UAE Visa FAQs for Indians: 25 Questions Answered

The UAE has several parallel routes, which is why the questions pile up. We have answered the 25 most common below, grouped into five themes, using VFS Global, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), GDRFA Dubai, MOHRE and u.ae. All facts are as published on the official sources, checked on 2026-10-15. For the overview, see our UAE visa guide for Indians.

Do Indians need a visa, or can they get one on arrival?

Do Indian citizens need a visa for the UAE?

Yes. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' visa list marks the Republic of India 'Visa Required'. Indian ordinary passport holders must arrange a visa before travel unless they qualify for a visa on arrival.

Who qualifies for the visa on arrival?

Indian ordinary-passport holders with a valid US visa or Green Card, a UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand. They get a 14-day visa at any UAE entry point for AED 100.

Can the visa on arrival be extended?

Yes, once, for another 14 days. GDRFA Dubai lists the extension fee as AED 250 plus 5% VAT and AED 20 (Knowledge and Innovation Dirham).

What is the 60-day visa for eligible Indians?

The same group can apply online with ICP for a 60-day visa costing AED 250 plus an AED 100 smart service fee. It is single entry, cannot be extended, must be used within 30 days of issue and takes 2 days to complete.

Can the UAE Embassy in New Delhi issue my tourist visa?

No. UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. Tourist visas are arranged by UAE airlines, hotels or licensed travel agents, or applied for online with ICP or GDRFA Dubai.

How does the VFS route for Emirates passengers work?

Who can apply for a UAE visa through VFS?

Travellers flying Emirates. VFS Global in India handles Dubai visas for Emirates passengers, and the visa category is chosen from your Emirates ticket itinerary.

What does each VFS visa cost?

Fees include service charge and tax:

Which eligibility criterion must I meet?

One of three. Criteria I: travel at least once in the last 3 years, or a valid visa, for the USA, UK, Schengen, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada or Japan. Criteria II: Form 16 or ITR for the last 2 years with gross income above INR 2 lakhs a year, or INR 5 lakhs or more in bank or post office FDs (in some cases a USD 1000 refundable deposit). Criteria III: an invitation from an immediate family member living in the UAE.

What documents go with the form?

The offline application form, a confirmed return or onward Emirates ticket with your name and UAE dates highlighted, a 2 x 2 inch photo on white, colour passport copies valid for 6 months, and a confirmed hotel voucher matching the flight dates (maximum two hotel bookings).

Can students or minors travel alone on this route?

No. Emirates cannot sponsor unaccompanied minors or students; they are considered only when travelling with their parents.

Where are the VFS UAE centres?

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune. Thiruvananthapuram is temporarily closed. Book an appointment before you go.

How long does it take, and what if plans change?

How long does a VFS UAE visa take?

5-6 working days from submission, excluding Saturday, Sunday and UAE holidays. Express processing, available for the transit and the 30-day and 60-day tourist visas, is completed within 48 hours.

How soon must I travel after the visa is issued?

Tourist and multi-entry visas are valid for 58 days from issue. The 48-hour transit visa is valid for 30 days from issue.

Is the visa fee refunded if I cancel?

No. VFS states the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, and a cancellation charge of INR 3465 per visa applies.

Can I extend a tourist visa inside the UAE?

Yes, by 30 days at AED 850 each time, at Emirates Commercial Visa Services in DXB Terminal 3. A 30-day visa can be extended three times; 60-day and multi-entry visas twice.

What is the fine for overstaying?

ICP's June 2026 announcement on the 14-day and 60-day visas sets an overstay fine of AED 50 per day.

Which visas suit longer stays, jobs and study?

Is there a 5-year UAE tourist visa?

Yes. GDRFA Dubai's self-sponsored multiple-entry visa costs AED 3,713 in total, including an AED 3,000 guarantee. You need a USD 4,000 bank balance over 6 months, UAE health insurance and an onward ticket.

Can I enter the UAE to look for a job?

Yes, on a job seeker visit visa of 60, 90 or 120 days (AED 200, 300 or 400 plus 5% VAT), with a refundable AED 1,000 security amount. You need a bachelor's degree and MOHRE skill level 1, 2 or 3, or a degree from a world top-500 university within the last 2 years.

How does a standard UAE work visa work?

Your employer, registered with MOHRE, applies for the work permit and entry permit. You enter within 60 days, then complete the medical test, Emirates ID and residence visa. The visa is valid for two years. The employer pays the MOHRE permit, AED 250 to AED 3,450.

How fast can an employer get my permit?

Through MOHRE's Work Bundle, about 5 working days (down from 30), with 5 steps and 2 in-person visits.

What are the Green and Golden visas?

The Green visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence; skilled workers need a bachelor's degree and AED 15,000 monthly salary. The Golden visa runs 10 years (per ICP); skilled professionals need at least AED 30,000 a month, and investors at least AED 2,000,000.

How do Indian students get a UAE visa?

Your accredited university applies for the study entry permit through ICP (GDRFA in Dubai), at AED 100 application, AED 100 issuance and AED 100 smart service. You need valid health insurance, and you may stay 180 days after completing your studies.

What about family sponsors and GCC residents?

Can a relative in the UAE sponsor my visit?

Yes. Since September 2025, ICP sets minimum sponsor incomes of AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second or third-degree relatives and AED 15,000 for friends.

I live in a GCC country. Which visa do I need?

The GCC-resident eVisa, applied for online with ICP or GDRFA Dubai before arrival. It is valid 30 days for a 30-day stay, extendable once. Your GCC residency must be valid at least 1 year, your passport at least 6 months, and your profession on the approved list.

Flying to Dubai on a visa file? Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files, with packages from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for a UAE tourist visa through VFS?

No. Travel insurance is not listed among the mandatory documents on the VFS UAE checklist. Longer-stay visas are different: student and work entry permits require valid health insurance.

Are UAE visa fees published in Indian rupees?

Only on the VFS route for Emirates passengers, where fees such as INR 7735 for a 30-day tourist visa include service charge and tax. ICP and GDRFA Dubai publish their fees in AED only.

What photo is needed for a UAE visa?

A recent coloured photo, 2 x 2 inches, on a plain white shadow-free background, front-facing with a neutral expression. Polaroid photos and ordinary printer prints are not accepted.

Do newly married couples need extra documents for a UAE visa?

Yes. VFS asks for a marriage certificate or notarised affidavit. If you travel immediately after the wedding, add a parents' NOC with photo ID, the wedding card and a photograph.