Most Indian passport holders need a tourist visa arranged before they fly to Dubai. The exception is a large group of travellers: Indians who hold a valid US visa or green card, or a residence permit from the UK, the EU or one of six other countries, can get a visa on arrival for up to 14 days. This guide covers both routes, the official fees published by the Dubai immigration authority (GDRFA), and the rules on passports, extensions and overstays.
Know before you go
- Visa needed? Yes, for Indian passport holders. Either a pre-arranged tourist visa or, if eligible, a visa on arrival.
- Visa on arrival: for Indians with an ordinary passport and a valid US visa or green card, or a residence permit from the UK or EU. Since 13 February 2025, also a valid visa, residence permit or green card from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
- On arrival stay: 14 days, extendable once for another 14 days, according to GDRFA Dubai.
- Tourist visa fee (GDRFA): AED 200 for 30 days, AED 300 for 60 days, plus 5% VAT. No security deposit.
- Processing time: about 48 hours for the tourist visa, per GDRFA.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Overstay fine: AED 50 per day, per Visit Dubai.
- Last checked: 27 October 2026 on the GDRFA Dubai service pages, Visit Dubai and the WAM news agency statement (links under Official resources below).
In this Article
Do Indians need a visa for Dubai?
Yes. Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, and UAE visa rules apply. India is not among the countries whose citizens get a free visa stamp on arrival, so an Indian passport holder needs one of two things:
- A tourist visa issued before travel, through a UAE tourism company, an airline, a travel agent or your hotel.
- A visa on arrival, if you also hold a qualifying visa or residence permit from another country.
Visit Dubai, the official tourism site, confirms both routes. If you have neither, your airline will not let you board.
Dubai visa on arrival for Indians
The visa on arrival is the simplest option for travellers who already hold a strong second visa. The rules, as published by GDRFA Dubai and Visit Dubai:
- You must hold an ordinary Indian passport valid for at least 6 months.
- You must hold a valid US visit visa or US green card, or a residence visa issued by the UK or an EU country.
- That US visa, green card or residence visa must also be valid for at least 6 months.
- You get a stay of up to 14 days, which can be extended once for another 14 days on payment of a fee.
Countries added in 2025
On 14 February 2025, the WAM news agency carried a statement from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). From 13 February 2025, Indian citizens with ordinary passports and valid visas, residence permits or green cards from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada also get a visa on arrival at all UAE entry points. This is in addition to the US, the UK and the EU. The statement says a 6-month passport validity and payment of the prescribed fees are required.
Visa on arrival fees
The official sources above say a fee is payable but do not list the amount on the pages we could read. News reports from Gulf News and Khaleej Times put it at AED 100 for the 14-day visa, AED 250 to extend it by 14 days, and AED 250 for a 60-day visa that cannot be extended. Treat these figures as a guide and confirm the amount with your airline or at the counter.
Applying in advance as a US, UK or EU visa holder
GDRFA Dubai also runs an online service for this group, so you can get the visa before you fly. You register on the GDRFA smart services site, fill in the form, upload a photo with a white background and pay the fee, listed as 253 on the service page. GDRFA says the visa is sent by email after approval, with an expected completion time of 48 hours.
Dubai tourist visa for Indians
If you do not qualify for a visa on arrival, you need a tourist visa before travel. In Dubai, this visa is issued through accredited tourism companies, so you cannot apply for it on your own on the GDRFA site. In practice, Indians get it through one of these:
- a travel agent or tour operator in India that works with a UAE tourism company
- an approved airline that sells UAE visas with its tickets
- your hotel in Dubai, if it offers visa services
A relative or friend who lives legally in Dubai can also sponsor a visit visa through GDRFA.
Tourist visa fees
GDRFA Dubai lists these fees for its single entry tourist visa:
| Visa | Stay | GDRFA fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry tourist visa | 30 days | AED 200 | plus 5% VAT |
| Single entry tourist visa | 60 days | AED 300 | plus 5% VAT |
There is no security deposit on this visa. If the person is already inside the UAE when the visa is issued, extra charges apply. GDRFA notes that the total may vary depending on the applicant.
Agents and airlines add their own service charges, so the price you see in rupees will be higher than the GDRFA fee. Compare two or three quotes and check whether insurance is included.
Documents for a Dubai tourist visa
GDRFA’s list for the single entry tourist visa is short:
- One personal photograph.
- A copy of your passport.
Its conditions also require:
- a passport valid for at least 6 months
- a ticket to continue your journey or to leave the UAE
- medical insurance valid in the UAE
Your agent may ask for a few more items, such as a PAN card copy or a hotel booking. Keep scans ready as clear colour files.
Processing time
GDRFA gives an expected completion time of 48 hours. Visit Dubai also says issuance typically takes around 48 hours. Apply a week or two before your flight to leave room for errors or extra checks.
Work visa is a separate process
A tourist visa or visa on arrival does not allow you to work in Dubai. Employment visas are sponsored by a UAE employer, who applies for the entry permit and residence visa. If you are travelling for a job interview, ask your future employer which visa they want you to enter on.
Before you fly: a checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
- Printed or saved copy of your visa, or proof of your qualifying US, UK, EU or other visa or residence permit.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Hotel booking or the address where you will stay.
- Travel insurance that covers the UAE.
- Some cash or a card for the visa on arrival fee, if that is your route.
Overstays and extensions
Visit Dubai says overstaying is fined at AED 50 per day. If you are on the 14-day visa on arrival and want to stay longer, apply for the one-time 14-day extension before the visa runs out. For a tourist visa, ask the company that issued it about extension options.
Planning your Dubai trip
With the visa sorted, a common first plan mixes new Dubai with the old city around Dubai Creek. An abra, the small wooden ferry boat, crosses the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira. Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai, stands in the old Al Fahidi area nearby.
The Dubai Metro links the airport with Deira, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, which helps if you are on a budget.
Planning other trips abroad? See our guides to the Thailand visa for Indians, the Singapore visa and the Japan visa.
Dubai visa for Indians FAQs
Can Indians get a Dubai visa on arrival?
Only if they also hold a valid US visa or green card, or a residence permit from the UK or EU, or a visa, residence permit or green card from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. The passport and the other visa must be valid for at least 6 months.
What is the Dubai visa price for Indians?
GDRFA lists AED 200 for a 30-day tourist visa and AED 300 for a 60-day one, plus 5% VAT. Agents add a service charge on top.
Can I get a Dubai visa with a US visa?
Yes. A valid US visit visa or green card, with at least 6 months of validity, makes an Indian passport holder eligible for the 14-day visa on arrival.
How long does a Dubai visa take for Indians?
About 48 hours for a tourist visa, according to GDRFA and Visit Dubai.
Can I extend my Dubai visa on arrival?
Yes, once, for another 14 days, on payment of a fee.
Can I work in Dubai on a tourist visa?
No. Work needs an employment visa sponsored by a UAE employer.
Official resources: GDRFA Dubai: visa on arrival for Indian citizens resident in the US, UK and EU; GDRFA Dubai: single entry tourist visa; Visit Dubai: do you need a visa; WAM: UAE broadens visa on arrival to Indian nationals.
Photo credits
Featured image: Jpbowen / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Do Indians need a visa for Dubai?: Andy Mabbett / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Dubai tourist visa for Indians: Gfilip / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Before you fly: a checklist: Norlando Pobre / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; Overstays and extensions: Gfilip / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Planning your Dubai trip: CT Cooper / Wikimedia Commons (public domain); Planning your Dubai trip: CT Cooper / Wikimedia Commons (public domain); Planning your Dubai trip: Kimon Berlin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Planning your Dubai trip: Shahroozporia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
