Dubai Visa for Indians 2027: Visa on Arrival, Fees, Documents and How to Apply
Last updated: November 2026Quick answer: Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa for Dubai. Most Indian travellers apply online for a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa before flying. Government fees start at AED 252 plus VAT, and approval usually takes about 48 hours. Indians who hold a valid US visa or Green Card, an EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea or Singapore can get a visa on arrival instead. A UK visa alone no longer qualifies.
This guide covers every Dubai visa option for Indian citizens, what each one costs, the documents you need, and how to apply from India.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Dubai?
Yes. India isn't on the UAE's visa-free or free visa-on-arrival list, so every Indian traveller needs either:
- A pre-approved UAE visa (tourist, transit, visit or work visa) issued before you travel, or
- A conditional visa on arrival, if you hold a qualifying visa or residence permit from another country.
A visa issued for Dubai is valid across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. For a nationality-by-nationality overview, see our guide do I need a visa for Dubai.
Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indians: Who Qualifies in 2027?
Indian citizens with an ordinary passport can get a UAE visa on arrival at any UAE airport if they hold one of these documents:
- A valid US visit visa or US Green Card
- A valid visa or residence permit issued by an EU member state
- A valid residence permit from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea or Singapore
Both your Indian passport and the qualifying document must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
The UK change: Under revised ICP guidelines announced in 2026, a UK visa or UK residence permit on its own no longer qualifies. If the UK document is all you have, apply for a tourist visa before you book your flight. Airlines can deny boarding if your entry status isn't clear.
Two visa-on-arrival options are listed by the UAE's ICP:
- 14-day visa: AED 100, extendable once for a further 14 days
- 60-day single-entry visa: AED 250, not extendable
You can also apply for this visa in advance through the ICP smart services portal, which avoids queues at the airport. Read the full eligibility details in our guide to the Dubai visa on arrival rules for Indian passport holders.
Dubai Tourist Visa Options for Indians
If you don't qualify for a visa on arrival, a pre-approved tourist visa is the standard route. These are the main options:
- 30-day single-entry tourist visa: Best for a typical holiday or family visit. The government fee is AED 252 plus 5% VAT.
- 60-day single-entry tourist visa: For longer stays, such as visiting relatives. The government fee is AED 352 plus 5% VAT. See the details of the 60-day Dubai tourist visa.
- 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 300 plus VAT. Useful if you'll leave and re-enter the UAE, for example on a side trip to Oman.
- 60-day multiple-entry tourist visa: AED 500 plus VAT, for longer trips with several exits.
- 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: For frequent visitors. It allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Not sure which suits your trip? Compare a single-entry vs multiple-entry Dubai visa.
India to Dubai visa price: The fees above are government charges. The final amount you pay usually includes VAT, insurance and a service fee. At current exchange rates, most Indian travellers pay roughly ₹7,500 to ₹9,000 for a 30-day visa and ₹12,000 to ₹14,000 for a 60-day visa through an agent.
Dubai Transit Visa for Indians
If you're only changing flights in Dubai and won't leave the airport, you don't need a visa. To step outside during a long layover, Indian passport holders need a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa, usually arranged through the airline or an authorised agent. Learn more about the Dubai transit visa for layovers.
Documents Required for a Dubai Visa from India
Keep these ready before you apply:
- A clear colour scan of your passport's front and back pages, valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-size photo on a white background
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- A hotel booking or the address of your host in the UAE
- For a visa on arrival: a copy of your qualifying US, EU or other visa or residence permit
- For minors: birth certificate and parental consent documents
Children need their own visa. If a child is travelling with only one parent or without parents, extra documents apply. See how to get a UAE visa for a minor travelling without a parent.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from India
- Choose your visa: 30-day or 60-day, single or multiple entry, based on your travel plans.
- Upload your documents: passport scan and photo, plus any supporting papers.
- Pay the visa fee online in INR or AED.
- Receive your e-visa by email. Print it or keep a digital copy for check-in and immigration.
The whole process is online, so there's no need to visit a VFS centre or embassy. For a detailed walkthrough, read our guide to applying for a Dubai visa from India. After you submit, you can track your UAE visa application at any time.
Dubai Tourist Visa Processing Time from India
Dubai tourist visas are now usually approved within 48 hours of a complete application. Peak travel seasons such as Diwali, Christmas and summer holidays can add a day or two. If you're flying sooner, express processing is available. Indian travellers with urgent plans can also apply for an instant Dubai visa for Indians. For timelines by visa type, see Dubai visa processing times.
Tips to Avoid Dubai Visa Rejection
- Make sure your name and passport number match exactly across the application, ticket and hotel booking.
- Upload a sharp, uncropped passport scan; blurry scans are a common reason for delays.
- Don't book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved.
- If you had a previous UAE visa, check that you exited on time and have no unpaid overstay fines.
- Don't use a tourist visa to work. If you're moving for a job, your employer must sponsor a Dubai work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is visa required for Dubai from India?
Yes. Indian citizens need a pre-approved UAE visa, unless they qualify for a visa on arrival with a valid US, EU or other approved visa or residence permit.
Can Indians with a UK visa get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
No. Under the revised 2026 rules, a UK visa or residence permit alone no longer qualifies. Apply for a tourist visa before travelling.
How much is a Dubai visa for Indians?
The government fee is AED 252 plus VAT for a 30-day tourist visa and AED 352 plus VAT for a 60-day visa. The 14-day visa on arrival costs AED 100. Service charges are extra.
How long does a Dubai visa take for Indians?
Most tourist visas are approved within about 48 hours. Express processing is available for urgent travel.
Can I extend my Dubai tourist visa?
Yes. A 30-day or 60-day tourist visa can usually be extended once from inside the UAE. The 14-day visa on arrival can be extended once for 14 days. The 60-day visa on arrival cannot be extended.
UAE visa rules and fees change often. Confirm the latest requirements with the ICP, the GDRFA Dubai, or your airline before you travel.
Ready to travel? Express Visa Dubai processes 30-day, 60-day and multiple-entry visas for Indian passport holders, with express options for last-minute trips. Apply for your Dubai visa online.