UAE Visa for Indians: Your Complete Guide

It is no secret that the UAE draws in a large number of Indian travellers every year. For every Indian traveller, the UAE has always been one of the most sought-after destinations. Whether it is safaris in the golden sands of Dubai, the mesmerising Burj Khalifa, or just a regular family visit, no matter the reason, every journey starts with securing the right visa.

While it may seem confusing to an Indian traveller, the application process for getting a UAE visa is not as hard as it seems. Multiple visa types are available to choose from depending on the requirement. No matter the reason for your visit, anyone looking to enter the UAE can begin their visa application through online portals, and with the implementation of strict guidelines by the UAE government, securing your entry in the UAE is now quick and hassle-free. This guide talks about the different visa types to apply for, the necessary application steps to follow, the fees involved, and insider tips to ensure a smooth experience.

Different Types of UAE Visas for Indian Citizens

The UAE offers different visa types for Indians depending on the purpose and duration of their visit:

1. UAE Tourist Visa for Indians

The UAE Tourist Visa is targeted towards those travellers who are looking to enter the UAE for a leisure trip. Be it local sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation, the tourist visas typically come in two categories:

●        Single-entry visas are valid for 30 or 60 days.

●        Multiple-entry visas are valid for 30 or 60 days.

While both visas are valid for 30 to 60 days, a multiple entry, as the name suggests, allows a traveller to enter the UAE multiple times in the stipulated time.

2. UAE Visit Visa for Indian Travelers

If the purpose of your trip to the UAE is to visit family or friends in the UAE, you can apply for a visit visa. The family members or friends sponsor your application as the host.

3. Dubai Visa for Indian Citizens

While Dubai has certain stringent visa policies, Indian travelers can easily apply for a Dubai tourist visa online through channels like airlines, authorized travel agencies, or through the UAE government portal.

4. UAE E-Visa for Indians

An e-visa allows Indian travelers to apply online without the need to visit a consulate in person. This form of visa is specifically useful for tourists and short-term visitors.

5. UAE Transit Visa for Indians

If you're transiting through the UAE for more than 8 hours, you may need a transit visa, which is valid for 48 or 96 hours.

6. UAE Work Visa for Indians

For Indians who plan on moving to the UAE for employment, the UAE based employer must sponsor the visa and also handle the visa processing.

How to Apply for a UAE Visa from India

The process of obtaining a UAE visa for Indian nationals is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Depending on the purpose of your travel, choose from the different visa types available- tourism, work, business, or family visit.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

It is important to gather the following documents to apply for a UAE visa.

●        A valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)

●        Passport-size photographs (as per UAE visa photo guidelines)

●        A confirmed return flight ticket to prove intent of return.

●        Hotel booking details or host's residence details (for visit visa)

●        Financial proof (if deemed necessary by the authorities)

●        Visa application form

Step 3: Apply Online or Through a Sponsor

The UAE visa can be applied using any of the below mentioned channels:

●        Official UAE eVisa portal

●        Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia airlines. (for ticket holders)

●        Authorized travel agencies like musafir.com and tour operators

●        A UAE-based sponsor (in case of visit visas)

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

The visa fee is dependent on the type of visa you wish to apply for. Here’s an approximate breakdown of visa processing fees:

UAE Tourist Visa Prices

Prices for Children - UAE Tourist Visa

Multiple-Entry UAE Tourist Visa Prices

Note: Visa fees vary based on the service provider and urgency.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Approval

While the standard visa approval process usually takes anywhere between 3 and 5 working days, you can obtain a visa for urgent requirements through express services that process visas within 24-48 hours.

Step 6: Receive Your UAE Visa

After ensuring that all the information provided by you is correct and valid, the UAE visa, once approved, is sent to your email. Do not forget to print a copy of this e-visa and carry it while traveling.

Applying for a UAE Visa Online from India

While multiple agencies offer visa services in person, many Indian travellers prefer applying for their UAE visa online due to convenience. If you’re looking to apply for one online, here’s how to do it:

●        Visit an official UAE visa website or a reputable travel agency’s online portal.

●        Select the applicable visa type.

●        Upload scanned copies of the required documents.

●        Make the payment using a debit/credit card.

●        Wait for visa processing and receive it via email.

Tip: The travel industry has witnessed a large number of travellers being scammed by illegal and unverified travel agencies. It is important to be aware and always apply from an authorized source.

Dubai Tourist Visa for Indians Online

Being a dream destination for many Indians, getting a Dubai visa is fairly easy and not as complicated as it seems. The process is similar to that of obtaining the UAE tourist visa application. To apply, you may go through any of the channels mentioned below:

●        Emirates Airlines, FlyDubai, or other UAE-based carriers

●        Official UAE immigration websites

●        UAE government-authorized travel agencies

Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Passport Holders

Indian citizens with valid US, UK, and Schengen visas or residence permits are eligible to secure a visa on arrival in the UAE. This visa, which is issued at the airport upon arrival in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, is valid for 14 days, with the possibility of one extension for an additional 14 days.

Fee: Approx. AED 100 (₹2,200)

Common Reasons for UAE Visa Rejection

Your UAE visa application could be rejected due to the following reasons:

●        Incomplete or incorrect documentation

●        Passport validity of less than 6 months

●        Previous overstays in the UAE

●        Criminal records or security concerns

Tip: Ensure all your passport number, name, birthdate, and other personal information in your application is correct before submission to avoid delays.

Conclusion

Unlike before, applying for a UAE visa as an Indian citizen is no longer something to fret about. Thanks to online platforms offering such services and the UAE government setting up streamlined processes, be it a vacation or an official visit, you must meet all the visa requirements to the T to have a hassle-free journey.