UAE Visa On-Arrival for Indians – Complete Guide

Web Desk — Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-on-arrival access to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), making travel to Dubai and other UAE destinations more convenient. This benefit applies to those holding tourist visas or residence permits from the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), or European Union (EU).

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals
Indian citizens, including their family members, holding ordinary passports are eligible for the UAE visa on arrival if they meet the following conditions:

• Valid Tourist Visa, Residence Permit, or Green Card from the US
• Valid Tourist Visa or Residence Permit from any EU country or the UK

Note: Your passport, visa, and permit must be valid for at least six months upon arrival.

Recent Updates (2024)
In a recent development, the UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian nationals to include those holding valid tourist visas from the US, UK, or EU. Since 2017, Indian citizens with US Green Cards or EU/UK residence permits have been eligible for this easy entry option, and now, even tourists can take advantage of it.

How Long Can You Stay in the UAE with a Visa on Arrival?

The UAE offers two types of visa-on-arrival options for Indian nationals:

1. 14-Day Visa on Arrival
   1. Extendable for another 14 days (additional fees apply).
   1. Must hold a valid US, UK, or EU visa with at least 6 months passport validity.
   1. Cost: Dh100 for entry; Dh250 for extension.
2. 60-Day Visa on Arrival
   1. Non-extendable. Ideal for those planning longer stays.
   1. Cost: Dh250.

How to Apply for UAE Visa on Arrival

Applying for a UAE visa-on-arrival is easy and can be done online in advance through various platforms. Here are your options:

1. General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai
   Those arriving in Dubai should visit gdrfad.gov.ae.
2. Emirates Pre-Approved Visa
   Passengers flying with Emirates can apply for a pre-approved visa through the airline’s website.
3. ICP Website
   Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae for visa services.
4. Travel Agency
   Alternatively, you can apply through a travel agency offering visa-on-arrival services.

Documents Required

To successfully apply for a UAE visa-on-arrival, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Indian Passport (at least 6 months validity, including bio-data and address pages).
• Recent Passport Photo (white background).
• Valid Tourist Visa or Residence Permit from the US, UK, or EU.

How to Apply via GDRFA Dubai

Follow these steps to apply through the GDRFA Dubai website:

1. Visit gdrfad.gov.ae and click Login. Select Register with Email to create an account.
2. Complete the registration form with your details, then enter the OTP sent to your email.
3. Log in to your account, click on New Application, and select New Visit Entry Permit – Indian.
4. Fill out the necessary details (passport info, visa, etc.) and upload the required documents.
5. Submit the application and payment. You’ll receive your visa within 48 hours via email.

How to Apply via ICP

For ICP applications, follow these steps:

1. Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and click Public Visa Services.
2. Select Issue Entry Permit for Holders of Special Visas and click Start Service.
3. Complete the application with your details, passport number, and visa information.
4. Provide your UAE address (hotel or residential) and upload the required documents.
5. Submit the application. You’ll receive the visa within 48 hours via email.

Emirates Pre-Approved Visa for Passengers

Flying with Emirates? You can take advantage of their pre-approved visa-on-arrival service. This allows you to bypass immigration queues in Dubai. Apply through the ‘Manage Your Booking’ section on emirates.com to access the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC).

Visa-on-Arrival Costs Breakdown:

• 14-Day Entry Visa: Dh100
• 14-Day Extension: Dh250
• 60-Day Visa (Non-Extendable): Dh250

Conclusion
With these simple steps and eligibility criteria, Indian nationals can now easily visit the UAE for business, tourism, or family visits. Don’t forget to check the validity of the passport and visa status to ensure smooth entry into the UAE.

(Courtesy: Gulf News)