Dubai visa for Indians: Types, how to apply, requirement and process

Planning a trip to Dubai from India? Before you can enjoy the towering skyscrapers or experience the vibrant culture, there’s an important task to tackle—getting your Dubai visa. If you're heading there for a holiday, a business meeting, or even a short stopover, securing the right visa is essential. Unsure where to start? Don’t worry, this guide breaks down the process step by step, so you can get it done with ease and focus on your Dubai journey. Let’s jump in!

Types of Dubai visa for Indians

Here is the list of various types of Dubai visa for Indians:

Tourist visa

This is the most popular visa for Indians visiting Dubai for leisure purposes. It allows travellers to explore Dubai for a specified period.

• Duration: Tourist visas are typically available for 30 days and 60 days.

• Single entry: Allows you to enter Dubai once and stay for the allotted time.

• Multiple entry: Grants the flexibility to enter and exit Dubai multiple times within the visa's validity period.

Business visa

A business visa is ideal for those visiting Dubai for professional or commercial activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or exhibitions.

• Duration: Usually issued for a short period (14 to 30 days) but can be extended depending on the purpose of the visit.

Transit visa

If you're travelling through Dubai and need to stay for a short layover, a transit visa might be the right option. This visa is useful for travellers who need to wait for their next connecting flight.

• Duration: Available for 48 hours or 96 hours.

• Eligibility: You must have a confirmed onward journey and a hotel reservation.

Employment visa

For Indians seeking to work in Dubai, an employment visa is necessary. This visa is typically sponsored by the employer in Dubai.

• Duration: Initially issued for 30 days, after which the company facilitates the processing of a work permit and residency visa.

• Sponsorship: Must be provided by an employer in Dubai.

Student visa

Indians who wish to pursue their studies in Dubai can apply for a student visa. The institution you're enrolling in usually sponsors this visa.

• Duration: Varies based on the length of the study program, typically issued for one year and renewable.

Dubai visa application process for Indians

Applying for a Dubai visa as an Indian citizen is relatively straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Determine the type of visa

The first step is to decide the type of visa based on the purpose of your visit. Whether you're travelling for tourism, business, or transit, it's important to choose the appropriate visa.

Step 2: Gather required documents

The documentation required for a Dubai visa varies depending on the type of visa. However, some standard documents are common across most visa types:

• Valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your date of travel.

• Passport-size photographs: Recent photos with a white background (as per the UAE visa photo requirements).

• Flight itinerary: A copy of your confirmed round-trip flight tickets.

• Hotel reservation: Proof of accommodation, which could be a hotel booking or a letter from a relative/friend hosting you.

• Financial proof: Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to support yourself during the trip.

• Travel insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance, which is mandatory in some cases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Step 3: Apply through a visa service provider or travel agent

You can apply for a Dubai visa through authorised travel agents or visa service providers in India. Many airlines, such as Emirates and FlyDubai, also offer visa application services if you're booking your flight with them.

Alternatively, you can apply online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or use the Dubai eVisa system, which is an official platform for visa applications.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee

The visa fee depends on the type and duration of the visa. Here’s a general breakdown of fees for some common visa types:

• Tourist visa (30 days): Approximately INR 6,500 – 8,500

• Tourist visa (60 days): INR 14,500 – 17,000

• Transit visa (48/96 hours): INR 2,500 – 4,500

• Business visa: Varies depending on the visa provider and duration.

The fees may also vary slightly depending on the service provider, processing time (normal vs. express), and additional services such as insurance or document verification.

Step 5: Visa processing time

The typical processing time for a Dubai visa for Indians ranges from 2 to 5 business days. Express processing options are available for those who need a visa urgently, but this comes with an additional fee.

Documents required to apply for Dubai visa

Here’s a detailed checklist of the documents you’ll need to apply for a Dubai visa:

1. Scanned copy of the passport: Must include the first and last page of the passport.

2. Recent passport-sized photographs: Typically, 4.3 x 5.5 cm dimensions with a white background.

3. Flight itinerary: A confirmed return ticket is necessary for most visa types.

4. Hotel reservation: Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Dubai.

5. Financial documents: Bank statements for the last three to six months.

6. Travel insurance: It is advisable, especially post-pandemic, to have valid travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related expenses.

7. Cover letter (for business visa): For a business visa, a letter from your employer or the company you are visiting may be required.

How to check Dubai visa status online?

Once you've submitted your application, you can track your Dubai visa status online using the following steps:

• Visit the GDRFA website or the portal of the visa service provider you used.

• Enter the application number provided at the time of submission.

• Enter your passport number and other required details.

• Click on the submit button to view the visa status.

Dubai visa on arrival for Indians

Indians are eligible for a visa on arrival in Dubai under specific conditions. However, it is important to note that not all Indian travellers qualify for this service. Below are the details:

Eligibility for visa on arrival in Dubai

• Valid US visa: If you hold a valid visa or green card from the United States with at least six months of validity, you are eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

• Valid UK or EU visa: Similarly, travellers holding a valid UK or EU (Schengen) visa with six months of validity can also apply for a visa on arrival.

Visa on arrival details

• Duration: The visa on arrival is issued for a 14-day stay in Dubai, with the option to extend it for an additional 14 days.

• Extension: The visa can be extended once for another 14 days by applying online or through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) once you are in Dubai.

• Fee: The cost of the Visa on Arrival is AED 100 (approximately INR 2,200) for the initial visa. The visa extension fee is AED 250 (approximately INR 5,500).

How to get a Dubai visa on arrival?

Here’s what you need to do:

• Upon arrival, head to the immigration counter designated for visa on arrival.

• Present your passport (with six months of validity), return flight ticket, and valid US, UK, or EU visa.

• Pay the visa fee (AED 100) at the immigration desk.

• After processing, your passport will be stamped, granting you entry into Dubai.

Documents required for Dubai visa on arrival

While a visa on arrival simplifies the process, you still need to ensure that you have the following documents in place:

• Valid passport: Must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry.

• Valid US, UK, or EU visa: Must be valid for at least six months.

• Return flight tickets: Proof of confirmed return or onward travel.

• Proof of accommodation: While not always mandatory, it’s advisable to have your hotel booking or a letter from a friend/family member in Dubai.

• Financial proof: You may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.

How can Indians extend their Dubai visa?

If you need to extend your stay in Dubai, you can apply for a visa extension. For tourist visas, Dubai allows extensions for up to 30 additional days without leaving the country. Make sure to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

What are overstaying fines for Indians in Dubai?

Overstaying your visa in Dubai can result in fines. The penalty is approximately AED 100 per day after the grace period. It’s important to exit the country or extend your visa before it expires to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

With your Dubai visa process now clear, you're ready to move forward confidently. The key is making sure you have the correct documents and applying for the visa that suits your travel plans. Get your paperwork in order, submit your application, and you'll be one step closer to experiencing this incredible destination.