Visas are a necessary requirement for any travel plans to Dubai. But, as an Indian it’s not that much easy to get a visa for Dubai. We kept getting asked for a Dubai Visa No Objection Certificate (NOC) from our employers. This made us feel really sad as this means we have lost our passports and the whole purpose of going on Holiday.The Indian passport is one of the strongest passports in the world which automatically gives you visa-free travel to 116 countries and counting. Not only just India, but Dubai also has a great feeling towards Indians which makes this opportunity even more special. But, there are only a few cities in the world where Indians don’t need to get their visa and Dubai is the closest to India, making it a prime option.
If you are travelling to Dubai and you are an Indian citizen then its one of the good news for you. If your are residing in India, then from January 2017 It has been announced that Emirati passport holders will be able to secure a visa on arrival at all airports in India.
Free Dubai Visa For Indian
Visa-free entry
Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa or permit or to be sponsored by a national or resident in the UAE. They need to produce their GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry into the UAE.
Visa on arrival
30-day visa on arrival
Citizens of these countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period for extension.
90-day visa on arrival
Citizens of these countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days:
Indian citizens
Indian citizens holding a normal passport and either
- a visit visa issued by the USA or
- a green card issued by the USA or
- a residence visa issued by the UK or
- a residence visa issued by the EU
can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.
Read about the UAE visa requirements for non-US citizens.
Note: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. Lists of countries eligible for visa on arrival may vary from time to time; therefore, please check with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling to the UAE.
Related links
Visa on arrival– General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
For more information, please contact:
- The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Pre-arranged entry permits
Anyone who does not have the privilege of getting a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival will require an entry permit prior to arrival into the UAE and someone to sponsor it.
What type of entry permit you need?
The entry permit you need depends on the purpose of your visit. It could be for:
- tourism
- visit
- transit
- work.
Requirements for an entry permit
These are the requirements for an entry permit:
- You need a sponsor to apply for your entry permit. The sponsor could be:
- an Emirati citizen
- an expatriate resident with valid residency permit in the UAE
- a UAE-based airline
- a UAE-based hotel or tour agent
- a government entity
- companies in the private sector or free zones.
2. Prospective visitors seeking entry permits are required to have a genuine passport, valid for at least six months.
3. A visa ban prohibits a person from entering the country or taking up a new job. Prospective visitors must not have been deported or be banned from entering the UAE in which case, he needs to obtain special permission to re-enter.
Learn about types of visas and entry permits to the UAE.
Entry permit and visa policies
The visa and permit system works according to rules and regulations set by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICA) and its affiliated Directorates of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in each emirate.
Before you apply for a visa or an entry permit, check if you are eligible for a visa-free entry or to receive a visa on arrival or you need an eVisa prior to travel or an entry permit pre-arranged by a sponsor based in the UAE.
Disclaimer:
The visa rules are subject to change. The details on this page are just an overview of the general requirements for visas. You are advised to check with the UAE embassies and consulates abroad and/or contact the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security– ICA.
Validity of entry permits
The validity of entry permits and the time frame within which the visitor should enter the country depends on the type of permit issued. The validity permit for visit visas, tourist visas and/or employment visas is 60 days from the issue date. However, the validity of entry permits for GCC residents is 30 days from the issue date.
96-hours transit visas are valid only for 14 days from the issuance day. Different validity duration applies for multiple entry visas and temporary work permits.
Check your visa validity on eChannels platform of the ICA or on the website of Dubai GDRFA.
Illegal to work on a visit or tourist visa
Visitors and tourists should be aware that it is illegal to work in the UAE with or without pay while being on a visit or tourist visa. According to the UAE’s labour and residency laws, a person cannot work if he has not been issued a work permit and an employment visa. Violators may be liable to fines and deportation.
Read about the expatriates’ employment in the private sector.
Related links:
- Visa and entry permit services – Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai
- Getting a visa for Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Government portal
- Entry visas and fees for various categories of visitors to Dubai – Dubai Tourism
180‑day visit eligibility
If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that’s valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
Dubai immigration procedures
As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International are now conducting random eye screening for visitors to Dubai.
Visitors asked to proceed for eye screening are required to present a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page at the screening counter. If you do not have a copy with you, a charge of AED 30 per copy applies ‑ payable only in AED.
Important information
Before you travel to the UAE, please check your visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa if needed, or if your passport needs to be valid for a minimum period. Holders of non‑standard passports and travel documents may also have different entry requirements: find out if you need to apply for a visa and other passport requirements.
As of 29 April 2016, GCC residence permit holders will need to apply for a UAE visa before arriving in Dubai.
As of 1 May 2017, Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date, and a visit visa or green card issued by the USA which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a charge of AED120 (subject to change). They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for AED250 (subject to change).
Prearranged UAE visas
| Visa type | Duration | Approximate rate inclusive of VAT | Extensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48‑hour | 48 hours | US$10 | Non‑extendable |
| 96‑hour | 4 days from arrival date | US$30 | Non‑extendable |
| Tourist – short term (single entry) | 30 days from arrival date | US$90 | Extendable US$230 |
| Tourist – short term (multiple entry) | 30 days from first entry | US$175 | Extendable US$230 |
| Tourist – long term (single entry) | 90 days from arrival date | US$190 | Extendable US$230 |
| Tourist – long term (multiple entry) | 90 days from first entry | US$460 | Extendable US$230 |
Required documents
- Colour photograph of applicant
- Colour copy of applicant’s passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months.
- The original application form (available at all Emirates ticketing offices) can be accessed in Arabic or English, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Download the English or Arabic application form.
- Copy of the Emirates ticket
Additional documents are required for visitors of some countries
Additional documents may be required, depending on your country of residence. Please use our visa search tool above or visit our visa requirements page for more information.
| Afghanistan | National ID Card (Tazkira ID) |
| Iraq | National ID Card |
| Pakistan | National ID Card |
| Iran | National ID Card |
Rules and conditions
- Visa fees must be paid upon application.
- Additional visa processing fees apply.
- The passenger must travel to and from Dubai on Emirates or codeshare flights only.
- Visa fees are non‑refundable.
- The ticket is non‑refundable if the visa has been issued and utilized.
- Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days.
- Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.
- All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
How and where to apply for your prearranged UAE visa
- Apply online through Manage your booking
- Mobile application DVPC
Apply online
Nationals of countries requiring a prearranged UAE visa can now apply and pay for their visas online through emirates.com.
If you are travelling to or stopping over in Dubai with Emirates, you can submit an application and receive your UAE visa entirely online – without having to submit your passport for stamping. You can apply for your UAE visa through our Manage your booking after you book your Emirates flight. VFS processing fees apply. For more information please visit VFS Global.
The online visa application service is available for residents and nationals of many countries around the world. Find out if you can apply for a UAE visa. Applicants’ passports must have at least six months’ validity as of their date of travel to Dubai, and must be machine readable passports – handwritten passports are not accepted.
This service is only available to passengers with a confirmed Emirates booking where an Emirates ticket has already been issued and the flight itinerary already includes the desired time in Dubai. The itinerary into and out of Dubai should be on one ticket (PNR), and these flights must be Emirates flights. Note that any itineraries including any flights to or from Dubai on other carriers are not eligible for the online visa service.
A minimum of four international working days prior to arrival in Dubai is required, however Emirates does recommend that online applications are made as early as possible.
Apply in the UAE
If you have a family member or near relative who is a UAE resident, they can apply for a visa on your behalf at any of our ticketing offices in the UAE. Please note that this service is only available to residents of the UAE.
Download the prearranged visa application form
Get started on your prearranged visa application by downloading and filling out the form.
Sponsoring someone to visit the UAE
Required applicant documents:
- A colour passport photograph
- A colour copy of your passport (must be valid for six months)
- A copy of your Emirates flight ticket, or your flight ticket from our codeshare partner
- The visa application form
Required sponsor documents:
| Sponsor’s employer | Sponsor documents |
|---|---|
| Emirates Group Staff | Staff ID copy |
| Government/ Semi‑Government | Salary certificate (must be in Arabic)Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Free‑zone company | Salary certificate from the free‑zone authority (must be in Arabic)Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Private company | Labour contract copySponsor passport and residency copy |
| Investor | Sponsor passport and residency copy |
| Partner | Sponsor passport and residency copy |
Minimum salary required
| Relative (visitor/applicant) | Minimum salary of sponsor |
|---|---|
| Wife/ Children/ Parents/ Parents In‑Law | AED 4,000 |
| Brothers/ Sisters/ Dependants | AED 5,500 |
| Brothers/ Sisters In‑Law | AED 7,000 |
| Friends and Other Relatives | AED 10,000 |