Your Guide to Obtaining a UAE Visa On Arrival for Indian Citizens

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular tourist destination for Indians. In fact, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Indian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 14 days. However, there are some criteria that Indian citizens must meet in order to be eligible for a visa on arrival.

In this article, we will walk you through the eligibility requirements, the application process, and even how to extend your stay in the UAE.

Eligibility for UAE Visa On Arrival

Indian citizens holding a standard passport can avail themselves of a 14-day visa on arrival in the UAE, provided they fulfil specific criteria. Even if you don’t hold a passport from one of the 80+ visa-exempt countries, you can still be eligible for this visa if you meet the following conditions:

1. Possession of a Visit Visa Issued by the US: Your visit visa issued by the United States should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in the UAE.

2. Possession of a Green Card Issued by the US: Similar to the US visit visa, your green card should also have a minimum validity of six months from your entry into the UAE.

3. Residence Visa Issued by the UK: If you hold a residence visa issued by the United Kingdom, you can qualify for a UAE visa on arrival.

4. Residence Visa Issued by the EU: Likewise, a residence visa issued by any European Union (EU) country can make you eligible for this visa.

Apart from the above-mentioned criteria, to be eligible for a visa on arrival to the UAE, Indian citizens must:

• Hold a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a return ticket to India.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the UAE.
• Have a hotel reservation or other proof of accommodation.
• Not have any criminal convictions.

Applying for UAE Visa On Arrival Online

Indian citizens can also apply for a UAE visa online. The online application process is available through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). The application fee is the same as the visa-on-arrival fee, AED 100 (approximately USD 27).

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official UAE government website and click on ‘Public Visa Services’ in the menu tab.
2. Look for the service titled ‘Issue Entry Permit For Holders Of Special Visas’ and click on the ‘start service’ button.
3. Fill out the application form with the following details:
   • Full name
   • Preferred language
   • Department from which you want to issue the visa (this won’t affect your point of entry)
   • Current nationality
   • Occupation
   • Date of birth, place of birth, and gender
   • Passport issue place and country
   • Passport number and type
   • Passport issue and expiry date
   • Religion and marital status
   • Qualification
   • Email address
4. Provide your UAE address, which could be a hotel or a residential address if you’re staying with friends or relatives.
5. Enter your ‘special visa information,’ including details regarding your entry permit, visit visa, or green card.
6. Select the visa type from the drop-down menu.
7. Input the residence permit/visa/green card issue and expiry dates.
8. Click ‘next’ to proceed.
9. Upload copies of your passport, EU, US, and UK visit visas, as well as your residence permit.

Cost of Applying for UAE Visa Online

When applying for a UAE visa online, be aware of the associated fees:

• Visa issuance fee: Dh 100
• E-Services fee: Dh 28
• ICP fees: Dh 22
• Smart services fee: Dh 100

It’s essential to note that service fees may vary depending on the information provided in your application.

How to Extend Your UAE Visa

If you wish to extend your stay in the UAE beyond the initial 14 days, you can do so at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office in Dubai. The application process is similar to the application process for a visa on arrival. The visa extension fee is AED 250 (approximately USD 67).

For Dubai: Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai (GDRFAD) to extend your visa.

For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah: The Immigration Authority that handles visa extensions is the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). You can either visit a registered typing centre or an Amer centre for assistance.

FAQs

Final Words

In conclusion, Indian citizens can easily obtain a UAE visa on arrival by meeting specific criteria and following the online application process. With the option to extend your stay, exploring the UAE has never been more accessible. Enjoy your journey to this fascinating destination!