel to Dubai.

Do note that a visa on arrival is not open to all Indians by default. It’s a privilege only for those who meet specific eligibility requirements (mainly having certain valid visas from other countries, as explained next). If you qualify, you can fly to Dubai and get your visa stamped at the airport, making the process very convenient. If not, you must secure a UAE visa in advance through the regular process.

What are the eligibility criteria for Indians to get a visa on arrival?

Not all Indian passport holders are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Dubai. You must meet specific criteria set by the UAE authorities. Here are the eligibility requirements for Indian citizens to get a Dubai visa on arrival:

Valid Indian Passport: You must have an ordinary Indian passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of your entry into the UAE.

Qualifying Visa or Residence Permit: In addition to your Indian passport, you must hold at least one of the following valid visas or residence permits (with a minimum 6 months validity remaining):

• a visit visa issued by the USA or

• a green card issued by the USA or

• a residence visa issued by the UK or

• a residence visa issued by the EU

(Recent Update 2025) Indians with a valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore can obtain a visa on arrival at any UAE entry point.

Important: The foreign visa or residence permit you use for eligibility must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. For example, if you have a U.S. tourist visa, ensure it won’t expire in the next few months when you travel. If it’s expiring sooner, you won’t qualify for a visa on arrival.

What are the documents required for a visa on arrival?

If you meet the eligibility conditions, it’s crucial to carry the right documents to present at Dubai immigration. Here are the documents and proofs Indian travellers should have ready for the visa on arrival process:

• Indian Passport: Your original passport (ordinary) with at least 6 months' validity remaining. It should be in good condition and not nearing its expiration date.

• Eligible Visa/Permit: The physical visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, EU, or other qualifying country (as per the list above) that makes you eligible. If the visa is stamped in an old passport, carry that passport as well. For electronic visas (such as an e-visa for the Schengen area), print out a copy. The document must indicate that your visa is valid for 6 months or more.

• Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of a confirmed return flight from the UAE (or an onward ticket to another country) within the allowed period. While buying a return ticket is standard travel practice, airlines and immigration officers often check that you have plans to leave before your visa expires. This demonstrates you don’t intend to overstay.

• Proof of Accommodation: Documentation of where you’ll stay in Dubai/UAE. This could be a hotel booking confirmation or, if staying with friends or relatives, an invitation letter or their address details. Having this ready is advisable in case immigration asks for an address in the UAE.

• Sufficient Funds: Proof of funds to cover your stay (such as recent bank statements or cash/credit cards). It’s not always asked, but UAE officials may require evidence that you can support yourself as a tourist. 

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): Though travel insurance is not mandatory for a visa on arrival, it’s highly recommended. A good travel insurance policy can cover medical emergencies or trip interruptions. Some airlines or visa types require it, so it’s wise to have one for peace of mind.

Tip: Keep all these documents organised and accessible in your carry-on bag. You will need to present your passport and visa/permit at the visa-on-arrival counter, and possibly other documents if requested during immigration. Being prepared will make the process smoother and faster.

What is the process for getting a visa on arrival in Dubai?

If you’re eligible, follow these simple steps to obtain your visa on arrival at the Dubai airport. The process is straightforward, and airports have clear signs to guide you:

1. Arrival and Directions: After landing at Dubai International Airport (or any other UAE airport), proceed to the immigration area. Look for signs for “Visa on Arrival” or ask airport staff for directions. 

2. Visit the Visa on Arrival Counter: In Dubai airports, the visa on arrival service is handled at a Marhaba Services counter, which is located before you reach the immigration passport check. Queue up here. When it’s your turn, present your passport and the qualifying visa/permit (US visa, etc.) to the Marhaba officer. They will verify that you meet the criteria (they may scan your passport and check the validity of your US or UK visa, or other relevant documents). This is essentially the visa application step, which is completed on the spot at the airport.

3. Pay the Visa Fee: Once the officer confirms eligibility, you’ll need to pay the visa on arrival fee. After payment, the staff will issue you a receipt and your visa document (often a printout or a slip to be given to immigration). Keep this receipt/visa printout safe; you will need to show it to the immigration officer.

4. Immigration Clearance: With your visa-on-arrival receipt and passport in hand, go to the passport immigration counters. There may be a dedicated queue for visa-on-arrival holders, or you can join the regular line for foreign passport holders. When you reach the immigration officer, hand over your passport and the visa-on-arrival slip/printout. The officer will review your documents, ask any routine questions (e.g., “What is the purpose of your visit?” or “How long will you stay?”), Then, stamp your passport with an entry stamp indicating that you have a 14-day visit visa. They may also take your photograph and biometric details (fingerprints) as part of the standard entry procedure.

5. Collect Baggage and Enter Dubai: After your passport is stamped, congratulations- you have successfully received your UAE visa on arrival! You can now proceed to the baggage claim to collect your luggage and exit the airport.

How long does the visa-on-arrival process take? 

Generally, obtaining a visa on arrival is a quick process. The document check and payment at the visa counter usually take only a few minutes if the lines are short. The immigration stamping is also fairly quick. In total, it typically takes around 10-30 minutes. During peak travel times or when multiple flights arrive simultaneously, you may wait longer. Still, it’s often faster than having to handle a visa application before travel.

Note: The visa-on-arrival procedure may vary slightly by airport. At Dubai Airport, you pay at the Marhaba counter first, then go through immigration. At Abu Dhabi Airport, by contrast, travellers have reported that the payment is done directly at the immigration counter. 

What is the Dubai visa-on-arrival fee?

The Dubai visa-on-arrival fee for eligible travellers is approximately AED 100 per person. This amount is roughly equivalent to ₹2,200 in Indian Rupees or about $27 in US Dollars, though exact conversion rates may vary depending on currency fluctuations and payment methods.

What is the validity of the Dubai visa-on-arrival?

The visa on arrival allows a maximum stay of 14 days in the UAE. This is usually a single-entry permit. The 14 days typically start from the day of entry (counting that day as day 1). So if you enter on, say, the 1st of the month, you can stay until the 14th.

Please note:  There is no extra grace period beyond the 14 days for a visa-on-arrival. You must depart the UAE on or before the last day allowed. Overstaying by even one day can incur heavy fines (often AED 200 for the first day and higher for subsequent days).

Can Indians extend their Dubai visa on arrival?

The UAE does allow a one-time extension of a visa-on-arrival. If 14 days is insufficient, you can apply to extend the stay by an additional 14 days (making it a total of up to 28 days). The extension comes with a fee of around AED 250 (approx ₹5,600) and must be arranged before your initial 14 days expire. Typically, you would visit the UAE immigration authority (GDRFA office in Dubai) or use an authorised typing service to file for an extension.

Please note that visa fees and regulations are subject to change, so it’s always best to verify the most up-to-date information with UAE immigration or official sources before travelling.

When Indians are Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival (and What to Do)

Suppose you’re an Indian passport holder without a valid visa or residency permit for the US, UK, EU, or any other country listed above. In that case, you cannot obtain a Dubai visa on arrival. Don’t worry, you can still visit the UAE; you’ll just need to apply for a visa in advance through the regular process. Here’s what you should know:

Indians who do not meet the visa-on-arrival criteria must obtain a UAE tourist visa or visit visa before travelling. These are typically 30-day or 60-day visas (single or multiple entry) that can be applied for through a travel agent, such as Atlys. You typically need to submit documents such as your passport copy, photos, and flight tickets, and pay the visa fee. Processing is done in a few working days.

Tips for a Smooth Visa on Arrival Experience

• Double-Check Eligibility: Before booking your tickets, ensure you meet the latest UAE visa-on-arrival requirements. Policies can change, so verify your eligibility with official UAE government sources or your airline. For example, the list of countries whose visas qualify for on-arrival was expanded in 2025. Check the UAE embassy website in India or the UAE’s official visa portal for updates.

• Carry Printouts: Bring printed copies of important documents such as your return ticket, hotel booking, and visa (if it’s an e-visa or digital). While digital copies on your phone usually work, having hard copies is a good backup in case of technical issues or if an officer requests them.

• Be Prepared at the Departure Airport: At Indian airports, check-in staff may ask about your UAE visa status. Inform them if you plan to use the visa on arrival, and show your valid US, UK, or other qualifying visa. Airlines generally are aware of this facility and may note your eligibility in your booking. Indian immigration officers may also ask, explain that you’ll get your visa on arrival.

• At the Dubai Airport: Follow the signs to the visa on arrival counter and pay the visa fee before heading to immigration. Many travellers mistakenly queue for immigration first, only to be sent back to pay. If you are unsure, ask airport staff to direct you to the correct counter.

• Keep Some Local Currency Handy: Have some UAE Dirhams (AED) ready to pay the visa fee quickly. Cards are accepted at most counters; however, international transactions may occasionally experience issues. Having around AED 100 in cash is a safe backup. ATMs and currency exchange counters are available at the airport.

• Respect Your Visa Duration: Note your 14-day visa expiration date. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension a few days before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in substantial fines and negatively impact future travel to the UAE.

• Enjoy Your Stay: Once through immigration, enjoy your time in Dubai and the wider UAE! Your visa on arrival lets you explore cities like Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and more during your 14-day stay. It’s a great option for last-minute trips without the usual visa paperwork.

The Dubai visa on arrival for Indian citizens is a traveller-friendly option that makes visiting the UAE simpler for those who qualify. If you hold an Indian passport and have a valid visa or residency permit from the US, UK, Schengen/EU, or certain other countries, you can obtain your visa upon arrival in Dubai. Remember to meet eligibility criteria, carry all necessary documents, and follow the airport steps for a smooth process. This initiative is designed to welcome visitors with minimal hassle and maximum convenience.

Visa policies can change, as seen with updates in 2024 and 2025. Always check the UAE government’s official portal or contact the UAE Embassy before your trip for the latest information.