The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has published a consolidated notice clarifying eligibility and fees for Indian nationals seeking a visa on arrival (VoA). Effective immediately, Indians holding an unexpired US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean or South-Korean visa or residence permit can obtain a single-entry VoA at any UAE airport.
Two fee tiers apply: a 14-day permit costs AED 100 (≈ INR 2,260) and a 60-day option costs AED 250 (≈ INR 5,650). Both can be extended once for the same duration at AED 250. Travellers who overstay face fines of AED 50 per day plus service fees.
![UAE issues unified advisory on visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers]()
The refreshed guidance ends months of contradictory airport desk advisories that had sown confusion among business travellers. Corporate mobility managers in Mumbai and Bengaluru told VisaHQ that the clarification allows them to schedule short-notice client meetings in Dubai without resorting to pre-arranged visas. However, airlines are reminding passengers that digital copies of third-country visas are not accepted; physical cards or vignettes must be shown at immigration.
The policy dovetails with the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, which aims to double non-oil trade to US $100 billion by 2030. By smoothing last-minute travel for Indian executives, the UAE maintains a competitive edge over regional hubs such as Doha and Riyadh, analysts say.
Two fee tiers apply: a 14-day permit costs AED 100 (≈ INR 2,260) and a 60-day option costs AED 250 (≈ INR 5,650). Both can be extended once for the same duration at AED 250. Travellers who overstay face fines of AED 50 per day plus service fees.
The refreshed guidance ends months of contradictory airport desk advisories that had sown confusion among business travellers. Corporate mobility managers in Mumbai and Bengaluru told VisaHQ that the clarification allows them to schedule short-notice client meetings in Dubai without resorting to pre-arranged visas. However, airlines are reminding passengers that digital copies of third-country visas are not accepted; physical cards or vignettes must be shown at immigration.
The policy dovetails with the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, which aims to double non-oil trade to US $100 billion by 2030. By smoothing last-minute travel for Indian executives, the UAE maintains a competitive edge over regional hubs such as Doha and Riyadh, analysts say.
