About United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa
A United Arab Emirates tourist visa allows Indians to visit the country for leisure, tourism, or to visit family and friends. The UAE grants visas on arrival to Indians who have residence permits issued by the USA, UK, and European countries. Others, however, have to go through the United Arab Emirates tourist visa application process through a sponsor, visa agent, airline or hotel. Before we understand this in detail, here are some key facts about the UAE.
| Key Fact | Details |
| Currency | United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) (AED 1 = INR 22.86) |
| Language | Arabic |
| Time Zone | Gulf Standard Time (GST) – UTC+4 |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Yas Island |
| Visa Processing Time | 48 hours for a standard visitor visa (single/multiple entry) |
United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa Fee for Indians
Here's a summary of the United Arab Emirates tourist visa fees that you must pay before submitting your application.
| Visa Types | Visa Fees |
| Visa on arrival | AED 100 (INR 2286.01) |
| Single-entry Tourist Visa | 30-day visa: AED 200 (INR 4572.01) 60-day visa AED 300 (INR 6858.02) |
| Multiple-entry Tourist Visa | 30-day visa: AED 300 (INR 6858.02) 60-day visa AED 500 (INR11,430.03) |
| Transit Visa | AED 50 (INR 1143.00) |
*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Documents Required for a UAE Tourist Visa for Indians
To get a United Arab Emirates tourist visa from India, you must apply for a tourist visa through authorised agencies, hotels, and airlines like Etihad Airways and Emirates. Here's a checklist of the documents you must attach with your UAE visa application.
| Document Type | Description |
| Photo | A recent colour photograph of the applicant |
| Passport Copy | A photocopy of the applicant's passport. The passport should be valid for 6 months from the expected arrival time in the UAE. |
| Travel Medical Insurance | Valid travel health insurance for UAE |
| Bank Statement | From the past six months showing a balance of USD 4000 (approx. INR 3,35,808) or the equivalent in other currencies. |
| Tour Itinerary | Detailed plan of the travel itinerary in the UAE |
| Travel Ticket | A ticket for the journey to and from the UAE |
| Proof of Accommodation | Documentation showing accommodation details or residential address in the UAE. |
Documents for UAE Transit Visa
For a Transit visa, you need to submit the following additional documents.
| Passport | A passport with a validity of at least 3 months. |
| Photo | A photo against a white background. |
| Ticket | A ticket for your onward journey to a third destination (other than the country you are coming from.) |
Types of United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa
Let's have a look at the various United Arab Emirates tourist visa types so that you apply for the right one.
| United Arab Emirates Visa Types | Description | Validity |
| Visa on arrival | Available for Indians who have: 1. USA visa/green card 2. UK residence permit 3. EU residence permits |
14 days |
| Single-entry Tourist Visa | Available for Indian tourists applying for a visa through a sponsor who is an establishment in the UAE, working in the tourism industry. | 30 days or 60 days |
| Multiple-entry Tourist Visa | Available to Indians who are not eligible for a visa on arrival for tourism, cultural visits, or family visits. | 30 days 60 days 5 years |
| Transit Visa | A visa issued by the airlines for travellers passing through the UAE while on their way to other destinations. | 96 hours |
United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa Requirements
The United Arab Emirates tourist visa requirements can differ according to your visa type. However, here's a general list of requirements that you must be familiar with.
- Passport Validity: Your Indian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated arrival date in the UAE.
- Visa-on-Arrival Requirements: To obtain a visa on arrival, you need to present a valid USA visa or green card, a UK residence permit, or an EU residence permit.
- Health Insurance: Travel health insurance must be valid and applicable in the UAE.
- Bank Statement: Provide a bank statement from the last six months with a minimum balance of USD 4000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
- Accommodation Proof: Proof of accommodation or residential address in the UAE is required.
How to Apply for a United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa
You may be eligible for a visa-on-arrival to the United Arab Emirates if you have a valid residence permit in specified countries. Otherwise, you can apply for the United Arab Emirates tourist visa through a sponsor. Check out these steps to understand how to apply for a United Arab Emirates tourist visa.
- Step 1 You can apply for a multiple-entry visa with a validity of 5 years through airlines, travel agencies, or hotels in the UAE. Here are the steps you can follow.
- Step 2 Select an airline (Etihad Airways, Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Air Arabia), a hotel in the UAE or a travel agent in India.
- Step 3 Visit the official website of the airline/agent/hotel and select the required visa type.
- Step 4 Fill up the form and attach the required documents.
- Step 5 Pay the visa fees and submit the application.
If you are looking for a transit visa, the airline you are travelling to the UAE with can arrange it for you. Travel agents can also submit this application for you.
UAE Tourist Visa for Indians: FAQs
-
Q: Can I apply for a United Arab Emirates tourist visa at the embassy?
Ans: No, the UAE's embassy in India does not accept tourist visa applications from Indians with ordinary passports. You must apply through a travel agent, an airline, or a hotel. -
Q: Is it mandatory to have travel health insurance while coming to the UAE?
Ans: Yes, you must have valid travel health insurance before visiting the United Arab Emirates for tourism. -
Q: I have a tourist visa to the UK. Can I get a visa on arrival in the UAE?
Ans: No, Indians must have a residence permit from the United Kingdom to be eligible for a visa on arrival to the UAE. -
Q: How much finances do I need to have to get a United Arab Emirates visa?
Ans: You must have a bank balance of at least USD 4000 or equivalent in foreign currency during the last six months. -
Q: How can I check my United Arab Emirates tourist visa status?
Ans: You can check your United Arab Emirates tourist visa status through the airline, visa agency, or hotel that you chose as your sponsor. You can also check your visa status on the GDRFA portal by entering your transaction number, payment date, and order number.
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