Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indians 2026: Eligibility, Cost And How to Apply

Dubai remains one of the most popular destinations in the world for Indian travellers. Despite being only a few hours away, planning a holiday to Dubai can feel stressful if you don't have the right understanding of Dubai visa requirements for Indians.

Whether you're travelling to United Arab Emirates (UAE) for tourism, business, or other purposes generally, you need to obtain the appropriate UAE visa before travelling depending on the purpose of the trip, travellers can apply for tourist, visit, business, transit and other types of UAE visas. There is also a visa-on-arrival provision for certain Indian passport holders who meet specific conditions.

From watching the Dubai Fountain show to taking in panoramic views from the Burj Khalifa, getting your UAE visa is the first step. Here’s everything you need to know about Dubai visa eligibility, visa fees and more.

Yes. Most Indian passport holders need a UAE visa to enter Dubai. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the trip. For tourists, a short-term UAE visit visa is one of the options available. Travellers should check their eligibility and ensure that their passport and supporting documents meet the requirements before applying.

However, some Indian passport holders may be eligible for a UAE visa on arrival. According to Air India's UAE visa information, Indian citizens who have a valid US visa or residence permit issued by the US may be eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE. Approval remains subject to the applicable UAE requirements and authorities' discretion.

Travellers who do not qualify for this facility will generally need to arrange a UAE visa before departure.

The UAE has also expanded its conditional visa-on-arrival programme in June 2026, allowing eligible Indian travellers to enter the country for 14 or 60 days, depending on the visa category. So, the change was announced by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on June 25, 2026. It is aimed at Indian ordinary passport holders and their accompanying family members who hold qualifying visas or residence permits from a list of countries. 

If you're an Indian passport holder planning a Dubai trip this year, you have two options in terms of your stay:

• The 14-day visa permits a 14-day stay and can be extended once for another 14 days.

• The 60-day visa allows a stay of up to 60 days from the date of entry. It is issued as a single-entry visa and cannot be extended.

The 60-day option is particularly useful for travellers planning a longer UAE holiday, extended family visits, or a trip that goes beyond the usual short Dubai break. The current visa fees stated as of September, 2026 are: Issuance fees of 250 AED and Smart services fees of 100 AED

For Indian nationals, the current ICP criteria cover qualifying documents from certain countries including US, EU and more. According to the official government website, ICP.GOV "nationals of the Republic of India and their family members, the service is limited to ordinary passport holders and their family members who hold a valid visa, residence permit, or US Green Card issued by the US, EU, or UK, or a valid residence permit issued by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, or New Zealand. Moreover, your passport must have at least six months' validity."