Dubai Visa for Indians

If you are planning to explore Dubai, one of the most breathtaking cities of the UAE, understanding the application process for a Dubai visa for Indians is key to an enjoyable travel experience.

Dubai hosts some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, thrilling adventures and vibrant cultural experiences.

Whether it is a Dubai tourist visa from India or any other Dubai visit visa from India, the application process is streamlined. As you prepare for your trip and visa, don’t forget travel insurance for Dubai - it is your safety net against unexpected incidents.

Here is a quick guide to Dubai visas for Indian citizens: Dubai visa types, required documents, application process, and more.

Do Indians Need a Visa for Dubai?

Yes, Indians need a visa to visit Dubai for any purpose. There are different types of Dubai visas for Indians based on your purpose for visiting, including tourism, work, study, exploring job and business opportunities or family visits.

The application process is simple, especially for a Dubai tourist visa from India. Visa on arrival is also available to Indian citizens who meet specific criteria.

Is there a Dubai Visa On Arrival for Indians?

The Dubai visa for Indians on arrival is available for Indian nationals holding a normal passport and one of the following documents.

• ​USA issued Visit visa
• USA issued Green card
• UK issued Residence visa
• EU issued Residence visa

This Dubai visa on arrival is valid for a maximum of 14 days and can be extended for an additional 14 days.

Please Note: The Indian passport and the visas or green card should be valid at least for a period of six months from the date of arrival in Dubai.

Types of Dubai Visa for Indians

There are different types of Dubai visa for Indians catering to specific requirements. Some of the common types of Dubai visas are listed here. We will discuss the duration, factors to consider, eligibility criteria, India to Dubai visa price and more in the next sections.

Duration of Different Types of Dubai Visas for Indians

Why is Travel Insurance Essential for the Dubai Visa for Indians?

• Includes Coverage for Unexpected Medical Expenses  

Health insurance is an essential document while applying for a Dubai visa. Reliance General Insurance offers International Travel Medical Insurance that covers your unexpected medical expenses on your travel to Dubai.

Travel insurance for Dubai can provide extensive coverage for unexpected healthcare expenses, including hospitalisation, transportation, evacuation, and repatriation of mortal remains. It applies throughout your travel and stay plans in Dubai.

• Comprehensive Protection  

In addition to coverage for medical expenses, Insurance for Dubai travel provides comprehensive coverage for various other potential risks. It includes financial emergency assistance, trip cancellation, trip interruption, total loss of checked-in baggage, delay of checked-in baggage and missed connections.

This comprehensive coverage showcases your financial preparedness, which can smoothen the visa application process.

• Peace of Mind  

When you know you are adequately covered with travel insurance for a Dubai visa, you can gather the other necessary documents and go through the visa process with peace of mind.

Features of Dubai Visa for Indians

• Dubai Visa Application Process

The visa application process differs based on the type of visa. Each visa type will have its own specific eligibility criteria and Dubai visa requirements for Indians.

You can choose from multiple channels, including the official online platform (discussed in the next sections), authorised agencies, or airlines to apply for the Dubai visa.

• Entry Permits Applicable to Dubai Visa for Indian Citizens

It is an electronic document provided to you upon visa issuance. It will enable your entry to Dubai and allow you to stay for the specified period for the purpose of your visit.

• Single or Multiple Entry Visa

Dubai visas for Indians allow for single or multiple entries based on the specific visa type, including Dubai tourist visa from India.

• Sponsor or Host

A Dubai visa for Indians may require a sponsor or host in Dubai as a prerequisite for processing the application.

• Golden Visa

The Golden Visa provides the opportunity for outstanding and talented individuals to live, work and study in Dubai. It also provides the privilege of needing a sponsor and the ability to sponsor family members and domestic helpers.

• Free Visa for Dependent Children

Dependent children under the age of 18 years travelling with accompanying adults can benefit from a free visa for the period from 15th July to 15th September every year.

Who Should Apply for a Dubai Visa?

• Tourists

If you are planning to visit Dubai for leisure and recreational purposes and do not qualify for the visa on arrival, you need to apply for a Dubai tourist visa from India.

• Students Planning to Study in Dubai

If you want to pursue your higher education in Dubai, you need to apply for a Dubai residence visa from India and ensure it is valid until the completion of your course.

• Skilled Employees, Freelancers or Self-Employed People  

If you are planning to work in Dubai, you can apply for a Green Visa. It eliminates the need for an employer to sponsor your visa.

If you are looking for a normal employment visa, you can apply for a standard Dubai work visa for Indians that is applicable to employees in the Government and private sectors.

• Family Members

To visit your family in Dubai for a short or extended period, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa type. For short visits, consider applying for a Dubai visit visa from India, while for longer stays, the residence visa is appropriate.

• Others

If you are someone looking forward to exploring job or business opportunities, receiving medical treatment, studying or training for a short term, you can also apply for the Dubai visit visa from India.  

Factors to Consider When Applying for a Dubai Visa for Indians

• Type of Dubai Visa Required

There are different types of Dubai visas catering to various specific purposes. Spend some time exploring the Dubai visa types and determine the most suitable visa that will suit your requirements.

• Dubai Visa Requirements for Indians

The visa eligibility conditions and requirements are specific to the type of Dubai visa. Understand the requirements specific to your visa and ensure to gather the necessary documents to ensure a smooth application process.  

• Timelines

Determine the duration of the visa type and its validity to ensure it meets your travel conditions.

• Keep Yourself Updated

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai offers a comprehensive online platform to guide users through various visa-related processes and services. Keep yourself updated about the recent developments to learn the Dubai e-visa requirements for Indian citizens and others, if applicable.

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Visa for Indians

The most important eligibility criterion to obtain a Dubai visa for Indians is to have an active passport with a validity period of at least six months from the date of travel. It applies to all the different types of visas to visit Dubai.

In addition, each type of visa has specific eligibility criteria based on its purpose.

• For Transit and Dubai Tourist visas from India
  • Travel records to show that you have travelled to the UAE in the last five years or have a valid visa for countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, Switzerland, Russia, New Zealand or Japan, or
  • Financial records to show a gross income of at least ₹2 lakhs per annum, investments above ₹5 lakhs with a Post Office or bank, or provide a security deposit of $1000 or
  • Your spouse, children (below 21 years of age), and parents above 60 years of age having an invitation from an immediate family member residing in UAE.
• For Dubai Visit Visa from India  
  • For exploring job opportunities
    • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent
    • A skilled worker at the first, second or third professional level approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
    • Graduated from one of the top 500 universities in the world
  • Study, Training or Rehabilitation
    • There should be a sponsor/ host who/ which is a licensed university, educational or research institution.

 For Residence Visa

• Golden Visa

The eligibility criteria can vary depending on the type of applicant, whether investor, entrepreneur, doctors and scientists, inventors, etc. Refer to this Golden Visa page for more detailed information on Dubai visa requirements for Indian citizens.

• For Student Visa

Sponsorship from resident parents or from the accredited university or college

• For Family Members

Residents in Dubai can sponsor for the Residence Visa for their family members, including spouse, children and parents. Medical fitness certificate is a must for individuals above 18 years of age.

Explore Residence Visa for family members to get detailed information regarding the eligibility conditions and specific requirements.

 How to Apply for a Dubai Visa?

There are multiple ways to apply for a Dubai visa.

 For Transit and Tourist Visa

You can use authorised agencies, such as VFS Global to apply for a transit or tourist visa for Dubai from India.

1. Step 1: ​Visit VFS Global, and select the type of visa required and understand the requirements.
2. Step 2: Download the Application Form ​and fill out the required information.
3. Step 3: ​Gather the required documents and visit an Application Centre ​nearest to your location to apply for the visa.
4. Step 4: Wait for your application to be processed and track the status of your application as discussed in the next sections.

If you want a Dubai tourist visa, you can apply for a visa via the following:

1. Travel partners or hotels
2. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai ​and Air Arabia
3. Organisations based in UAE
4. Friends or Relatives (UAE Residents) can apply on your behalf

• Other Types of Dubai Visas
  1. Step 1: Use any of the following channels:
     • Log in to the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (​GDRFA)
     • Login to the eChannels portal
     • Dubai Now on Google Play ​and App Store.
     • ICP App on Google Play and App Store
  2. Step 2: ​Select the type of visa that you need to apply for your visit to Dubai.
  3. Step 3: Fill out the application form and provide the necessary documents.
  4. Step 4: Pay the applicable fee

For any further assistance, you can contact:

• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai.

Dubai Visa Fees for Indians

If you have used VFS Global for your visa application, the Dubai visa costs for Indians are as follows:

Please note: Fee rates are subject to change. For other types of Dubai visas, you can refer to Entry Permits for detailed information on the fee structure.

Dubai Visa for Indians - Documents Required

The documents required to apply for a Dubai Visa varies based on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Here are the mandatory documents required across the different types of visas and further the specific requirements.

• Mandatory Documents for Dubai Visas for Indians
  • Visa Application Form
  • One coloured passport-size photograph - 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm with a white background (Two in certain cases)
  • Original passport for verification and coloured photocopies of the first and last two pages of the passport (Valid for at least six months from the date of travel)
  • Travel Tickets (Confirmed onward and return tickets)
  • Health insurance valid in Dubai
• Dubai Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
  • Based on the eligibility criteria, you may need the following documents:
    • NOC from parents or spouses for female applicants and students above 18 years of age travelling alone
    • ITR forms
    • Marriage certificate
    • Invitation letter from the host, if applicable
  • Specific Requirements for Dubai Multi Trip 5-Year Tourist Visa
    • 6 months’ bank statement (should have a bank balance of $4,000)
    • Round-trip ticket
    • Proof of stay
  • Specific Requirements for Dubai Visit Visa from India
    • Exploring job opportunities
      • A universal degree
    • Exploring business opportunities
      • Proof of Investment
    • Study, training and rehabilitation
      • A letter from the educational entity
    • For a relative or friend
      • Marriage contract
      • Birth certificate
      • Salary certificate, if applicable
      • Proof of relationship and reason for the visit
      • Valid residence permit (if you are visiting your spouse who is a GCC citizen)
    • Specific Requirements for Dubai Residence Visa
      • Student Visa
        • Certificate issued by the institute or university detailing the duration of the study
      • Dubai Work Visa Requirements For Indian Citizens (Green Visa and Standard Work Visa)

The requirements depend on the type of work visa. Explore Residence Visa for working in the UAE for more details.

• For Business Visa
  • Proof of investment
  • Necessary approvals from ICP and competent local authorities

Please note: The Dubai visa requirements for Indian citizens can vary for individual circumstances and additional documents may be requested.

COVID-19 Guidelines for Dubai Visa from India

From November 2022, travellers are no longer required to show their Covid-19 vaccination certificate or negative PCR tests to enter Dubai. So, it is not a prerequisite for a Dubai visa for Indian citizens now.

Dubai Visa Processing Time for Indians

If you have applied for a Dubai visa for Indians through VFS Global, the normal processing time is 3 - 4 working days. It is calculated from the date of submission of the application form and supporting documents.

If an express Dubai visa process for Indians is applicable, then the processing time is 36 hours from the date of submission. Express visa is applicable to a transit visa and 30-day and 60-day single entry Dubai tourist visa from India.

If you have applied through the official portal of GDRFA or any other smart application compliant with the Government of Dubai, the processing time is generally 48 hours. It can vary for specific applications based on the purpose.

How to Track the Application for a Dubai Visa for Indians?

If you have used VFS Global, for applying for a Dubai tourist visa from India or any other visa type, you can track your application by clicking here.  

If you have used the official portal of GDRFA or any other smart application compliant with the Government of Dubai for Dubai e-visa for Indians, you can check the status of your application here.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejections and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete Documentation - If you have not provided the documents required to process your visa application, it can get rejected. Therefore, be sure to double-check the required documents for Dubai visas for Indians and whether you have gathered them all.
• Inaccurate or Misleading Information - If you have provided incorrect information to raise a fraudulent visa application, it will be outrightly rejected.
• Mismatching Information - If the details you have provided in the application form and the details present in the supporting documents do not match, your visa application can be rejected. So, ensure to compare the important details across your application and documents.
• Insufficient Financial Proof - If you don’t have sufficient funds to plan your stay in Dubai, your visa application may not be accepted. Understand Dubai visa requirements for Indians and submit the necessary documents, including recent bank statements.
• Breach of Law or Violations - If you have a history of legal violations or criminal activity, your application can be rejected.

What is the Validity of a Dubai Visa for Indians?

 Dubai Visa Renewal Process for Indian Citizens

 Things to Know About Dubai

As you go through Dubai visa requirements for Indians and prepare for your much-awaited travel, here are a few things that can ignite your exploration.  

• Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates.
• Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, “Burj Khalifa”, the deepest swimming pool, “Deep Dive Dubai”, and the tallest landmark sign in “Hatta”.
• Dubai is also home to the world’s first fully functional 3D-printed building, “The Office of the Future”. It has innovative working spaces, a lounge and a cafe.
• The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest malls for entertainment, shopping and leisure.
• Xline Dubai Marina is the world’s longest urban zipline.
• Dubai International Airport is recognised as the world’s busiest international airport. More than 6500 flights are operated weekly by over 140 airlines.
• Expo 2020 in Dubai was one of the first World Expo that was organised for six months and welcomed 192 nations across the globe. It was the first ever held in the Africa, Middle East and South Asia region.

 Best Places to Visit in Dubai

• Downtown Dubai - It is one of the most popular places of interest in Dubai. You can witness the beautiful and iconic attractions of Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Mall.
• Dubai Marina - It is one of the most attractive hubs for water-based activities. You can witness the whole of Dubai’s coastline, the world’s longest urban zipline (Xline Dubai Marina), and Dubai Harbour. You can also explore the ultimate adventure of Skydive in Dubai.
• Jumeirah - You can explore some of the most famous beaches of Dubai in Jumeirah. Some of the popular beaches include Kite Beach, Black Palace Beach, and Nessnass Beach. You can also enjoy the fascinating culinary treat of Dubai in its Dubai Food Festival from 21st April to 7th May here.
• Palm Jumeirah - It is an extraordinary palm-shaped island.  The fronds have private residences, and the trunk hosts a number of luxury resorts and restaurants. Dubai landmarks like Atlantis The Royal and the Palm Islands are certainly places worth visiting in Dubai.

 Seasons and Things to Do

 FAQs About Dubai Visa for Indians

1. Is Dubai visa-free for Indian citizens?

No, Indian applicants need to pay a fee that is specific to the type of Dubai visa process for Indians. Refer to the above section for detailed information on Dubai visa fees for Indians.

2. Can Indians go to Dubai on a visa on arrival?

Dubai visa on arrival for Indians is available to Indian citizens who meet specific criteria. Refer to the first few sections for more information.

3. Is the Dubai visa different from the UAE visa?

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, both the Dubai and UAE visa mean the same, although the terms are used interchangeably.

4. What should I do if my Dubai visa gets rejected?

You can raise an appeal to the UAE High Commission to state the reasons for rejection.

5. Will I get a refund if my Dubai visa gets rejected?

No, fees once paid for a Dubai visa process for Indians cannot be refunded.

6. Can I reapply for a Dubai visa if it gets rejected?

Yes, you can reapply for a Dubai visa although it gets rejected. However, if you have raised an appeal with the UAE High Commission, wait for its response before you take the next steps.

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Details mentioned here are for Reliance Travel Care Policy, UIN: RELTIOP08002V010708.  Sum Insured: The mentioned Sum insured amount is applicable only under Reliance Travel Care Policy – Individual – Platinum Plan. Total loss of checked baggage: Maximum amount payable per checked-in baggage in case more than one bag has been checked in, is 50% (100% for only one checked-in baggage) of applicable sum insured and per item in baggage maximum 10%.

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