Dubai Visa for Indians: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Dubai remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travelers, attracting millions annually for tourism, business, and family visits. The UAE has significantly streamlined visa processes, with expanded visa-on-arrival options and fully digital e-visa applications, making travel more accessible than ever.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian passport holders need to know about obtaining a Dubai visa in 2026, including the latest visa-on-arrival expansion announced in February 2025, updated fees, application procedures, and extension options.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Dubai?

Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Dubai and the UAE. However, the type of visa depends on whether you meet visa-on-arrival eligibility criteria. Most Indian travelers need to obtain a pre-approved e-visa before travel. At the same time, those holding valid visas or residence permits from certain countries can avail themselves of the visa-on-arrival facility.

UAE embassies do not issue entry visas directly. All visas must be arranged through authorized channels: GDRFA (Dubai), ICP (other emirates), airlines, or licensed travel agents.

Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indians

As of February 2025, the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival program for Indian nationals. Eligible Indians can now obtain a 14-day visa upon arrival at UAE airports without prior application.

Eligibility Criteria

Indian passport holders qualify for a visa on arrival if they possess a valid (minimum 6 months’ validity) visa or residence permit from:

• United States (visa or Green Card)
• United Kingdom (residence permit)
• European Union/Schengen countries (residence permit)
• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea

Visa on Arrival Details

Indians who do not meet the visa-on-arrival criteria should apply for a pre-approved tourist visa in advance to avoid airport delays during peak seasons.

Types of Dubai Visas for Indians

Tourist/Visit Visas

• 14-Day Tourist Visa: Single entry, ideal for short trips. Entry validity is 58 days from the issue date.
• 30-Day Tourist Visa (Single Entry): Most popular option. Entry validity is 58 days. Extendable twice for 30 days each.
• 30-Day Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry): Multiple entries within a 58-day validity period. Stay up to 30 days per visit.
• 60-Day Tourist Visa: Extended stay for longer holidays. Single or multiple entry options.
• 90-Day Visit Visa: For extended family visits, business training, or long holidays. Requires additional documentation.
• 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa: A long-term option for frequent travelers. Stay up to 90 days per visit, extendable by 90 days.

Transit Visas

• 48-Hour Transit Visa: For layovers under 2 days. Requires a confirmed onward ticket. Non-extendable.
• 96-Hour Transit Visa: For stopovers up to 4 days. Ideal for a short exploration of Dubai during a layover.

Other Visa Types

• Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, and trade fairs. Requires an invitation from a UAE company.
• Employment Visa: Sponsored by a UAE employer. Leads to a residence visa.
• Student Visa: For enrollment in UAE educational institutions.
• Golden Visa (5/10 years): Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and exceptional students.

Dubai visa fees for Indians in 2026 vary based on visa duration and type, so understanding these costs helps travelers budget effectively.

Visa fees vary based on duration, entry type, and processing channel. Below are approximate costs, including service fees through authorized agents.

GDRFA Official Fees (without agent service charges):

• 30-day tourist visa: AED 200 + 5% VAT
• 60-day tourist visa: AED 300 + 5% VAT
• Visa extension: AED 600 + 5% VAT + AED 520 (Knowledge/Innovation fees if inside UAE)

Documents Required for Dubai Visa

Mandatory Documents (All Visa Types)

• Valid Indian Passport: Minimum 6 months validity from travel date. Machine-readable, undamaged.
• Passport Scan: Clear color copy of the first page (photo/biodata page), last page, and passport cover page.
• Passport Photo: Recent color photo, white background, 4.3cm x 5.5cm, 80% face visible, no glasses.
• Confirmed Flight Tickets: Round-trip booking showing entry and exit dates.
• Hotel Booking: Confirmed reservation showing all traveler names.

Additional Documents (Case-Specific)

• For staying with the host: Host’s Emirates ID copy, passport copy, Ejari certificate (tenancy contract), and invitation letter.
• For 90-Day Visa: Covering letter stating purpose, duration, host details, and self-guarantee of exit. Two local contact details with address proof.
• For Business Visa: Invitation letter from a UAE company, company registration, and company covering letter.
• For Minors: Birth certificate. Must travel with a parent whose name is on the visa application. Unaccompanied Minor service is required if traveling alone.
• Financial Proof (if requested): Bank statements for the last 6 months, salary slips, and ITR.

Photo Specifications

• Size: 4.3cm x 5.5cm (passport size)
• Background: Pure white
• Face visibility: 80% of the frame
• Expression: Neutral, both eyes visible
• No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except religious)
• File format: JPEG/PDF, high resolution

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from India

Application Channels

1. GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae): Official portal for Dubai-issued visas. Requires UAE Pass registration.
2. ICP Smart Services (icp.gov.ae): Federal portal for Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
3. Airlines: Emirates, Air India, Etihad, Air Arabia, and IndiGo offer visa services when booking flights.
4. VFS Global: Authorized visa application center with offices across India.
5. Authorized Travel Agents: Licensed agencies like MakeMyTrip, Akbar Travels, and Musafir process visas with added convenience.

Step-by-Step Application Process

6. Select Visa Type: Choose duration (14/30/60/90 days) and entry type (single/multiple) based on travel plans.
7. Gather Documents: Prepare passport scans, photo, flight booking, and hotel confirmation.
8. Fill Application Form: Enter personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information accurately.
9. Upload Documents: Submit high-quality scans in PDF/JPEG format.
10. Pay Visa Fees: Complete payment via credit/debit card or net banking.
11. Track Application: Monitor status via the reference number on the portal.
12. Receive e-Visa: The approved visa is sent to the registered email as a PDF. Print for travel.

Processing Time

Note: Processing times exclude weekends (Saturday, Sunday) and UAE public holidays. Applications with incomplete documentation may be delayed.

Dubai Visa Extension for Indians

Tourist visas can be extended from within the UAE without exiting the country. Extensions must be applied for before the current visa expires.

Extension Rules

• 30-day tourist visa: Extendable twice (30 days each), total stay up to 90 days
• 60-day tourist visa: Extendable once for 30 days
• 90-day visit visa: Extendable twice (30+20 days), total stay up to 140 days
• Maximum total stay: 180 days in a calendar year
• Visa on arrival (14-day): One-time 14-day extension only (AED 250)

Extension Fees

• GDRFA official fee: AED 600 + 5% VAT
• Additional fees if inside UAE: Knowledge Dirham (AED 10) + Innovation Dirham (AED 10) + Inside Country Fee (AED 500)
• Total cost through agents: AED 850-1,000 (₹18,700-22,000)
• Late extension (on the last day): Additional AED 100 fine

How to Apply for Extension

13. Online via GDRFA: Login to gdrfad.gov.ae > Select ‘Extend Tourist Visa’ > Enter visa details > Upload documents > Pay fees
14. Through Travel Agent: Contact the same agent who issued the original visa
15. At Amer Center: Visit the authorized typing center with a passport and a current visa

Common Reasons for Dubai Visa Rejection

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing passport pages, unclear photo, no hotel booking
• Passport Issues: Less than 6 months’ validity, damaged passport, handwritten passport
• Photo Non-Compliance: Wrong background color, glasses in photo, insufficient face visibility
• Data Errors: Typos in name, incorrect passport number, mismatched dates
• Previous Violations: History of overstay, absconding cases, and unpaid fines in the UAE
• Unused Previous Visa: Previously issued UAE visa not used
• Single Name on Passport: Passports with only one name (no surname) may face issues on tourist visas
• Security Concerns: Background check issues

Overstay Penalties

• Daily Fine: AED 50 per day for all visa types (standardized since October 2022)
• Exit Permit Fee: AED 250-300 when departing with an expired visa
• Grace Period: 10 days for a 30-day visa on arrival; no grace period for pre-approved tourist visas
• Consequences: Travel ban, potential blocklisting, difficulty with future visa applications
• Payment: Must clear all fines before exiting the UAE. Pay at the Amer centers or the airport immigration.

Tips for Indian Travelers

16. Apply Early: Apply 2-3 weeks before travel, 4-6 weeks during peak season (October-March).
17. Book Refundable Flights: Wait for visa approval before booking non-refundable tickets.
18. Check OK to Board: If the passport has an ‘ECR’ (Emigration Check Required) stamp, apply for OK to Board through the airline 72 hours before departure.
19. Health Insurance: Mandatory for travelers to Dubai. Purchase travel insurance before departure.
20. Keep Digital + Print Copies: Save the e-visa on your phone and carry a printed copy.
21. Track Visa Expiry: Set reminders. Entry validity (58 days) differs from stay validity (30/60/90 days).
22. Use Official Channels: Apply only through GDRFA, ICP, or licensed agents. Avoid unknown third parties.
23. Currency Exchange: Use UAE-approved exchangers. 1 AED ≈ ₹22 (verify current rate).

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources

GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)

https://gdrfad.gov.ae

ICP – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security

https://icp.gov.ae

UAE Government Official Portal

https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id

VFS Global UAE Visa Services

https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/uae/india/english/index.html

UAE Embassy – Visas for Non-US Citizens

https://www.uae-embassy.org/visas-for-non-us-citizens