Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival for Dubai?

Only in limited circumstances. Indian passport holders can get visa on arrival if they hold a valid US visa (any category), a US Green Card, a valid UK entry visa or BRP, or a valid EU Schengen multi-entry visa or EU residence permit. Without one of these, Indian citizens must apply for an e-visa before travelling to Dubai.

How do Indian citizens apply for a Dubai e-visa?

Apply through: (1) airline websites — Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and Air India all process e-visas; (2) your hotel (4/5-star hotels often sponsor visas); (3) a UAE-based family member or employer as sponsor; (4) the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) for the 5-year multi-entry; or (5) a licensed travel agent. Processing takes 2–5 business days. You receive a PDF e-visa by email.

How much does a Dubai visa cost for Indians?

Indicatively: 30-day single entry AED 250–400; 60-day single entry AED 400–700; 90-day single entry AED 600–1,200; 30-day multi-entry AED 450–750; 5-year multi-entry AED 850–1,400. Fees vary by application channel and change periodically. Check GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae) for official current fees.

What documents are needed for a Dubai visa from India?

Typically: colour scan of passport (6+ months validity), recent passport-sized photo (white background), return flight ticket or booking confirmation, hotel reservation or sponsor's Emirates ID copy, and bank statement or employment letter (sometimes required for single applicants or certain visa types). Requirements can vary by channel.

Can Indian parents visit their children working in Dubai?

Yes. A UAE resident (your child) can sponsor parents for a 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day visit visa. The resident must have a valid residence visa and sufficient salary (there is no universal minimum but agents often cite AED 4,000–5,000/month). Alternatively, parents who hold a valid US/UK visa can arrive on visa on arrival. For elderly parents, some travellers arrange through airline (Emirates/Etihad) sponsorship without needing a resident sponsor.

What is eMigrate and does it affect Dubai travel?

eMigrate is the Indian government's mandatory pre-departure registration for ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport holders going to work in 18 specified countries including the UAE. It applies to employment visas, not tourist visas. If your Indian passport has 'Emigration Check Not Required' (ECNR) endorsed, you are exempt. Check emigrate.gov.in if your passport shows ECR status and you are taking up work.

Can Indians bring gold jewellery to Dubai?

UAE customs allows bringing in gold for personal use. Dubai Airport's customs declaration threshold is AED 100,000 in total goods value. For gold specifically, Indian passengers should also note India's customs rules for gold brought back — limits apply (20g duty-free for men, 40g for women). Large quantities of commercial gold require proper declaration. Always declare accurately to avoid seizure.

How long can an Indian citizen stay in Dubai on a tourist visa?

Depends on the visa type. A 30-day single entry e-visa allows 30 days from entry date. A 60-day e-visa allows 60 days. Some e-visas have a fixed window — both a 'valid from' and 'valid to' date — within which you must enter and complete your stay. Read your visa PDF carefully and note the expiry date.

Can Indian citizens extend their Dubai tourist visa?

Some visit visas can be extended via the GDRFA Dubai app or Amer centres — but it depends on the visa type and your current status. The 30-day visa-on-arrival extension (for those who qualify for VoA) is approximately AED 600. Standard e-visa extensions have different fees and rules. Confirm with GDRFA before assuming an extension is available.

Can I work in Dubai on an Indian tourist visa?

No. Working on any tourist or visit visa is illegal in the UAE regardless of nationality. You need an employment residence visa, which your UAE employer must sponsor. Taking employment on a tourist visa can result in deportation and an entry ban for several years.

How soon before travel should I apply for a Dubai visa from India?

Apply at least 7–10 days before travel to allow for processing time (typically 2–5 business days) and buffer for any corrections. Urgent processing (24–48 hours) is available via agents for an extra fee. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is confirmed.

Is the 5-year UAE multi-entry visit visa worth it for Indians?

It makes sense if you visit Dubai 3 or more times per year, have family based in UAE, are considering property purchase, or frequently transit through Dubai. At AED 850–1,400 upfront for 5 years of unlimited entries (up to 90 days per visit), the per-trip cost drops well below a single 30-day visa after a few trips.

Do Indian citizens need health insurance to enter Dubai?

There is no mandatory health insurance requirement for Indian tourist visa holders entering Dubai. However, it is strongly recommended. UAE healthcare is private and expensive for visitors. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency medical care and evacuation in the UAE.

Can Indians with a UAE e-visa travel to Abu Dhabi and other Emirates?

Yes. A UAE e-visa issued for Dubai is valid throughout the UAE — you can travel freely between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and all other Emirates on the same visa.

What happens if an Indian tourist overstays their Dubai visa?

Fines of AED 50 per day accrue from the day after the visa expires. Fines must be settled before you can exit or re-enter the UAE. Significant overstays can also result in a multi-year entry ban. Never leave a visa to expire without exiting or extending — the fine accrues even while you are still in the country.

Dubai Visa for Indian Citizens (2026 Guide)

Most Indian passport holders need to apply for a Dubai e-visa before travelling. This guide covers who qualifies for visa on arrival, all e-visa types, costs, the 5-year multi-entry option, eMigrate rules for workers, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.

Last updated: May 2026

Dubai Practical Editorial Team· Collaborative authorship

Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.

Verify before you travel

UAE visa rules change without notice. Information on this page is indicative based on rules current to May 2026. Verify requirements with GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae), ICP (icp.gov.ae), and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi (indembassyauh.gov.in) before booking flights.

Dubai visa for Indians: the short answer

Unlike citizens of the UK, US, EU, or Australia, most Indian passport holders cannot simply arrive in Dubai and receive a visa on arrival. You need to apply for an e-visa before your trip — unless you hold a valid US visa, Green Card, UK visa or BRP, or multi-entry Schengen visa, in which case you qualify for visa on arrival.

The good news is that the e-visa process is straightforward, fully online, and affordable. The most common choice is the 30-day single-entry e-visa at approximately AED 250–400, available via Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, your hotel, or a licensed travel agent. For frequent visitors, the 5-year multi-entry visit visa offers exceptional value.

Key facts at a glance

Visa on arrival: Only with valid US/UK/Schengen visa or US Green Card.
Standard route: Apply for e-visa before travel — 2–5 business days.
30-day single entry: AED 250–400 — most popular option.
5-year multi-entry: AED 850–1,400 via ICP portal.
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from entry date.
Work not permitted on any tourist or visit visa.
eMigrate: Required for ECR passport holders taking employment.

Who qualifies for visa on arrival?

Indian passport holders qualify for the UAE visa on arrival if they hold one of the following qualifying documents. Note that the underlying qualifying visa or permit must be valid at the time of arrival — expired qualifying visas do not count.

Scenario	Visa on Arrival?	What You Need
Indian passport + valid US visa (B1/B2/H1B/F1 etc.)	Yes	Passport + valid US visa (not expired) + UAE arrival
Indian passport + US Green Card (permanent resident)	Yes	Passport + I-551 Green Card
Indian passport + valid UK visa or BRP	Yes	Passport + valid UK entry visa or Biometric Residence Permit
Indian passport + valid EU Schengen multi-entry visa	Yes	Must be multi-entry Schengen; single-entry used does not qualify
Indian passport + EU/EEA residence permit	Yes	Valid EU/EEA residence card or permit
Indian passport only (no qualifying visa/residency)	No	Must apply for e-visa before travel

ScenarioIndian passport + valid US visa (B1/B2/H1B/F1 etc.)

Visa on Arrival?Yes

What You NeedPassport + valid US visa (not expired) + UAE arrival

ScenarioIndian passport + US Green Card (permanent resident)

Visa on Arrival?Yes

What You NeedPassport + I-551 Green Card

ScenarioIndian passport + valid UK visa or BRP

Visa on Arrival?Yes

What You NeedPassport + valid UK entry visa or Biometric Residence Permit

ScenarioIndian passport + valid EU Schengen multi-entry visa

Visa on Arrival?Yes

What You NeedMust be multi-entry Schengen; single-entry used does not qualify

ScenarioIndian passport + EU/EEA residence permit

Visa on Arrival?Yes

What You NeedValid EU/EEA residence card or permit

ScenarioIndian passport only (no qualifying visa/residency)

Visa on Arrival?No

What You NeedMust apply for e-visa before travel

Check GDRFA for the official list

The list of qualifying documents for visa on arrival is set by UAE authorities and can change. Always verify at gdrfad.gov.ae before assuming you qualify.

Dubai e-visa options for Indian citizens

Visa Type	Duration	Entries	Indicative Cost	Key Notes
14-day single-entry e-visa	14 days	Single	AED 150–250	Short trips; airline-sponsored; useful for stopovers
30-day single-entry e-visa	30 days	Single	AED 250–400	Most popular; via airline, hotel, or agent
60-day single-entry e-visa	60 days	Single	AED 400–700	Extended tourism or medical visits
90-day single-entry e-visa	90 days	Single	AED 600–1,200	Long stays; some channels require sponsor
30-day multi-entry e-visa	30 days per entry	Multiple	AED 450–750	Good for frequent short trips
5-year multi-entry visit visa	5 years (up to 90 days/visit)	Unlimited	AED 850–1,400	Best value for frequent visitors; via ICP portal

Visa Type14-day single-entry e-visa

Duration14 days

EntriesSingle

Indicative CostAED 150–250

Key NotesShort trips; airline-sponsored; useful for stopovers

Visa Type30-day single-entry e-visa

Duration30 days

EntriesSingle

Indicative CostAED 250–400

Key NotesMost popular; via airline, hotel, or agent

Visa Type60-day single-entry e-visa

Duration60 days

EntriesSingle

Indicative CostAED 400–700

Key NotesExtended tourism or medical visits

Visa Type90-day single-entry e-visa

Duration90 days

EntriesSingle

Indicative CostAED 600–1,200

Key NotesLong stays; some channels require sponsor

Visa Type30-day multi-entry e-visa

Duration30 days per entry

EntriesMultiple

Indicative CostAED 450–750

Key NotesGood for frequent short trips

Visa Type5-year multi-entry visit visa

Duration5 years (up to 90 days/visit)

EntriesUnlimited

Indicative CostAED 850–1,400

Key NotesBest value for frequent visitors; via ICP portal

How to apply for a Dubai visa from India

1
Choose your visa type and duration
Decide whether you need a 14-day, 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day single-entry visa, or a 30/60-day multi-entry, or the 5-year multi-entry. Longer durations cost more but give flexibility. If visiting parents or siblings in UAE, the resident sponsor route is often cheapest.
Time: Day 1
2
Select your application channel
Apply through: (a) airline websites — Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, or Air India act as sponsors; (b) your hotel (some 4/5-star hotels sponsor guest visas); (c) a UAE-based sponsor (family or employer); (d) the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) for the 5-year multi-entry; or (e) a GDRFA-approved travel agent. Agent fees vary — compare before paying.
Time: Day 1
3
Gather your documents
Collect: passport scan (colour, all four corners visible, minimum 6 months validity), recent passport-sized photo (white background, no glasses), return flight ticket or itinerary, hotel booking confirmation or sponsor's Emirates ID copy, and employment letter or pay slip (sometimes required for single applicants).
Time: Days 1–2
4
Submit the online application and pay
Upload documents through your chosen channel's portal. Pay by debit or credit card. Keep the payment confirmation and application reference number. Fees range from approximately AED 250 for a 30-day single to AED 850–1,400 for the 5-year multi-entry.
Time: Day 2
5
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2–5 business days for standard e-visas. Urgent processing (24–48 hours) is available via many agents for an additional fee. You will receive the visa as a PDF by email. Do not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved.
Time: 2–5 business days
6
Download and print your e-visa
Save the PDF. Print a copy and have a digital copy on your phone. The visa number and QR code will be scanned at Dubai immigration. Check the validity dates and permitted entry dates carefully.
Time: Day of travel
7
Present documents at Dubai immigration
At DXB, hand the officer your: Indian passport, printed or digital e-visa, return flight ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer scans the visa and stamps your passport. The entry date is stamped — the visa duration counts from this date.
Time: 5–15 minutes at airport
8
Check eMigrate if travelling for work
Indian citizens taking up employment in the UAE must ensure their passport is ECR (Emigration Check Required) status registered via eMigrate (emigrate.gov.in) before departure. This is separate from the UAE visa. Non-ECR (ECNR) passport holders are exempt. Check your passport booklet for 'Emigration Check Not Required' endorsement.
Time: Before departure

Typical Dubai visa costs for Indian citizens

Dubai visa costs — Indian citizens (indicative, May 2026)
Item	Price
Short Stay
14-day single-entry e-visa Via airline or agent	AED 150–250
30-day single-entry e-visa Most common option	AED 250–400
60-day single-entry e-visa Extended tourism or medical	AED 400–700
90-day single-entry e-visa Long stays; sponsor may be required	AED 600–1,200
Multi-entry
30-day multi-entry e-visa Multiple short trips	AED 450–750
5-year multi-entry visit visa Via ICP portal; best for frequent visitors	AED 850–1,400
Optional
Urgent processing surcharge 24–48 hour turnaround; via agent	AED 100–300
Penalties
Overstay fine (per day) From day after expiry; potential ban	AED 50/day

Fees vary by channel and change periodically

Agent and airline fees include their own service charge on top of government fees. Applying directly via the ICP portal for the 5-year multi-entry typically gives the lowest total cost. Always confirm fees before paying.

Comparing visa options: 30-day single vs 60-day multi vs 5-year

30-day single entry

Pros

Cheapest upfront cost at AED 250–400
Widest availability — via airlines, hotels, and agents
Sufficient for a typical holiday or family visit
Quick approval — 2–5 business days standard
No ties to India employment status required

Cons

Only 30 days — tight for longer family visits
Cannot re-enter without a new visa application
Cannot work or do business in UAE
Overstay fine AED 50/day kicks in fast
New application needed for every trip

60-day multi-entry

Pros

60 days is generous for extended family visits
Multi-entry allows flexibility for side trips
Good for visiting parents in UAE with travel breaks
One visa covers multiple entries in validity period
Less admin vs repeated 30-day applications

Cons

Higher upfront cost than 30-day single
Still no work rights in UAE
Processing slightly longer for multi-entry
Validity period has defined start and end
Sponsors may need to be UAE residents

5-year multi-entry

Pros

5 years of validity — no repeat applications
Unlimited entries, up to 90 days per visit
Best per-trip value for very frequent visitors
Ideal for those exploring UAE residency or property
Apply directly via ICP portal — no sponsor needed

Cons

Highest upfront cost AED 850–1,400
Still no work rights in UAE
Processing takes days to weeks — plan ahead
May affect Indian NRI tax status if stays are long
Not worth it for one-off or rare visits

Dubai Visa for Indian Citizens (2026 Guide)

Dubai visa for Indians: the short answer

Who qualifies for visa on arrival?

Dubai e-visa options for Indian citizens

How to apply for a Dubai visa from India

Choose your visa type and duration

Select your application channel

Gather your documents

Submit the online application and pay

Wait for approval

Download and print your e-visa

Present documents at Dubai immigration

Check eMigrate if travelling for work

Typical Dubai visa costs for Indian citizens

Comparing visa options: 30-day single vs 60-day multi vs 5-year

30-day single entry

Pros

Cons

60-day multi-entry

Pros

Cons

5-year multi-entry

Pros

Cons

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Visas Overview

Moving to Dubai from India

Taxes for Indian NRIs in Dubai

Sponsoring Parents Visa Guide

Dubai 3-Day Itinerary