Dubai is one of the top international destinations for Indian tourists, thanks to its luxury, shopping, desert adventures and world-class attractions. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for a honeymoon, shopping spree, family vacation or a desert adventure — this Dubai visa guide for Indian citizens answers all your questions in one place. From visa types and costs to extensions, rejections, tracking and more — this is the ultimate Dubai Visa Guide for Indians.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Dubai?
Yes. Indian passport holders must apply for a UAE Tourist Visa before traveling to Dubai (unless holding a valid US/UK/Schengen visa, in which case you may get a visa on arrival.
Types of Dubai Tourist Visas for Indians
Visa Type | Validity | Stay Duration | Entry |
14 Days Tourist Visa | 60 Days | 14 Days | Single |
30 Days Tourist Visa | 60 Days | 30 Days | Single/Multiple |
60 Days Tourist Visa | 60 Days | 60 Days | Single/Multiple |
96 Hour Transit Visa | 30 Days | 4 Days | Single |
Notes: All visas must be used within validity from issue date.
How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from India
You cannot apply directly through the UAE Embassy. Indians must apply through:
- UAE-based airlines
- UAE-approved travel agencies
- Online platforms like VFS Global, etc.
- Hotel sponsorship
Documents Required for Dubai Visa
- Valid Indian Passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Hotel booking / accommodation proof
- Pan card copy
- Financial proof (for some visas or travelers)
- Birth certificate (for minors)
Also Read: International Travel Guide for Indians
Dubai Visa Fees for Indians (Approx.)
Visa Type | Fee (INR) |
14 Days Tourist Visa | Rs 6,000 – 7,000 |
30 Days Tourist Visa | Rs 6,500 – 8,000 |
60 Days Tourist Visa | Rs 11,000 – 13,000 |
96 Hour Transit Visa | Rs 2,500 – 3,500 |
Visa on Arrival for Indians – Who’s Eligible?
Indian passport holders can get a 14-day Visa on Arrival in Dubai only if they have:
- A valid US Visa, UK Visa, Schengen Visa or green card
- Valid for at least 6 months
- Cost: AED 120 (~₹2,800) at the airport
Dubai Visa Processing Time
- Normal Visa: 3–5 working days
- Express Visa: 1–2 days (extra fee)
Apply at least 10 days before travel to avoid delays.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all UAE visa applications.
- Should cover medical emergencies, COVID-19, accidents
- Minimum coverage: USD 50,000+
How to Track Dubai Visa Status
You can track your visa application via:
- VFS Global (if applied through them)
- Emirates/FlyDubai website (if applied via airline)
- GDRFA Dubai portal: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- Agent support system
- Status will show: Under Process, Approved, Rejected or Cancelled
Dubai Visa for Children and Senior Citizens
- For children, include:
- Birth certificate (in English or translated)
- Passport
- Parents’ documents
- For seniors:
- Insurance is highly recommended
- Extra documentation may be needed if traveling alone
Dubai Visa Extension for Tourists
- Yes, you can extend for another 30 days
- Apply online through GDRFA or AMER service center
- Fee: AED 850–1,000 (~₹18,000–22,000)
- No need to exit the UAE
- Only one-time extension allowed
Overstay Fines & Penalties
- AED 50 (~₹1,100) per day
- AED 100 exit permit fee
- Heavy fines or bans for repeated overstays
- Pay fine at immigration or airport before leaving
Difference Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi Visas
- UAE visa is valid for all 7 emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.
- However, Emirates or Etihad visa may require port of entry to match
(e.g., Emirates visa = enter via Dubai)
UAE Transit Visa for Indians
- Ideal for long stopovers:
- 48-hour and 96-hour visas available
- Apply via airline (Emirates, Etihad, etc.)
- Requires confirmed onward ticket
- Usually free or low-cost (₹2,500–3,500)
Common Reasons for Dubai Visa Rejection
- Passport damage/expiry
- Poor travel history
- Mismatch in documents
- Incomplete forms or fake bookings
- Previous UAE overstay or ban
Advice: Always apply through a trusted agent to avoid rejection.
Best Time to Apply for Dubai Visa
- Apply 10–15 days before travel
- For New Year, Eid, Expo, etc., apply 3+ weeks early
- Avoid weekends (Friday–Saturday in UAE)
UAE Smart Services App – For Visa & Immigration
Use the official GDRFA Dubai App to:
- Extend visa
- Track visa
- Check fines
- Contact immigration
- Check status of family/dependents
Available on iOS & Android.
Consulate General of India in Dubai
Address: Al Hamriya, Diplomatic Enclave
P.O. BOX 737, DUBAI
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Toll free number: 800 46342
Dubai Immigration Tips
- Dress modestly
- Keep return ticket & hotel booking printed
- Be polite and clear at immigration
- Carry enough cash or international card
- Avoid overstaying — fines are heavy
Final Checklist for Indian Tourists Visiting Dubai
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel bookingVisa or visa on arrival eligibility
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- UAE SIM card (available at airport)
- Local currency or Forex card
Dubai Visa FAQs for Indians
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Dubai?
Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a UAE tourist visa before entering Dubai unless they meet the criteria for Visa on Arrival (such as holding a valid US, UK or Schengen visa).
Can Indians get a Visa on Arrival in Dubai?
Yes, but only if you hold a valid US Visa, UK Visa, EU Schengen Visa or Green Card with at least 6 months’ validity. In that case, you can get a 14-day visa on arrival at Dubai airport for approximately AED 120.
How much does a Dubai tourist visa cost for Indians?
The cost depends on the visa type and service provider. A 14-day visa usually costs ₹6,000–₹7,000, a 30-day visa costs ₹6,500–₹8,000 and a 60-day visa can cost ₹11,000–₹13,000. Prices may vary slightly depending on the agent or travel portal.
How long does it take to get a Dubai visa from India?
Standard processing takes 3–5 working days. Express visa services are available through select agents or airlines and can be issued within 24–48 hours, with an additional fee.
Is travel insurance mandatory for getting a Dubai visa?
Yes, UAE immigration requires all visa applicants to have valid travel insurance. The insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospital expenses and preferably COVID-19. Minimum recommended coverage is USD 50,000.
Can I extend my Dubai tourist visa while in the UAE?
Yes. You can apply for a one-time 30-day extension without leaving the country. The extension fee is usually between AED 850 to AED 1,000 and can be done online or through immigration-approved centers.
How do I apply for a Dubai visa from India?
You can apply through UAE-approved travel agents or platforms like VFS Global, etc. Direct applications through UAE embassies are not allowed.
What happens if I overstay my Dubai visa?
Overstaying your visa results in a daily fine of AED 50. You’ll also have to pay an exit permit fee. Repeated or long overstays can lead to blacklisting or future visa rejections, so it’s important to exit or extend your visa on time.
Can I work in Dubai on a tourist visa?
No. Working in Dubai while on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited and considered illegal. To work legally, you need a valid work permit sponsored by a UAE-based employer.
Is my Dubai visa valid for other parts of the UAE?
Yes. A UAE tourist visa allows you to travel freely across all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and others — not just Dubai.
What’s the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry Dubai visas?
A single-entry visa allows you to enter Dubai only once. If you leave and want to return, you’ll need a new visa.
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit multiple times within the visa validity period (great for GCC/business travelers).
Do I need a confirmed hotel booking to apply for a Dubai visa?
Yes. A valid hotel reservation or proof of accommodation (even a relative’s address with their Emirates ID) is usually required during visa application and immigration checks.
Can I apply for a Dubai visa without confirmed flight tickets?
Some agents may accept your application without flight tickets, but it’s highly recommended to have at least a hold booking or dummy ticket, as it’s often required for processing.
Can I visit Dubai with an e-Visa or digital copy?
Yes. UAE visas are issued as e-Visas (PDF format). You can carry a printed or digital copy. However, keeping a printed version is recommended for immigration checks.
How early can I apply for a Dubai tourist visa?
You can apply up to 60 days before your travel date, depending on the visa type. Applying 10–15 days before travel is ideal to avoid delays.
Can I apply for a Dubai visa if I’ve never traveled abroad before?
Yes, but first-time travelers should ensure all documents are clear and genuine. Having previous international travel history can improve approval chances but is not mandatory.
Will my visa get rejected if I had a previous UAE rejection?
Not necessarily. If the reason for rejection was minor (incomplete docs, photo mismatch), you can reapply. But if it was due to overstay or blacklist, reapproval may be difficult.
Are biometric or physical visits required for Dubai visa?
No. Dubai/UAE tourist visa for Indians is 100% online — no biometrics, embassy visits or in-person appointments are required.
Can I apply for Dubai visa from India if I live abroad (e.g., in Canada)?
Yes, but the visa must be linked to the passport, not residency. Your application may be processed based on your current location — choose an agent accordingly.
Do I need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from my employer for the visa?
In most tourist visa cases, no NOC is required. But some employers (especially for corporate travel) may still ask you to submit it with your application.