The UAE has made a big change in the visa rules for Indians to visit the country. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) says a new visa rule is being undertaken which expands the already-granted exemption for Indian visitors.
What’s new with the visa policy?
Previously Indian nationals who have their residency in EU, US, and UK are allowed to enter the UAE visa-free. The UAE has granted a waiver to Indian nationals holding a tourist visa of regions like the EU, US, and UK. Effective February 13, 2025, the UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals to include those with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from six additional countries.
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
This is in addition to the previously eligible countries:
- United States
- European Union member states
- United Kingdom
Indian nationals who have their residency in EU, US, and UK are allowed to enter the UAE visa-free. The UAE has granted a waiver to Indian nationals holding a tourist visa of regions like the EU, US, and UK. On the other hand, for Indian tourists, it is even easier to move around and with deepening bilateral ties between UAE and India.
Also, you can stay longer and enjoy your visit by paying the appropriate fees as and when due in the event that your visa and passport is available for at least 6 months. This will attract more tourists and provide more ease to all who want to stay in the UAE for longer periods.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the visa-on-arrival facility, Indian nationals must meet the following criteria
- Hold a valid ordinary passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival.
- Possess a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from any of the eligible countries.
- Pay the required visa fee at UAE immigration checkpoints upon arrival.
A Strategic Partnership
The objective is to further enhance economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries, which have been in existence over centuries. The new decision also falls within the framework of UAE’s drive to attract capital, entrepreneurs, talent, and expertise from India to upgrade the UAE status as a global tourism and economic hub.
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is one such initiative that has brought the two closer. The agreement has shown that their economies complement each other, and this visa reform is part of the steps to strengthen people-to-people connection and make travel easy.
New ICP Fees
The service fees provided by ICP to Indian nationals have witnessed a new fee set on them. According to the new fees
Entry visa for Indians , including family members, with a valid visa, residence permit, or a green card that is issued by the US, EU or UK, will be AED 100 or about US$27.
Extension of the visa that would be valid for another 14 days will cost AED 250 or about $68.
The 60 day visa for Indian nationals will charge AED 250.
These new fees are sure to make travel more hassle-free for Indian tourists and business travelers to the UAE, which may be a high potential avenue for opportunities there.
Future Outlook
This will further strengthen tourism and economic cooperation. This is one of the ongoing efforts of the UAE to make things more accessible while building proper relations with key partners such as India. Taking into consideration the new visa policy, the Indian tourists, investors, and professionals will have more open doors in the UAE which will further fortify the ties.
This strategic visa change marks UAE’s commitment to leadership in global markets for tourism, business, and culture. It’s a reason why the Indian public should look at the UAE as a source for their next destination, whether it’s for pleasure, business, or long-term prospects.
