India Visa for UAE National (Emirati) Citizens

As a UAE national, you have more flexibility for entering India than almost any other nationality in the Gulf region. The two pathways — Visa on Arrival and e-Visa — each have distinct advantages, and understanding both helps you choose the right option for your specific trip.

The India Visa on Arrival for UAE nationals is a Rs 2,000, up-to-60-day double-entry visa obtained at the airport on the day of arrival in India — available only to Emiratis who have previously held an India e-Visa or a regular/paper visa; a first trip to India cannot be made on VoA. It is non-extendable and non-convertible. No advance application or appointment is required for eligible travellers, and the fee (Rs 2,000 per passenger, including children) is paid at the VoA counter inside the designated Indian airports after your international flight lands.

Step-by-Step: India VoA at the Airport for Emiratis

1. 1Book your flight from Dubai to one of the 6 VoA-eligible Indian airports: Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), or Kolkata (CCU). Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram are NOT VoA ports — if you land there, you must already hold a visa. All major direct routes from Dubai land at one of the six VoA airports.
2. 2Pack your Emirati passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival), a printed or digital copy of your return flight ticket, and accommodation details in India.
3. 3After landing and clearing the jetway, follow signs for "Immigration" or "International Arrivals." Look for the dedicated "Visa on Arrival" counter — it is clearly marked and separate from the main immigration lines.
4. 4Present your Emirati passport to the immigration officer. Confirm that you are a UAE national and state your purpose of visit (tourism, business, family visit, or medical).
5. 5Provide your return flight ticket when asked. Accommodation details (hotel booking or a family member's address in India) are helpful to have available.
6. 6Your biometric data — fingerprints and a digital photograph — will be collected. This process takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
7. 7The VoA stamp is placed in your passport. Verify the entry and exit dates, number of entries, and any conditions noted. You may now proceed to baggage collection and exit the airport.

What to Carry for VoA (No Documents Required in Advance)

• Valid Emirati passport — must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India
• Return flight ticket from India to Dubai (printed or on your phone)
• Hotel reservation or family contact address in India — you may be asked for accommodation details
• Sufficient funds for your stay — Indian immigration may ask about your planned expenditure (a credit card or cash equivalent to your estimated expenses)
• Contact details of someone in India you are visiting, if applicable

A practical tip: VoA queues at Delhi and Mumbai can be long during peak travel seasons (October–January). If you are travelling during a busy period, consider applying for the India e-Visa in advance to use the faster e-Visa immigration lane on arrival, which typically has shorter queues.

The India e-Visa is the recommended option for UAE nationals who prefer to have their visa confirmed before departure, want to use the faster e-Visa immigration lane at Indian airports, or are planning multiple India trips throughout the year. The process is entirely online and typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

1. 1Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in — the only official India e-Visa portal. Do not use third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
2. 2Click "Apply Visa" and select "United Arab Emirates" as your nationality. Select the Indian airport you will arrive at.
3. 3Choose your e-Visa type (eTourist, eBusiness, or eMedical) and the appropriate duration. For UAE nationals, all eTourist durations (30-day, 1-year, and 5-year) cost the same — USD 25.
4. 4Fill in the application form with your personal details, UAE address, passport number, travel dates, and any required additional information.
5. 5Upload your passport photo (white background, front-facing, recent) and a scan of your Emirati passport biographical page.
6. 6Pay the USD 25 e-Visa fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive an acknowledgement email with an Application ID.
7. 7Within 48 to 72 hours, you will receive your approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via email. Download and print this document.
8. 8Travel to India. At check-in in Dubai, present your printed ETA and passport. On arrival in India, use the designated e-Visa immigration lane.

India is one of the most diverse travel destinations in the world, and UAE nationals visit for a wide range of purposes. Here is a guide to the best visa option for each purpose of travel.

India has become an increasingly popular destination among UAE nationals for medical tourism, with world-class facilities in cities like Chennai (cardiac and orthopaedic surgery), Mumbai (cancer treatment), and Bengaluru (fertility treatments). The eMedical e-Visa provides 60 days of stay with triple entry, making it ideal for multi-stage treatments requiring return visits to the same hospital.

Popular India Destinations for UAE Nationals

• Kerala: backwaters, Ayurvedic wellness retreats, lush hill stations, and beaches — highly popular among Emirati travellers seeking nature and relaxation
• Rajasthan: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and desert safaris — iconic historical India with luxury palace hotels
• Goa: beaches, seafood, and a relaxed Portuguese-influenced culture — popular for short breaks from Dubai
• Kashmir: mountain scenery, houseboats on Dal Lake, and skiing in Gulmarg — gaining popularity among UAE visitors
• Delhi and the Golden Triangle: Taj Mahal, historical monuments, and cultural experiences
• Mumbai: city exploration, Bollywood tours, and gateway to Ajanta and Ellora caves

While the visa process for UAE nationals is straightforward, there are a few important practical considerations that Emirati travellers should be aware of before departing from Dubai to India.

• Carry your Emirati passport, not just your Emirates ID. Emirates ID is not accepted as a travel document for international travel, and you will need the passport for visa stamping and immigration in India.
• Your Emirati passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date you plan to arrive in India.
• The VoA and e-Visa both permit entry through designated airports only. If your itinerary involves entering India by land from Nepal or elsewhere, you will need a different visa arrangement — contact OraVisa for guidance.
• Travel insurance covering medical emergencies in India is strongly recommended, even though India has excellent healthcare facilities.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as temples, mosques, and shrines.
• The UAE dirham is not widely accepted in India. Convert currency to Indian Rupees (INR) at the airport or through a UAE exchange house before departure for the best rates.
• Internet connectivity is generally excellent in Indian cities. Purchase a local Indian SIM at the airport on arrival for affordable data and calls.

Six Indian airports accept India Visa on Arrival, and all are served by direct or connecting flights from Dubai (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). Several other popular routes from Dubai — Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ahmedabad — are NOT VoA ports: if you fly there, you must obtain your visa before departure.