Is UAE Visa-Free for Indians in 2026?

Because of that exception, the full answer has two parts. This Q&A sets out who qualifies and how everyone else applies, as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026, using the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), GDRFA Dubai, the u.ae portal and VFS Global India. For every visa type and fee, see our UAE visa guide for Indians.

Can Indians enter the UAE without a visa?

No. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa information list marks the Republic of India as "Visa Required". There is no visa-free entry for Indian ordinary passport holders. Note also that UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas: the Embassy in New Delhi is not where a holidaymaker applies.

Who qualifies for the UAE visa on arrival?

Indian ordinary passport holders qualify if they hold one of these, according to the UAE Embassy in New Delhi and GDRFA Dubai:

• a valid US visa or US Green Card;
• a UK or EU visa or residence permit;
• a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand (added from 13 February 2025).

Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and GDRFA Dubai asks for the qualifying visa or permit to be valid for at least 6 months as well. Eligible travellers have three options:

ICP sets an overstay fine of AED 50 per day for these visas, so track your exit date carefully.

How do other Indians get a UAE tourist visa?

If you do not hold a qualifying visa or permit, you need a tourist visa before you fly. The u.ae portal says these are arranged by UAE airlines, hotels or licensed travel agents, or applied for online with ICP or GDRFA Dubai. If you fly Emirates, VFS Global in India handles Dubai visas, with fees that include service charge and tax:

Normal VFS processing is 5-6 working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and UAE holidays; express is within 48 hours. To use this route you must qualify under one criterion: travel abroad at least once in the last 3 years or a valid visa for a listed country, income above INR 2 lakhs a year on Form 16 or ITR for 2 years (or INR 5 lakhs in FDs), or an invitation from an immediate family member living in the UAE. VFS centres operate in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune; Thiruvananthapuram is temporarily closed.

Is there a UAE e-visa that any Indian can apply for?

Yes, one. Any Indian can apply online with ICP or GDRFA Dubai for the self-sponsored multiple-entry 5-year tourist visa. It needs a bank balance of USD 4,000 over 6 months, UAE health insurance and an onward ticket. GDRFA Dubai lists the total at AED 3,713, made up of an AED 100 application fee, AED 500 issuance fee, a AED 3,000 guarantee and smaller service fees; the total may vary.

Indians who live in a GCC country have a separate eVisa, applied for online before arrival: valid 30 days from issue for a 30-day stay, extendable once. Your GCC residency must be valid for at least 1 year, your passport for at least 6 months, and your profession must be on the approved list.

What changed for Indian travellers in 2025 and 2026?

• 13 February 2025: visa on arrival extended to Indians with residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore, in addition to US, UK and EU visa or residence holders (UAE Embassy New Delhi).
• 29 September 2025: ICP added four visit visa categories and set minimum sponsor incomes for relative and friend visits: AED 4,000 a month for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives and AED 15,000 for friends.
• 25 June 2026: ICP opened the 14-day and 60-day entry visa to more nationalities. India had previously been the only eligible nationality; the published fees are AED 100 for 14 days and AED 250 for 60 days.

Can you work or look for a job on a UAE visit visa?

You cannot work on a visit visa. Under Article 6 of the UAE Labour Law, working without a MOHRE work permit is illegal, and the employer, not the worker, applies for it.

Job hunting is different. The job seeker visit visa lets you look for work without a UAE sponsor for 60, 90 or 120 days. GDRFA Dubai charges AED 200, AED 300 or AED 400 plus 5% VAT, with a refundable AED 1,000 security amount. You need a bachelor's degree or equivalent and MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3, or a degree from a world top-500 university within the last 2 years.

Before you fly: three checks

• If you rely on visa on arrival, confirm your US, UK, EU or other qualifying document is current, and GDRFA asks for 6 months' validity.
• If you use VFS, carry a confirmed Emirates ticket and a hotel voucher whose dates match your flights.
• Fees are non-refundable, so choose the visa length that matches your trip before paying.

For your hotel booking, itinerary or cover letter, Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares visa-file paperwork with packages from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend the UAE visa on arrival?

Yes, once. The 14-day visa on arrival for eligible Indians can be extended for another 14 days. GDRFA Dubai lists the extension fee as AED 250 plus 5% VAT and AED 20.

How much is a UAE transit visa for Indians?

Through VFS Global for Emirates passengers, a 48-hour transit visa costs INR 1085 (express INR 3225) and a 96-hour transit visa INR 4305 (express INR 6440). You need a valid visa for your onward destination and a confirmed hotel booking.

Is travel insurance needed for a regular UAE tourist visa?

It is not listed among the mandatory documents for the VFS tourist visa route. The self-sponsored 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa does require UAE health insurance.

Can my children get the UAE visa on arrival with me?

The visa on arrival is for Indian ordinary-passport holders who themselves hold a qualifying visa or residence permit. A child without a qualifying document needs a visa arranged before travel; through the VFS route, Emirates considers minors only when travelling with their parents.