UAE visa on arrival for Indians: Who is eligible and what documents do you need?

Holding an Indian passport alone does not automatically entitle a traveller to a UAE visa on arrival. The facility is available only to Indian nationals who also possess a valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from specified countries.

The UAE expanded the programme on February 13, 2025, allowing more Indian passport holders living abroad to benefit from visa-on-arrival access.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, travellers must have:

• An ordinary Indian passport valid for at least six months, and
• A valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from an approved country.

Previously, the facility covered Indian passport holders with valid documents from:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Any European Union member state

Since February 2025, eligibility has been expanded to include Indian nationals holding valid residence permits from:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Singapore

The revised rules apply at all UAE ports of entry.

Required documents

Eligible travellers should carry:

• An Indian passport valid for at least six months
• A valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from an approved country
• Any additional travel documents required by UAE immigration authorities

Airlines and immigration officials may verify these documents before boarding or upon arrival.

Duration of stay

Eligible Indian travellers are generally issued a 14-day visa on arrival, which can usually be extended once for another 14 days, subject to applicable immigration rules and fees.

Travellers are advised to check the latest visa conditions and charges with UAE immigration authorities or their airline before departure.

Who does not qualify?

Living abroad alone does not make an Indian passport holder eligible. Those residing in countries outside the approved list must generally obtain a UAE visa before travelling.

The expanded policy benefits a larger number of Indian travellers—particularly those based in Canada, Australia and several Asian countries—but the key requirement remains unchanged: an Indian passport by itself is not enough to obtain a UAE visa on arrival.