UAE Visa on Arrival for Indians 2026: Who Qualifies
Indian passport holders can get a UAE visa on arrival, but only with the right document. You qualify if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia, or a few other countries. The visa on arrival lasts 14 days. Without an eligible document, you apply online before you fly.
- Check you hold an eligible visa or residence permit.
- Make sure it stays valid for at least six months.
- If you do not qualify, apply for an e-visa online first.
Do Indian passport holders get visa on arrival?
Not on the passport alone. An Indian passport by itself does not give you a UAE visa on arrival. You need to hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of a set of approved countries. If you do, immigration issues the visa when you land.
This is the point most travellers miss. Many book a flight expecting a visa on arrival, then find they do not qualify at the airport. So check your documents first. The rest of this guide shows exactly who qualifies and what to do if you do not.
Who qualifies: the eligible documents?
You qualify for a UAE visa on arrival as an Indian passport holder if you hold one of the documents below. The document must be valid for at least six months from the day you enter the UAE. Your passport also needs six months of validity.
| Document you hold | Visa on arrival? |
|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2, H1B, F1, L1) or a US Green Card | Yes |
| EU residence permit (any member state) | Yes |
| Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or South Korea visa or residence | Yes |
| UK visa or residence permit | Changed in 2026, so verify before you fly |
| None of the above | No, apply for an e-visa online first |
One note on the UK. The UK’s place on this list changed during 2026. If your only qualifying document is a UK visa or UK residence permit, confirm the current rule with your airline or ICP before you travel. You may now need to arrange a visa online first.
How long you can stay and the cost?
The visa on arrival is a 14-day single-entry visa. You can extend it once, for another 14 days. The fee is usually around AED 100 to 120 at the airport. The 14-day extension costs about AED 250.
If you need longer, that is fine. You can still choose a pre-arranged visit visa instead, in 30, 60 or 90 day options. Compare them in our UAE visit visa options guide. Whatever visa you use, do not overstay it. A fine of AED 50 a day applies, as our UAE overstay fine 2026 guide explains.
If you do not qualify: apply online first
Many Indian travellers do not hold an eligible third-country document. If that is you, there is a simple path. You apply for a UAE visit visa online before you fly, and you receive an e-visa by email.
You can apply through ICP or GDRFA, an airline like Emirates or Etihad, a hotel, or a licensed agent. Approval is usually quick, often within a few working days. Apply in good time, and travel with the e-visa ready to show. For longer term options, Indians can also look at the ten-year UAE Golden Visa. The full set of routes is in our UAE visa and immigration guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians get visa on arrival in the UAE?
Only with an eligible document. Indian passport holders get a UAE visa on arrival if they hold a valid US visa or Green Card, an EU residence permit, or a visa or residence from Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or South Korea. Without one of these, you must apply for an e-visa online before travelling.
How long is the UAE visa on arrival for Indians?
It is a 14-day single-entry visa, issued at the airport. You can extend it once for another 14 days. The airport fee is around AED 100 to 120, and the extension costs about AED 250. If you need a longer stay, apply for a 30, 60 or 90 day visit visa online instead.
Does a US Green Card qualify Indians for UAE visa on arrival?
Yes. A valid US Green Card qualifies an Indian passport holder for a UAE visa on arrival, as does a valid US visa such as a B1/B2, H1B, F1 or L1. The document must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the UAE.
What if I do not have an eligible visa?
Then you apply for a UAE visit visa online before you fly. You can do this through ICP, GDRFA, an airline, a hotel, or a licensed agent, and you receive an e-visa by email. Choose a 30, 60 or 90 day visa to match your trip, and travel with it ready to show.
Last verified: July 2026
Written by Roman Shah ยท Reviewed by the UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP); UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
