Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the most visited destinations for Indian travellers – for holidays, family visits, shopping festivals and business meetings. Most Indians need a visa before flying to the UAE, but the process is fully online and usually takes only a few working days. This guide explains the types of UAE tourist visa for Indians, who can get a visa on arrival, the documents you need and how to apply.
UAE Tourist Visa at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa needed? | Yes, for most Indian passport holders (visa on arrival only for certain cases) |
| Common durations | 30 days or 60 days, single or multiple entry; 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa |
| Where to apply | Online – airlines, UAE-based hotels, licensed travel agents or official ICP / GDRFA portals |
| Processing time | Usually 2 to 5 working days |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months |
| Work allowed? | No – tourist visas do not allow employment |
Visa on Arrival for Indians: Who Qualifies?
Indian passport holders can get a 14-day visa on arrival (extendable once) if they hold any one of these:
- A valid US visa or US green card
- A valid residence permit from the UK or an EU country
The US visa or residence permit usually needs at least 6 months of validity. A small fee is payable at the airport. Rules can change, so check with your airline or the ICP website before travelling.
Types of UAE Tourist Visa
30-day tourist visa
Best for a short holiday or family visit. Available as single entry, and some providers offer multiple entry.
60-day tourist visa
Useful for longer family stays or for visitors combining a holiday with business meetings.
5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
Lets you stay up to 90 days per visit (extendable once). Applicants usually need to show a healthy bank balance – check the current requirement before applying.
Visit visa sponsored by family
UAE residents can sponsor close relatives on a visit visa if they meet the salary rules set by the authorities.
Job seeker visa
A separate visit visa (60, 90 or 120 days) for skilled professionals and recent graduates from top universities who want to look for work in the UAE. It does not allow you to start working – your employer must still apply for a UAE work visa.
Documents Required
- Scanned colour copy of your passport (first and last pages), valid for at least 6 months
- Recent passport-size photo with a white background
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or the address of your host in the UAE
- Bank statement (some providers and the 5-year visa ask for it)
- For sponsored visits: sponsor’s Emirates ID, passport copy and proof of relationship
Create a complete list for your trip with our free visa document checklist generator.
UAE Tourist Visa Fees
Fees depend on the duration, number of entries and who processes the visa. Airlines and travel agents add a service charge to the government fee, so prices differ. Compare 2 or 3 licensed providers, and remember that some visas also need refundable deposits or insurance. Use our visa fee and total cost calculator to plan your full trip budget.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Book your flight – Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia let passengers apply for a UAE visa with their booking.
- Choose the visa type – 30 days, 60 days or multiple entry.
- Upload documents – passport, photo, ticket and hotel details.
- Pay the fee online.
- Receive the e-visa by email – usually within a few working days. Print a copy.
- Travel – present your passport and e-visa at immigration. Most visitors enter within 60 days of the visa being issued.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Make sure the name on the visa matches your passport exactly.
- Use a clear photo – blurry or edited photos are a common reason for rejection.
- Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before travel, especially during holidays.
- Only use airlines, UAE hotels or licensed agents. Avoid social media “visa agents”.
- Leave before your visa expires. Overstay fines are charged per day.
Can I Work on a UAE Tourist Visa?
No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal in the UAE and can lead to fines, deportation and a ban. You may attend interviews, but your employer must issue a proper work permit before you start. Read more in can you work on a visit visa?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free UAE visa for Indians?
No free tourist visa is available for most Indians. Only holders of a valid US visa, green card, or UK / EU residence permit can get a visa on arrival, which still has a small fee.
How long does a UAE tourist visa take?
Usually 2 to 5 working days. Express options may be available for an extra fee.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Many tourist visas can be extended once from inside the UAE through the ICP or GDRFA system, for a fee.
Can I visit Oman or other Gulf countries on a UAE visa?
No. Each Gulf country has its own visa rules. Check the visa of the country you plan to visit.
Related Reading
See our guides on the easiest visit visas for Indians and visit visa rejection reasons. Planning to work in the Gulf instead? Browse the latest UAE jobs.
Always confirm current rules on the official UAE portal u.ae before you travel.
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