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Updated December 2022

The UAE provides multiple options when it comes to obtaining a visa. Travellers from India, looking to enter the United Arab Emirates for different purposes can now choose from the wide range of visas available visas and can apply for a visa, hassle-free.

Keep reading to know more about the available types of UAE visas, ranging from tourist visas, business visas, remote work visas and student visas, and the prices of the visas in the UAE.

Do Indians need visa to visit Dubai?

Yes, Indians need to have pre-arranged visa before arriving in Dubai or the UAE, as they are not eligible for visa on arrival.

They can apply for a visa via the following:

The Federal Authority’s website, or ICP app on Google Play and App Store.
For specifically Dubai visa, the GDRFA’s website, or Dubai Now app Google Play and App Store.
Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia.
Hotel or travel partners with whom you have booked a trip. They can apply for a Service Visa (14 days), Tourist Visa (30 days) or Visit Visa (up to 90 days).
UAE residents (friends or relatives) can apply as sponsors on your behalf (subject to guidelines).

Can Indians get visa on arrival in Dubai?

Indians who do not hold any of the special visas, are not eligible for Dubai visa on arrival.

To apply for the pre-arranged visa, you’ll require:

A passport, valid for a minimum of six months
Passport size photos
A copy of your completed and signed visa application form.
Details about your itinerary.
Onward and return confirmed ticket.
Invitation letter if any, from the host company in the UAE
For female applicants and students above 18 years and travelling alone will require NOC from parents or husband, photo ID of parents or husband. Coloured copy of the host passport or residence visa
Applicable visa fees in cash, DD or credit card.
A cover letter with all the required details about your itinerary.
Statement from your bank of the last six months to prove you have enough finances to fund your visit.
Address proof.

Please make sure to consult with your nearest UAE embassy regarding the specific documents required for the different visas.

UAE Visas for Indians with USA Visa

According to the terms of UAE visa for holders of special visas, an Indian person with USA visa, USA green card, UK residency, or Europe residency with validity of at least 6 months, is eligible for visa on arrival.

This visa allows a stay period of 14 days from getting your issuance request approved, with the option of extension for another 14 days.

Fees are applicable as below.

Issue fees: AED 100
E-Service fees: AED 28
ICP fees: AED 22

Is UAE visa free for Indians?

Unfortunately, no. The visa cost for Indians varies depending upon the type of visa applicants opt for, according to their purpose of visit. Keep reading to know the different visa costs for different types of visas.

UAE visa types for Indians in 2022

The following is a list of visas available in the United Arab Emirates for Indian citizens.

UAE tourist visa

A tourist visa is required to enter the UAE if the traveller is not from the list of 74 countries available for the visa on arrival scheme. In principle, the tourist visa is obtainable by eligible tourists from around the world. However, as per the UAE’s official government portal, female travellers below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless travelling with their parents.

The tourist visa is valid for 60 days. The UAE also provides a 5-year visa which allows tourists to remain in the country for 90 days on each visit.

Application process

The UAE tourist visa can be applied for both online or through the approved airlines, hotels, travel agencies or tour operators.

Applicants will simply need to provide the required information, and documents and pay the visa fee online without having to send documents by email or visiting the office in person. Once the visa application is approved, they will receive an approved e-visa copy via email.

For more details visit our article on Dubai & UAE Tourist Visa 2022: How to Apply for Tourist Visa to the Emirates?

Dubai & UAE Tourist Visa 2022: How to Apply For Tourist Visa to the Emirates?

Fees

The price for obtaining the UAE tourist visa depends on the individual airlines and is subject to change. It’s best to consult the individual airlines for the latest fees and updates.

But to give you an idea, Emirates Airlines currently charges AED 642.79 (INR 13,832) for the short-term single entry visa and AED 190 (INR 4,083) for the long-term single-entry tourist visa. Etihad currently charges AED 350 (INR 7,244) for the short-term single entry visa and AED 1000 (INR 21,493) for the long-term single-entry tourist visa,

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UAE multi-entry visa

As a part of the UAE’s new visa scheme, a new Multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced, which can now be issued for all nationalities, in a step that aims to facilitate the process for tourists and visitors. The 5-year visa enables tourists to enter multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, which can be extended for another 90 days.

Dubai’s tourism body is working with authorities to roll out the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa on a much bigger scale to attract more tourists. Currently, the visa is being rolled out softly. Initiatives are being taken to roll out more visas and make applications accessible via the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing digital platform.

Application process

Tourists who wish to apply for the UAE five-year multiple-entry visa from immigration departments in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra (Western region) can do so on the ICA website. Please note that the GDRFA will authorize the five-year multiple-entry tourist visas issued by Dubai.

Upload the required application information such as your name, service beneficiary details, address inside the UAE, and address outside the UAE.
Attach your passport copy, photograph, medical insurance, bank statement and any other required documents.
Review your application.
Pay the required application fees.
Visa applications will be processed online, and you will receive your five-year multiple-entry tourist visa via your registered email.

5 Year UAE Tourist Visa 2022: How to Apply For the UAE Multi Entry Visa?

Fees

The fees breakdown for the 5-year UAE multi-entry visa is as follows:

Request fee: AED 100
issue fee: AED 500
Security deposit: AED 3,025
E-service fee: AED 28
ICA fee: AED 22

UAE business visa

Travellers looking to enter the United Arab Emirates to promote, establish, or negotiate business-related activities, or to establish contact for future business relations are allowed to travel on a Business visa. However, the Business visa should not be confused with the Employment visa, which is to be applied by those entering the country to work as employees or on a contract basis, drawing a regular salary.

The visa is part of the Golden Visa system and allows entrepreneurs to enter the country for 6 months with a multiple-entry visa.

Application

To obtain the business visa applicants must be:

able to substantiate your experience as an entrepreneur
have been a majority shareholder of a start-up or a member of its senior leadership
willing to relocate to the UAE and legally establish a business in one of the seven emirates
have a business idea or a business plan that you wish to bring to life in the UAE.

In order to apply for a business visa, applicants will need to have their nominations approved by an incubator supported by the UAE government (currently, AREA2071 in Dubai and HUB71 in Abu Dhabi). Once their nomination has been approved, they will be invited to apply for the visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security.

Please note that if the applicant’s nomination is successful, they will receive a link to upload the required documents and complete their application for the visa. In case their nomination is not approved, they will have to apply again after 90 days.

Fees

According to some sources, the business visa fee ranges from AED 311 (INR 6690) to AED 772 (INR 16,590), depending on the type of business visa.

Please make sure to consult your embassy to know details regarding the price of the UAE Business Visa.

Remote work visa

The remote work visa allows individuals to live in the UAE and continue to work for their existing employer outside the UAE. Remote work visas are valid for 1 year and are renewable upon re-application.

Remote workers may enter Dubai under self-sponsorship and are eligible for zero income tax.

Application

After establishing their eligibility, applicants can simply apply online for the visa. They will be contacted by the relevant authorities with further instructions concerning the application.

For more details visit our article on 1-Year Visa: How and Where to Apply for UAE’s Coveted Remote Work Visa?

1-Year Visa 2022: How and Where to Apply For UAE’s Coveted Remote Work Visa?

Fees

The fee of a one-year remote work visa in UAE is AED 1,054.18 (INR 21,884) per applicant. However, keep in mind that you are also required to obtain an insurance policy and will be liable to processing and Emirates ID fees. The total cost of obtaining the VWP is approximately AED 2,244.26 (INR 46,589).

UAE student visa

The student visas are valid for one year from the date of issuance and are renewable for a similar period upon presenting an official proof of continuation of study in the UAE. It is issued to expatriate students who are over 18 years and residing in the UAE.

Application

Student visas in the UAE must be sponsored by a higher education institution or by a local relative. The applicant’s college or university will apply for their UAE student visa at the GDRFA office of the relevant emirate in which they will live.

If their application is approved, the GDRFA will affix a Residence Visa on their passport. They will further receive an Emirates ID, which will be valid for the same duration as the visa. An entry permit can be applied through one of the Online or Offline portals.