Planning a trip to Dubai? Good news! The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made it much easier for Indian citizens to get a visa on arrival. With a new update to its immigration policy, more Indian travelers can now visit Dubai without going through a lengthy visa process beforehand.
What’s Changed?
Starting February 13, 2025, Indian citizens holding a valid visa, residence permit, or green card from six additional countries are now eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE. These countries include:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
Until now, only those with valid visas or residence permits from the USA, UK, or European Union were eligible for a UAE visa on arrival. With this policy change, the list has expanded to include more global destinations, making travel to Dubai more accessible for a larger number of Indians.
Why This Change?
The new initiative, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), is aimed at boosting tourism, attracting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub.
Who’s Eligible?
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the UAE if they:
- Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Have a valid visa, residence permit, or green card from any of the 9 qualifying countries (now including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea).
- Their foreign visa or residence permit is also valid for at least 6 months.
Visa Fees & Duration
Here’s how much you’ll need to pay depending on your stay:
- 14-day entry visa: AED 100
- 14-day extension: AED 250
- 60-day visa: AED 250
These fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with official UAE immigration websites or your airline before traveling.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
This policy change is a major win for Indian tourists, professionals, and frequent flyers. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a business trip, or an extended stay in Dubai, the visa process is now smoother and more flexible — provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
So if you’re holding a valid visa from one of the listed countries, Dubai is now just a flight away – no embassy visit required!
