Dubai visa for Indians: types, cost and visa-on-arrival rules
30 or 60 days, single or multiple entry, and who qualifies for a visa on arrival: the UAE visa explained.
"Visa for Dubai" is one of the most common travel searches in India, and the UAE remains the most-visited international destination for travellers from South India. For family visits, shopping festivals, stopovers and short holidays, the UAE visa is quick to arrange once you know which type you need.
Here is how it works for Indian passport holders, including the visa on arrival rules that were widened in 2025. It reflects the position at the time of writing (October 2026).
Which UAE visa do you need?
| Visa | Best for |
|---|---|
| 30-day tourist visa, single entry | Most holidays and family visits |
| 30-day tourist visa, multiple entry | Trips that include Oman or a cruise, then back to Dubai |
| 60-day tourist visa, single or multiple entry | Longer family visits, parents staying with children |
| Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Frequent visitors who meet the financial criteria |
| Transit visa (48 or 96 hours) | Stopovers, usually arranged through the airline |
| Visa on arrival | Indian nationals with a qualifying visa or residence permit (see below) |
Visa on arrival for Indian passport holders
You can get a visa on arrival in the UAE if you hold a valid visa, green card or residence permit from one of these countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Any European Union country
- Canada, Australia or New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea or Singapore
Your passport must be valid for at least six months. The visa on arrival is offered for 14 days (extendable once by another 14 days) or for 60 days. A fee is payable on arrival or through the immigration authority's online service before you fly. Conditions are set by UAE immigration and can change, so we confirm your eligibility before you travel.
Documents for a tourist visa
- Clear colour scan of your passport's first and last pages, valid for at least six months
- Recent passport photograph, white background
- Confirmed return flight booking
- Hotel booking, or your host's address in the UAE
- For some applicants: a PAN card copy or bank statement
If you are visiting family who live in the UAE, they may be able to sponsor a family visit visa instead. Sponsors need to meet minimum salary rules (AED 4,000 a month for parents, spouse and children). Our UAE offices explain that route.
How long does it take?
Usually two to four working days once your documents are complete, and sometimes faster. Apply at least a week before travel, and two weeks ahead for December, January and Eid, when the Dubai Shopping Festival and holiday travel bring peak demand.
What does it cost?
The price depends on the length of the visa and the number of entries: a 30-day single-entry visa is the cheapest; 60-day and multiple-entry visas cost more. Mandatory medical insurance is included in some visa types. Express processing is available at extra cost. We quote one complete price, including our service, before applying, with no surprises later.
After you arrive
- Validity: you must enter within the visa's validity (usually 58 days from issue). The stay starts on the day you arrive.
- Extensions: some tourist visas can be extended inside the UAE; others can't. Ask before you go if you think you might stay longer.
- Overstay: daily fines apply from the first day. Don't risk it; we can check your status and remind you before expiry.
Common mistakes
- A blurred passport scan or a photograph with shadows, which leads to rejection and delay.
- Name spelled differently on the visa and the flight ticket.
- Booking a 30-day visa for a 35-day stay.
- Assuming a visa on arrival applies when the qualifying visa has expired.
Why book with ATE
We have offices in South India and in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, so help is local at both ends. See UAE visa for Indians, Dubai packages and the Dubai Shopping Festival guide.
Questions, answered
How long does a Dubai visa take for Indians?
Usually two to four working days once documents are complete. Apply at least a week ahead, and two weeks ahead in December, January and around Eid.
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Yes, if you hold a valid visa, green card or residence permit from the US, UK, an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea or Singapore, and your passport has six months' validity.
Is a 30-day or 60-day visa better?
Choose by the length of your stay plus a small buffer. A 30-day visa is cheaper; for longer family visits a 60-day visa avoids an extension.
Can my relatives in the UAE sponsor my visit?
Yes, if they meet the sponsor rules, including a minimum salary of AED 4,000 a month for first-degree relatives. A tourist visa through us is often simpler.
Do I need travel insurance for Dubai?
Medical insurance is included with some UAE visa types, but we recommend separate cover for the whole trip, including flight delays and baggage.
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