United Arab Emirates entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
If you're an Indian passport holder planning to visit the United Arab Emirates in 2026, you'll need an eVisa. Apply online before your trip—there's no visa on arrival for standard tourist visits. Processing can take a few business days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a UAE eVisa at the ICA Smart Services portal. Processing takes 2–5 working days; start at least a week before your flight. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry and put on the next flight back. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in the UAE ready. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show at least AED 3,000 or equivalent. | Recommended |
Beware of unofficial eVisa websites
Only use the official UAE visa portal (icp.gov.ae) or travel agencies approved by the UAE government. Many fake sites charge inflated fees and never deliver a visa.
Visa on arrival possible if you have a US, UK, or EU visa
If you hold a valid tourist visa for the US, UK, or residency permit from the EU, you may be eligible for a free 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE. This is separate from the eVisa process — just show the valid visa at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official UAE visa portal (icp.gov.ae) or use a reputable travel agency. Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-sized photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around 100–150 AED depending on processing speed).
2
Receive eVisa by email
Once approved (usually 24–72 hours for standard processing, or faster for express), you'll get a PDF eVisa. Save it and print a paper copy — digital on your phone alone is not accepted by some airlines or immigration.
3
Present eVisa at departure and arrival
At the airline check-in counter in India, show your printed eVisa. In the UAE, join the 'Visitors' queue, present your passport and eVisa. Immigration may ask about accommodation and return ticket — have those details handy.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry (30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 300 (~$82 USD)
Standard eVisa; must apply online before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry (30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 500 (~$136 USD)
Good for multiple trips within validity.
Tourist visa single entry (60 days)
Max stay60 days, non-extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 500 (~$136 USD)
Longer single stay option.
Long-term visit visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds and ties; renewable.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Indian passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Indian passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for visa on arrival for transit.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (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
Not for Indian passport holders under normal circumstances. The UAE does offer a visa on arrival if you hold a valid US visa, UK visa, or EU residence permit — but that's a separate scheme. For most Indian tourists, the eVisa is the only option.
Fees vary by processing speed and the agency. Expect around 100–150 AED (roughly ₹2,200–₹3,300) for standard processing. Express services cost more.
Standard processing takes 2 to 3 business days. Express (24 hours) and super-express (same day) are available at higher fees. Apply at least a week before travel to be safe.
Yes, but you need to apply for an extension before your eVisa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days and cost around 100 AED. Visit any Amer service centre in the UAE.
Officially, yes — immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket. In practice, most tourists get through without showing documents, but carry copies just in case.
Standard UAE eVisas are single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you'll need a new visa each time. Multi-entry visas exist but are typically for business or frequent travellers.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline in India. UAE immigration strictly requires a valid visa in advance. No exceptions for Indian passport holders without qualifying visas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.