UAE Introduces visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers holding US, UK & EU visas

In a significant development for Indian travellers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out a new visa-on-arrival policy, offering greater ease of entry for Indian citizens holding valid permanent resident cards or visas from the United States, United Kingdom, or any European Union (EU) country. The updated regulation, announced on October 17, 2024, allows eligible Indian nationals to obtain a 14-day visa upon their arrival in the UAE.

This policy shift comes as part of the UAE’s effort to strengthen its ties with India, home to over 3.5 million residents of Indian origin. The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists and business professionals. With the introduction of visa-on-arrival, travel to the UAE has become even more accessible, facilitating smoother entry and promoting increased business and tourism exchanges between the two nations.

According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), Indian passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from the US, UK, or EU are now eligible for this facility at all entry points within the UAE. Previously, this benefit was restricted to Indian citizens who were already residing in these foreign countries.

To be eligible for the visa-on-arrival, Indian travellers must meet the following conditions: they must hold a valid visa, residence permit, or green card issued by the US; a valid visa or residence permit issued by any EU country or the UK; and their passport must have at least six months of remaining validity. Travellers who meet these requirements will be granted a 14-day visa, with the option to extend the stay by an additional 60 days for a fee.