How Indian passport holders get a visa for UAE (Dubai): visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: eVisa — pre-arranged before travel
- Government fee: From about AED 250 (varies by visa duration & type). Visa on arrival for the special category below is AED 253. Airline / VFS service fees are extra — confirm exact pricing on the official portal.
- Processing time: Pre-arranged eVisa: usually 3–5 working days. Visa on arrival (eligible category): up to 48 hours
- Maximum stay: eVisa: 30 or 60 days depending on type. Visa on arrival category: 14 days, extendable once by 14 days
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 70/100
Documents you'll need
- Indian passport valid at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Confirmed return / onward ticket
- For visa on arrival only: valid US visa / US green card OR UK / EU residence permit (6+ months validity)
How & where to apply
Most Indian passport holders need a pre-arranged eVisa — apply through GDRFA, ICP, your UAE airline (Emirates / Etihad), or VFS Global. Indians holding a valid US visa / US green card or a UK / EU residence permit may instead be eligible for a visa on arrival. GDRFA Dubai eVisa portal (official)
Transit & connections
No transit visa needed if you stay inside the international transit zone. A UAE transit visa is only needed if you leave the airport.
Good to know
Apply only through GDRFA, ICP, your airline or VFS Global. Exact eVisa fee tiers vary — check the official portal. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/tourist-visa
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for UAE (Dubai)?
eVisa — pre-arranged before travel. Apply only through GDRFA, ICP, your airline or VFS Global. Exact eVisa fee tiers vary — check the official portal.
What documents do Indians need for a UAE (Dubai) visa?
Indian passport valid at least 6 months; Passport-size photo (white background); Confirmed return / onward ticket; For visa on arrival only: valid US visa / US green card OR UK / EU residence permit (6+ months validity)
How long does a UAE (Dubai) visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Pre-arranged eVisa: usually 3–5 working days. Visa on arrival (eligible category): up to 48 hours. Government fee: From about AED 250 (varies by visa duration & type). Visa on arrival for the special category below is AED 253. Airline / VFS service fees are extra — confirm exact pricing on the official portal.. Maximum stay: eVisa: 30 or 60 days depending on type. Visa on arrival category: 14 days, extendable once by 14 days.
How do Indians apply for a UAE (Dubai) visa?
Most Indian passport holders need a pre-arranged eVisa — apply through GDRFA, ICP, your UAE airline (Emirates / Etihad), or VFS Global. Indians holding a valid US visa / US green card or a UK / EU residence permit may instead be eligible for a visa on arrival. Official source: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/tourist-visa