Dubai visa options for Indian passport holders
Indian passport holders require an entry visa to visit Dubai, and they have three practical routes in 2026. The first route is a 30-day visa on arrival, which is granted at Dubai International Airport to eligible travellers for approximately AED 100 (USD 27). The second route is a 90-day visa for longer stays, useful for family visits and extended holidays. The third route is an e-visa applied for in advance through the federal portal icp.gov.ae, with processing that typically takes 3–5 days. Indian nationals who hold valid US, UK or EU residence may qualify for the on-arrival facility without a pre-arranged visa. For a wider comparison across passports, read our guide that explains UAE visa rules by nationality.
The right choice depends on the residence an Indian traveller already holds and on how far ahead the trip is planned. A traveller with a valid US, UK or EU residence can rely on the on-arrival counter and avoid paperwork before the flight. A traveller without such residence must apply for the e-visa in advance and should not assume an on-arrival stamp will be available. The 90-day visa is the practical choice for those visiting family or combining Dubai with travel to other emirates, while the 30-day visa covers a standard holiday. Each visa is single-entry by default unless a multiple-entry option is selected and paid for during the application [VERIFY].
| Visa required | Yes, for ordinary Indian passport holders |
|---|---|
| On-arrival fee | From AED 100 (USD 27) [VERIFY] |
| Standard validity | 30 days (90-day option available) |
| e-visa processing | ~3–5 working days |
| Official portal | icp.gov.ae |
| Passport validity needed | At least 6 months [VERIFY] |
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Chat with a visa advisorDubai visa on arrival for Indians
The Dubai visa on arrival lets eligible Indian travellers obtain entry permission directly at the airport immigration counter. This facility applies to Indian passport holders who also hold a valid residence permit or entry visa for the United States, the United Kingdom or a European Union member state. The on-arrival visa grants a 30-day stay and carries a fee of approximately AED 100 (USD 27) [VERIFY]. Travellers who do not hold one of those qualifying residences should instead apply for an e-visa before departure. You can confirm your personal eligibility quickly using our tool that checks Dubai visa eligibility instantly.
Who qualifies for visa on arrival
- Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or US Green Card.
- Indian passport holders with a valid UK or EU residence permit.
- Travellers whose qualifying residence remains valid for the full Dubai stay.
The on-arrival visa is stamped at the immigration desk after the officer inspects the qualifying residence document and the Indian passport together. The 30-day count begins on the day of entry, not on the day of approval, and the visa cannot be extended at the same counter. Indian travellers who arrive without a qualifying residence and without a pre-approved e-visa risk being refused boarding by the airline, because carriers verify visa status before issuing a boarding pass. For this reason, travellers who are unsure of their status should secure an e-visa rather than rely on the on-arrival route.
Documents to carry for the on-arrival counter
- The Indian passport, valid for at least 6 months from entry [VERIFY].
- The original qualifying US, UK or EU residence document.
- A confirmed onward or return ticket.
- Proof of accommodation for the stay in Dubai.
Dubai e-visa for Indians: how to apply
The Dubai e-visa suits Indian travellers who do not qualify for the on-arrival route. Applicants submit the e-visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security portal at icp.gov.ae, or through an approved airline or hotel sponsor. The portal asks for a passport scan, a passport-style photograph and confirmed travel dates. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days, so applicants should apply at least one week before the planned departure. The e-visa is issued as either a 30-day or a 90-day tourist visa depending on the option selected and the fee paid.
Many Indian travellers apply through their airline or hotel as the sponsor, because that channel handles the submission and tracks the approval on their behalf. Booking a flight with a UAE carrier often makes this sponsorship straightforward. Whichever channel is used, the e-visa remains an electronic document linked to the passport number, so there is no physical sticker to collect. The approval email is the proof of visa, and it should be saved offline in case airport wifi is unreliable. Families travelling together should submit a separate application for each member, including children, since each traveller needs an individual visa tied to their own passport.
Documents Indian applicants need
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry [VERIFY].
- A recent colour photograph against a plain background.
- A confirmed return flight ticket.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking.
Step-by-step e-visa application
- Choose the visa: select the 30-day or 90-day tourist visa on icp.gov.ae or through your airline or hotel sponsor.
- Upload documents: attach the passport scan and photograph in the formats the portal specifies.
- Pay the fee: settle the visa charge by card; keep the payment receipt.
- Wait for approval: processing usually takes 3–5 working days, after which the e-visa arrives by email.
- Print and travel: carry a printed copy of the e-visa alongside the passport at check-in and immigration.
Indian applicants should check every detail on the approved e-visa against the passport, because a mismatch in the name spelling or passport number can cause a refusal at the airport. If a correction is needed, the applicant must contact the issuing channel before travel rather than at the airport.
Common reasons a Dubai visa is rejected
- A passport with less than 6 months of validity remaining [VERIFY].
- A blurred or non-compliant photograph.
- A name spelling on the application that does not match the passport.
- A previous overstay or immigration record flagged in the system.
Dubai visa cost for Indians (2026)
Dubai visa cost for Indian travellers depends on the visa type and validity. The figures below summarise the published price bands; treat each amount marked [VERIFY] as indicative until confirmed on icp.gov.ae, because government fees and service charges change without long notice.
| Visa type | Stay | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | 30 days | From AED 100 (USD 27) [VERIFY] |
| Tourist e-visa (short) | 30 days | AED 350 (USD 95) [VERIFY] |
| Tourist e-visa (long) | 90 days | AED 800 (USD 218) [VERIFY] |
The on-arrival fee is paid in Emirati dirhams at the airport, while e-visa fees are charged online during the application. Indian travellers should budget a little above the indicative figure to cover service charges that approved channels and travel agents add to the government fee. Once your Dubai visa is approved, you can plan the rest of the trip with our Dubai travel guide written for Indian visitors. If you are travelling to other emirates as well, also see how the rules apply across the country in our resource that covers the UAE visa process for Indian citizens.
Visa validity, extensions and overstay rules
Dubai tourist visas for Indian travellers are valid for either 30 days or 90 days from the date of entry, depending on the visa type chosen. The validity is the maximum permitted stay, and the immigration system records the entry date automatically. Indian visitors who wish to remain longer than the granted period can apply for an in-country extension before the visa expires, usually for a further 30 days, subject to an additional fee [VERIFY]. Travellers who stay beyond the visa expiry without an extension incur a daily overstay fine, so it is sensible to plan the departure date a day or two ahead of expiry. Keeping a printed copy of the visa and the entry stamp makes it easier to confirm the exact expiry date. Indian travellers should also note that the extension is granted at the discretion of the immigration authority and is not guaranteed, so anyone needing a longer stay should weigh applying for the 90-day visa from the outset rather than relying on an extension later.
Tips for a smooth Dubai entry
- Apply for the e-visa at least one week before departure to absorb processing time.
- Match every detail on the application to the passport exactly.
- Carry both digital and printed copies of the visa approval.
- Confirm your passport has at least 6 months of validity and a blank page [VERIFY].
- Keep proof of return flights and accommodation accessible at immigration.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Dubai in 2026?
Yes. Ordinary Indian passport holders need an entry visa for Dubai in 2026. Eligible travellers can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival, while others apply for a 30-day or 90-day e-visa through icp.gov.ae before departure.
How much does a Dubai visa cost for Indians?
A Dubai visa on arrival costs from approximately AED 100 (USD 27) for a 30-day stay [VERIFY]. Tourist e-visas are priced higher and vary by validity, so confirm the current fee on icp.gov.ae before paying.
Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Indian passport holders can get a Dubai visa on arrival only if they also hold a valid US visa or Green Card, or a valid UK or EU residence permit. Indian travellers without one of those qualifying residences must apply for an e-visa in advance.
How long does the Dubai e-visa take to process for Indians?
The Dubai e-visa for Indian applicants typically takes 3–5 working days to process. Travellers should apply at least one week before departure to allow for processing and possible verification.
How long can Indians stay in Dubai on a tourist visa?
Indian tourists can stay in Dubai for 30 days on the standard tourist visa, or 90 days if they apply for the long-stay option. The permitted duration is printed on the visa or e-visa approval.
Where do Indians apply for a Dubai e-visa?
Indian travellers apply for a Dubai e-visa through the official portal icp.gov.ae, or through an approved airline or hotel sponsor. The application needs a passport scan, a photograph and confirmed travel dates.
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