Dubai Visa on Arrival: Eligibility Criteria, Fees and Process for Indians in 2026

Are you an Indian traveler planning a trip to Dubai? You might be eligible for a visa on arrival, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable. This convenience allows you to bypass the pre-trip visa application process, giving you more time to focus on packing and planning your adventures in Dubai.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about securing a Dubai visa on arrival as an Indian citizen, including the eligibility criteria, necessary fees, and the straightforward process. Our aim is to ensure you have all the information at your fingertips, so you can make informed decisions and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience to the vibrant heart of the Emirates.

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible for a Dubai visa on arrival upon entry into the airport, provided they hold any of the following visas/cards:

Additionally, as of February 13, 2025, Indian citizens can also obtain a Dubai visa on arrival if they have a valid visa or residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea.

Indians are allowed a maximum stay of 14 days in the country with a Dubai visa on arrival. Ensure that the validity of any of the above visas or green cards is at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.

To be eligible for a Dubai visa on arrival, Indian nationals must meet the following criteria:

Indians who are not eligible for a Dubai visa on arrival can always apply for a regular Dubai tourist visa using Teleport. Dubai tourist visas have options of 30 to 60 days for single and multiple entries.

Dubai provides a Dubai Visa on Arrival facility to travelers from selected countries. This system allows eligible visitors to receive entry permission at the airport  without applying in advance. For Indian passport holders, the visa on arrival in Dubai for Indian travelers is available under specific conditions, especially when the traveler holds a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or the Schengen region.

The most common Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian citizens is the 14-day single-entry visa. This option applies to Indian passport holders who possess a valid US visa, US Green Card, UK residence visa, or Schengen residence permit. Travelers using the visa on arrival in Dubai for Indian passport holders must ensure that their passport and supporting visa documents remain valid for at least six months from the date of entry. 

Dubai also offers a 30-day visa on arrival to citizens of certain countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This visa can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry permit depending on the traveler’s nationality and entry conditions.

Some European nationalities and selected countries qualify for a 90-day visa on arrival in Dubai. This visa allows a longer stay and is often used for extended travel, family visits, or business engagements in the UAE. Unlike the visa on arrival for Indians in Dubai, which is generally limited to a 14-day stay, the 90-day category is reserved for specific nationalities under UAE immigration policies.

Travelers applying for a Dubai Visa on Arrival must meet a few basic requirements. A passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry is mandatory. For Indians using the visa on arrival in Dubai for Indian citizens, proof of a valid visa or residence permit from eligible countries is required at the airport immigration counter.

The typical fee for the visa on arrival for Indians in Dubai is approximately AED 120–250, depending on updates to UAE immigration rules. The visa allows a stay of 14 days, and an extension of another 14 days can be requested by paying the required extension fee before the first stay period ends.

Travelers should also note that UAE authorities enforce strict overstay penalties. Fines begin from the first day after the visa expires, so keeping track of visa validity is important for anyone using a Dubai Visa on Arrival. Tools like a Saudi visa check can help travelers track visa status and entry requirements for nearby regions in the Middle East.

Indian nationals who meet the eligibility criteria for a Dubai visa on arrival must have either of the following visas/cards, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival:

Additionally, you must have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.

Step 1: Proceed to the Immigration Counter

Upon arrival at the Dubai airport, your first step is to approach the Marhaba services counter in person. 

Marhaba services will review and scan your passport and visa documents upon arrival. You can pay for your visa using USD/AED or by card. Once you receive your visa, you can proceed to the immigration centre and present the visa copy to the immigration officer.

Step 2: Get your Visa on Arrival

At the visa on arrival counter, the staff will capture images of your passport, visa, and boarding pass, cross-checking the validity of these documents. Upon completion of this step, you should receive your Dubai Visa On Arrival. 

With your receipt in hand, proceed to the immigration counter where an officer will scrutinize the visa on arrival printout. Following this, they will request your passport and stamp the visa.

Step 3: Immigration Clearance

Once your visa is stamped, you have successfully completed the visa on arrival process. You are now free to proceed through immigration clearance and start your journey within the UAE.

Travelers planning to use the Dubai Visa on Arrival should prepare carefully before departure. Eligibility checks, document validity, and airport procedures can affect whether the visa on arrival in dubai for indian travelers is granted smoothly.  Since the VoA is issued at the airport, immigration officers verify documents strictly. A few simple precautions can prevent delays or refusal at entry.

The Dubai visa on arrival fees for Indians is AED 120 which must be paid upon arrival at the Dubai airport.

The Dubai visa on arrival for Indians usually takes between 30 minutes to 3 hours to process. This period includes filling up the application form, document validation, and payment of Dubai visa on arrival fees. Keep in mind that longer waits may occur if there's a significant number of people applying for visas at the airport.

Yes, Indians can extend their Dubai visa on arrival for an additional 14 days. However, note that you must pay an extension fee of AED 250 to extend your Dubai visa on arrival.

If your application for Dubai Visa on Arrival (VOA) is declined, it indicates that entry into the country via the VOA program is not possible.

You will be informed of the refusal by the immigration officer at the entry point, and you will be obliged to return to either your country of origin or your last departure location.

If your Dubai visa is rejected on arrival, consider applying for a Dubai express visa at the airport. This option ensures processing within 24 hours, providing a swift solution to continue your travel plans hassle-free.

In conclusion, obtaining a Dubai visa on arrival for Indians is a straightforward process designed to make your travel experience as seamless as possible. By understanding the eligibility criteria, fees, and necessary procedures, you can prepare adequately and ensure a smooth entry into Dubai. Remember, it’s essential to keep up-to-date with the latest travel guidelines as they can change. So, check all the requirements before your trip, and you’ll be all set for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Safe travels!

Eligibility for a Dubai Visa on Arrival is limited, and many travelers may not meet the requirements for the visa on arrival in dubai for indian passport holders. When this happens, the best approach is to apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa before traveling. These visas are issued through airlines, authorized travel agencies, or sponsors in the UAE.

Major UAE airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia offer tourist visa services when you book flights with them. The airline collects the required documents and submits the application through UAE immigration systems before your travel date.

Licensed travel agencies and hotels in the UAE can also arrange tourist visas for visitors. Many travelers who cannot use the visa on arrival in dubai for indian category choose this route because agencies manage the paperwork and approvals in advance.

Friends or family members living in the UAE can sponsor a visitor visa for travelers who are not eligible for the visa on arrival for indians in dubai. The resident sponsor submits the application and supporting documents to immigration authorities.

Pre-arranged 30-day and 60-day tourist visas are common alternatives to a Dubai Visa on Arrival. These visas are available in single or multiple entry formats and usually require a passport valid for six months, a passport photo, and a confirmed return ticket.