India Visa on Arrival from Dubai: Who Is Eligible?

India operates two separate "arrive and enter" schemes that are often confused with each other: the India e-Visa (electronic visa pre-approved online before travel) and the India Visa on Arrival (processed at the airport on the day of arrival, available only to specific nationalities). These are distinct systems with very different eligibility, processes, and conditions.

India's Visa on Arrival programme is highly restricted compared to many other countries. As of 2026, only three nationalities are confirmed eligible for India VoA: UAE nationals (Emirati passport holders), Japanese nationals, and South Korean nationals. The Indian government has at various times proposed expanding VoA eligibility to other nationalities, but as of early 2026 the programme remains limited to these three groups.

UAE Nationals (Emirati Passport Holders)

Emirati passport holders are entitled to a free Visa on Arrival in India. The VoA grants a 30-day stay with double entry, meaning UAE nationals can enter India, leave to a neighbouring country such as Nepal or Sri Lanka, and return to India once more on the same VoA — all within 30 days of first arrival. There is no government fee for UAE nationals. UAE nationals can also choose to apply for the India e-Visa online before travel instead, which some find more convenient as it avoids the VoA queue at the Indian airport.

Japanese Nationals

Japanese passport holders are eligible for India Visa on Arrival. The VoA is available at the same nine designated Indian airports as the UAE national VoA. Japanese nationals receive a 30-day VoA — a fee may apply (check the latest rate with the Indian Embassy). Japanese nationals living in Dubai can choose between the VoA and the India e-Visa; the e-Visa offers more flexibility with longer validity and multiple-entry options.

South Korean Nationals

South Korean nationals are also eligible for India Visa on Arrival. Like UAE and Japanese nationals, South Korean passport holders can obtain a 30-day VoA at designated Indian airports. South Korean residents of Dubai have the additional option of applying for the India e-Visa (including 1-year and 5-year multiple-entry eTourist visas) for better long-term flexibility.

India Visa on Arrival is NOT available at every Indian airport. Eligible travellers can only use the VoA at nine designated international airports. If you are an eligible nationality flying into any other Indian airport, you must obtain an e-Visa or consulate visa before departure.

Flydubai, Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, and other carriers operate direct flights from Dubai to all nine designated VoA airports. Most Dubai-to-India routes from Dubai International Airport (DXB) land at one of these airports, making VoA practically accessible for all eligible nationalities flying from Dubai.

The India Visa on Arrival process is handled at the airport after your international flight lands. Here is what to expect step by step for UAE nationals and other eligible nationality holders arriving from Dubai.

1. 1After landing and disembarking your flight, follow signs for "Immigration" or "Passport Control." Look specifically for the "Visa on Arrival" counter — it is separate from the regular immigration queues.
2. 2Proceed to the VoA counter. Present your passport to the immigration officer. You do not need any pre-application or approval — your passport nationality determines eligibility.
3. 3The immigration officer will verify your eligibility, ask about the purpose of your visit, and may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation details. Have these ready.
4. 4For UAE nationals: no fee is charged. For Japanese or Korean nationals: pay any applicable fee as directed by the officer (USD, local currency, or card depending on the airport).
5. 5Your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be collected. This takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
6. 6The VoA stamp is placed directly in your passport. The officer will note the expiry date and any entry conditions. Your VoA is now active.
7. 7Proceed through standard customs and baggage collection. You are now admitted to India under your VoA.

UAE nationals (Emiratis) have the unique advantage of being eligible for both the India e-Visa and the India Visa on Arrival. Most UAE nationals ask which option is better. The answer depends on how often you travel to India and how much convenience matters to you.

For a spontaneous trip or last-minute travel where there is no time to apply for the e-Visa, the VoA is a perfect solution for UAE nationals. However, for UAE nationals who travel to India regularly, the e-Visa 1-year or 5-year multiple-entry is significantly more convenient — you clear immigration faster on arrival and you are not limited to 30-day stays.

If your passport nationality is not on India's VoA eligible list — which covers the vast majority of expats living in Dubai — you have two options: the India e-Visa (for 169 eligible nationalities) or the traditional consulate visa through IVAC Dubai (for all other nationalities including Pakistani passport holders).

The India e-Visa is the correct route for most Dubai expats including British, American, Canadian, Australian, Filipino, Egyptian, Jordanian, Bangladeshi, and most European and African passport holders. The e-Visa is applied for entirely online, typically approved in 48 to 72 hours, and is valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years depending on the type you choose.