United Arab Emirates visa for India citizens
Indian passport holders need a visa to visit the United Arab Emirates and can obtain one electronically before travelling, without attending a consulate. The standard tourist visa fee is 200 AED and applications are normally processed in 3–5 days. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days, which covers most holidays and family visits. You submit a passport scan and a photograph through the online system and pay the fee by card. The approved visa arrives by email and should be printed and carried with your passport.
| Visa required | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| e-Visa available | Yes (source) |
| Maximum stay | 30 days (source) |
| Processing time | 3–5 days (source) |
| Visa fee | 200 AED (source) |
Requirements
What Indian applicants need
- A passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- A recent passport-style colour photograph in the format the system requires.
- A clear scan of the passport bio-data page.
- A confirmed return or onward air ticket.
- Hotel confirmation or details of a UAE host or sponsor.
- A payment card to cover the 200 AED visa fee online.
- A working email address, since the visa is issued electronically.
- An understanding that this tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Documents checklist
- An Indian passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- A recent passport-style colour photograph in the format the system requires.
- A clear scan of the passport bio-data page.
- A confirmed return or onward air ticket.
- Hotel confirmation or the details of a UAE host or sponsor.
- A payment card to settle the 200 AED visa fee online.
- A working email address, since the visa is delivered electronically.
- Proof of funds for the visit, which may be requested.
- A note that this tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Application steps
- Gather your Indian passport scan and a recent passport-style photograph.
- Apply through the official UAE immigration service or an authorised channel such as your airline, rather than an unverified agent.
- Complete the online application with your personal and travel details.
- Upload the passport image and photograph in the required formats.
- Pay the 200 AED visa fee online.
- Wait approximately 3–5 days for the application to be processed.
- Receive the electronic visa by email and print a copy.
- Travel to the UAE and present the printed visa with your passport; the stay limit is 30 days.
Processing time
3–5 days (source) (typical). Processing times may vary.
Visa cost
Fee (from our data): 200 AED (source) . Fees are subject to change; check the official source before applying.
The tourist visa fee for Indian travellers to the United Arab Emirates is 200 AED, paid online when the application is submitted. This covers processing of the electronic visa itself.
Where you apply matters: airlines, hotels and agents sometimes bundle the visa with a service charge on top of the government fee, so compare the total before committing. Payment is normally made by card.
Visa fees can be revised by the authorities, so confirm the current amount on the official source before applying rather than relying on a previously quoted figure.
Common mistakes to avoid
Indian travellers need a visa for the UAE, and it is arranged electronically before departure — most problems trace back to the online application and its short validity.
- Underestimating the processing window. Approval generally takes 3–5 days, so apply well before your flight rather than at the last moment.
- Misreading the permitted stay. This visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days; plan a tight itinerary and avoid overstaying, which is fined daily.
- Paying an inflated price. The official fee is 200 AED; apply through the official UAE immigration service (the GDRFA portal) rather than a markup agent.
- Passport and photo errors. Details must match the passport exactly and the photo must meet the required format, or the application is delayed.
- Insufficient passport validity. Travel on a passport valid at least six months beyond entry.
- Booking non-refundable travel before approval. Wait until the visa is granted before committing to fixed flights and hotels.
Country context & recent trends
Indian travellers usually arrange the UAE tourist visa electronically, often through an airline, hotel or licensed agent acting as sponsor, rather than at a consulate. Processing is generally around 3–5 days, but it is sensible to apply earlier during peak travel periods and around major holidays when demand is high.
Sponsorship requirements and permitted stay can vary by visa type and provider, so read the conditions attached to your specific visa carefully. Because rules and fees are periodically updated, confirm the current details on the official source before applying.
How it compares to nearby destinations
Indian travellers often compare the UAE with other Gulf destinations. This table summarises the tourist entry rules side by side.
| Destination | Visa required | Typical processing | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Yes — electronic visa | 3–5 days | 200 AED |
| Qatar | e-visa or sponsored entry, depending on rules | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Oman | e-visa for many travellers | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Bahrain | e-visa or visa on arrival | Varies | Varies — check official source |
The UAE figures reflect its current electronic tourist visa; the other Gulf states apply their own conditions that change over time, so confirm each on its official source before booking.
Frequently asked questions
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Do Indian citizens need a visa for the UAE?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa, which can be obtained electronically before travel. It is commonly arranged through an airline, hotel or licensed agent acting as sponsor.
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How much is the tourist visa?
The visa fee is 200 AED, paid online. Where a sponsor or agent bundles a service charge, the total you pay may be higher than the government fee alone.
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How long does processing take?
Applications are generally processed in about 3–5 days. Apply earlier during peak travel periods to be safe.
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What is the maximum stay?
This tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Confirm the validity attached to your specific visa before you travel.
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Does each traveller need a visa?
Yes. Every traveller, including children, needs an individual visa. There is no shared family visa for this category.
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What can cause a refusal?
Refusals often arise from inconsistent documents or details that do not match the passport. Make sure all information is accurate, as fees are typically not refunded.