India Visa from Dubai: e-Visa & Tourist Guide 2026

India offers three main routes for Dubai-based travellers depending on their nationality and purpose of visit: the India e-Visa (electronic visa), the traditional paper/sticker visa obtained through the Indian Consulate or Embassy, and visa on arrival available to a small number of nationalities. Understanding which route applies to your passport is the first and most important step.

The India e-Visa system covers three main categories of travel. Each has different duration options, fees, and eligibility conditions. Choosing the wrong e-Visa type can result in rejection or complications at the port of entry, so it is important to match your visa type to your actual purpose of travel.

eTourist Visa

The eTourist visa is the most widely used India e-Visa for Dubai residents. It covers tourism, sightseeing, recreational visits, and short family trips. The eTourist comes in three duration options: 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry), and 5 years (multiple entry). For most short-term tourists, the 30-day double-entry option is the most economical. The 1-year and 5-year options are ideal for frequent travellers and those who visit India regularly for family reasons.

eBusiness Visa

The eBusiness visa is designed for those travelling to India for business meetings, trade visits, conferences, exhibitions, or contract negotiations. It does not permit employment or long-term business establishment. The eBusiness e-Visa is issued for 1 year with multiple entries, allowing holders to enter and exit India as many times as needed within the visa validity period. Each stay is limited to 180 days per visit.

eMedical and eMedical Attendant Visa

The eMedical visa is for patients travelling to India for medical treatment at recognised hospitals and specialist centres. India has become one of the world's leading medical tourism destinations, and many UAE residents travel to Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore for treatment. The eMedical visa is valid for 60 days with up to triple entry. An eMedical Attendant visa is available for up to two companions accompanying the patient — it is issued simultaneously and follows the same conditions.

The India e-Visa application is entirely online and does not require visiting any embassy or consulate in the UAE. The official portal is indianvisaonline.gov.in — be cautious of unofficial third-party websites that charge inflated fees. Here is the step-by-step process for Dubai residents.

1. 1Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in and click on "Apply Visa". Select your nationality (passport country) and the port of arrival airport in India.
2. 2Choose the correct visa type: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, or e-Medical Visa. Select the appropriate duration sub-type.
3. 3Fill out the online application form with your personal details, UAE address, travel dates, and passport information. Upload a recent digital photograph (white background, front-facing, 2×2 inches) and a scan of your passport bio page.
4. 4Pay the e-Visa fee using a credit or debit card. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, and Rupay. Note the fee in USD — your card will convert to AED at the current exchange rate.
5. 5Note your Application ID and submit the form. You will receive an email acknowledgement immediately. The e-Visa decision is typically emailed within 48 to 72 hours.
6. 6Once approved, download and print your e-Visa Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You must carry a printed copy when travelling to India — airlines will check it at check-in in Dubai.
7. 7On arrival at an Indian airport, proceed to the e-Visa immigration counter (separate from the regular visa line). Present your passport, printed ETA, and return ticket. Biometric data may be collected on first entry.

The India e-Visa requires fewer documents than a traditional embassy visa, but the documents you do submit must be accurate and meet the Indian government's specifications precisely. Errors in the online form or non-compliant photos are the most common reasons for rejection.

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India and a minimum of 2 blank pages
• Recent passport-style digital photograph — white background, front-facing, taken within the past 6 months, minimum 350×350 pixels, maximum 1000×1000 pixels
• Scan of the biographical page of your passport (clear, in colour)
• Valid email address for correspondence and delivery of your ETA approval
• Credit or debit card for online payment of the e-Visa fee
• For eBusiness visa: business card or letter of invitation from the Indian company you are visiting (recommended but not always required)
• For eMedical visa: letter from the Indian hospital confirming your appointment or treatment plan

Unlike many other visa applications, the India e-Visa does not require bank statements, employment letters, or proof of UAE residency as part of the online submission. However, Indian immigration officers at the port of entry may ask questions about the purpose and duration of your visit, so it is wise to have supporting documents available to show if asked.

India e-Visa fees are set in USD and vary based on your nationality and the duration of the visa. The Indian government applies reciprocity principles for some nationalities. Importantly, India offers a significant off-season discount: the 30-day eTourist visa drops from USD 25 to just USD 10 during April to June every year — a 60% saving.

Nationalities not eligible for the India e-Visa — most notably Pakistani passport holders — must apply for a traditional paper/sticker visa through the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Indian Consulate in Dubai. This process is significantly more complex than the e-Visa, requires an in-person appointment, and takes considerably longer.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai (located in Bur Dubai) handles visa applications for residents of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi handles applications from residents of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. Applications must be submitted at the jurisdiction corresponding to your emirate of residence as stated on your UAE residence visa.

Traditional Visa Process Overview

1. 1Book an appointment through the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi — walk-ins are not accepted.
2. 2Complete the online application form at indianvisaonline.gov.in and print the confirmation page.
3. 3Gather all required documents including your original passport, two passport photos, bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, and any supporting documents specific to your nationality.
4. 4Attend your appointment at IVAC. Staff will verify and receive your documents, collect your passport, and provide a receipt.
5. 5Pay the visa fee and any applicable service charges at the centre.
6. 6Track your application online. Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days.
7. 7Collect your passport with the visa sticker from IVAC, or opt for courier delivery to your Dubai address.

India offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme for nationals of a small number of countries at specified international airports. This should not be confused with the e-Visa, which must be obtained before departure. The VoA is a separate, more limited programme.

Currently, nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (Emirati passport holders) are the primary beneficiaries of India's Visa on Arrival scheme. UAE nationals (Emirati passport holders) may obtain a free 30-day VoA at nine designated Indian airports: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, and Kochi.

The India visa process varies significantly depending on your passport. The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, and the rules, fees, and processing times differ substantially between them. Below are the key nationality-specific scenarios for Dubai residents.

Despite the India e-Visa being one of the most straightforward visa systems available, mistakes are common — especially for first-time applicants. Many rejections and delays are entirely avoidable with careful preparation.

• Uploading a non-compliant photo: the photograph must have a white background, no glasses, and meet exact size specifications. Grey or off-white backgrounds are common rejection reasons.
• Entering incorrect passport details: a single digit error in your passport number means your ETA is useless. Double-check every character.
• Choosing the wrong visa type: selecting eTourist when travelling for business, or eBusiness when the trip is tourism, can cause problems at the port of entry.
• Applying too late: while e-Visa approvals usually take 48–72 hours, applying the day before travel is risky. Indian government systems can be slow during high-demand periods.
• Not printing the ETA: the e-Visa is not stored digitally by airlines. You must carry a printed copy. Airlines at Dubai International Airport will not board passengers without the printed ETA.
• Using unofficial third-party websites: many unofficial sites charge 3–5x the government fee and offer no additional value. Always apply on indianvisaonline.gov.in.