India visa for United Arab Emirates citizens
Residents of the United Arab Emirates apply for India's e-Tourist visa over the internet, with no consular appointment involved. The fixed fee is 40 USD and the system usually returns a decision in 3–5 days. This visa allows a tourist stay of up to 90 days, which suits most leisure trips and family visits. Applicants submit a scanned passport page and a recent head-and-shoulders photograph, then pay online. Print the emailed approval and carry it alongside your passport when you fly.
| Visa required | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| e-Visa available | Yes (source) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days (source) |
| Processing time | 3–5 days (source) |
| Visa fee | 40 USD (source) |
Requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with blank pages available.
- A digital scan of the bio-data page.
- A recent white-background photograph meeting the portal's size rules.
- An email address to receive the e-Tourist visa electronically.
- The address where you will stay and your intended date of entry.
- A payment card for the 40 USD online fee.
- A confirmed return or onward booking.
- Awareness that this category allows a stay of up to 90 days and entry through designated airports and seaports.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with blank pages available.
- A digital scan of the bio-data page.
- A recent white-background photograph in the required format.
- An email address to receive the e-Tourist visa.
- Your intended arrival date and an address in India.
- A payment card for the 40 USD application fee.
- A confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Proof of funds for the trip, if asked.
- Details of any prior Indian visa.
Application steps
- Assemble your passport scan and a recent white-background photograph.
- Open the official Indian e-Tourist visa portal yourself rather than relying on an intermediary.
- Complete the application form with your details and arrival date.
- Upload the passport image and photo in the required formats.
- Pay the 40 USD fee online by card.
- Record the application ID and allow about 3–5 days for processing.
- Receive the e-Tourist visa by email and print it.
- Enter through a designated airport or seaport with your documents; the stay limit is 90 days.
Processing time
3–5 days (source) (typical). Processing times may vary.
Visa cost
Fee (from our data): 40 USD (source) . Fees are subject to change; check the official source before applying.
The e-Tourist visa fee for applicants resident in the UAE is 40 USD, paid online when you apply. It covers electronic processing of the visa, with biometric capture generally handled on arrival rather than at a prior appointment.
Settle the fee with a debit or credit card on the official portal. Third-party services frequently charge more, adding their own commission to the government fee.
As fees are reviewed periodically, confirm the up-to-date amount on the official government source before paying.
Common mistakes to avoid
For UAE residents and nationals, India's e-Tourist visa is handled entirely online, and the pitfalls cluster around timing and document accuracy.
- Confusing the stay limit. This e-Tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days; plan your itinerary inside that window and do not overstay.
- Applying too close to the trip. Processing usually takes 3–5 days, so submit well ahead of your flight.
- Photo and scan quality. A non-standard photograph or an unclear passport scan is the most frequent cause of delay — follow the format rules exactly.
- Paying more than the set fee. The official charge is 40 USD on the official Indian government e-visa portal; avoid agents that add a markup.
- Passport too close to expiry. Ensure at least six months' validity and two blank pages.
- Entering at a port that doesn't accept e-visas. Confirm your airport or seaport is on the designated list before you travel.
Country context & recent trends
For applicants in the UAE, India's e-Tourist visa is processed entirely online, so there are no consulate appointments to book. A decision usually comes in roughly 3–5 days, but allowing extra lead time is wise during India's high season and around major holidays when volumes peak.
Remember that entry must be through an approved airport or seaport, and some restricted regions need a separate permit. Entry conditions can be revised, so confirm the latest details on the official government source before travelling.
How it compares to nearby destinations
Travelling from the UAE, you may be comparing India with other popular destinations in the region. The table summarises how their tourist entry rules differ.
| Destination | Visa required | Typical processing | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Yes — online e-Tourist visa | 3–5 days | 40 USD |
| Sri Lanka | Yes — electronic travel authorisation | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Thailand | Visa-free for many tourists | Not applicable | None for visa-free entry |
| Maldives | Free visa on arrival for tourists | On arrival | None for the on-arrival stamp |
Each destination applies its own conditions that can change, so check the official source for every country on your route before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
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Is a visa required to travel from the UAE to India?
Yes. Residents of the UAE need a visa, obtained online as an e-Tourist visa. No consular visit is involved.
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What is the application fee?
The government fee is 40 USD, paid online when you apply. Agents who bundle the visa with a service charge will cost more than the official amount.
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How long does approval take?
Most applications are processed in roughly 3–5 days. Allow more time around India's high season and major holidays.
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How long can I stay in India?
This visa category permits a stay of up to 90 days. Always verify the validity printed on your approval before travelling.
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Does everyone in my family need a visa?
Yes. Each traveller, including children, requires a separate e-Tourist visa. There is no family or group visa for this category.
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Can I use any airport to enter?
No. The e-Tourist visa is valid only for entry through designated airports and seaports. Certain restricted areas need an additional permit.