If you are an Indian passport holder planning a trip to Dubai, you will need a visa before you travel—there is no visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passports. The good news is that the Dubai visa for Indians is issued electronically (an e-Visa), so there is no embassy visit and no in-person interview. You apply through a UAE-based sponsor—an airline such as Emirates, Air India or flydubai, your Dubai hotel, or a licensed travel and visa provider—who submits your file to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or Dubai’s GDRFA.
Who needs a Dubai visa and who gets visa on arrival
Most Indian travellers must arrange a UAE e-Visa in advance. However, you may qualify for a 14-day visa on arrival (extendable once) instead of a pre-arranged e-Visa if you hold a valid US visa or Green Card, a UK residence permit, an EU/Schengen visa or residence permit, or a valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore. These rules are updated periodically by the UAE, so verify your specific document qualifies before you fly, as the visa-on-arrival fee (around AED 100–120) is paid at the airport.
Visa types and durations
The UAE offers several tourist and transit options for Indians:
- 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas for short stopovers.
- 14-day short-term tourist visa for quick holidays.
- 30-day single-entry tourist visa—the most popular choice.
- 60-day long-term tourist visa for extended stays.
- Multiple-entry tourist visas for travellers making more than one trip.
Note the difference between validity (the window in which you must enter, often 60 days from issue) and the permitted length of stay (e.g. 30 days). Overstaying attracts daily fines, so plan return dates carefully.
Documents Indian applicants need
For a standard tourist e-Visa you typically need a clear colour scan of your passport bio-page (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages), a recent passport-size photograph on a white background, and a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Depending on the visa type or your profile, you may also be asked for proof of accommodation (hotel booking or a relative’s invitation), and evidence of funds such as recent bank statements or salary slips. Ensure names and details exactly match your passport to avoid delays.
Dubai visa for Indians: fees and processing time
Costs vary by duration, entry type and the provider’s service charge. As a guide, a 30-day single-entry e-Visa generally starts around ₹6,500–₹8,500 (government fee plus basic processing), while 60-day and multiple-entry visas cost more—often ₹13,000 and upwards. Mandatory travel insurance and express handling are usually charged separately. Standard processing is about 3–5 working days, with express options sometimes clearing in 24–48 hours; allow extra time in peak season. Because government fees and insurance rules change, always confirm the current amount on the official UAE portal or with your provider before paying.
Common rejection reasons and tips
- Blurred or incomplete passport scans, or a passport with under 6 months validity.
- Photograph not meeting UAE specifications (white background, clear face).
- Name or date-of-birth mismatches between the form and the passport.
- Previous UAE overstays, immigration issues, or an unclear travel history.
- Applying too late—submit at least 7–10 days before travel to be safe.
Once approved, you will receive the e-Visa as a PDF by email. Carry both a printout and a digital copy for immigration, and keep your return ticket and hotel details handy.
Disclaimer: VisaForTrip is a private visa-assistance service that helps Indian travellers prepare documents, complete forms and submit applications; we are not a government body and do not issue visas. UAE visa rules, fees and eligibility change frequently—always verify the latest requirements with the official UAE authorities (ICP/GDRFA) or your airline before travelling.