Reporting on 20 May 2026, the Dubai Times says the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has expanded its ‘visa exemption on arrival’ scheme for Indian citizens. From 13 February 2025 (the regulatory start-date), Indians holding a valid visa or residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Canada— in addition to the existing United States, United Kingdom and EU permissions—may obtain a 14-day visa-on-arrival at UAE ports. Although the underlying cabinet decision was issued last year, today’s circular is the first to spell out operational details for airlines and border officers and to confirm that immediate family members travelling together also qualify. The rule is expected to benefit Indian executives shuttling between Asia-Pacific client sites and Dubai-based regional headquarters, cutting red-tape and last-minute visa costs.
![UAE Adds Six More ‘Recognised-Visa’ Countries, Easing Entry Rules for Indian Passport Holders]()
Whether you already qualify for the new visa-on-arrival or still need a pre-arranged e-visa, VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) can streamline the paperwork, provide real-time entry updates and manage extensions, sparing both travelers and corporate mobility teams the administrative chase.
Travellers must carry proof of at least six months’ passport validity and pay an AED 100 entry fee. The visa can be extended once, in-country, for an additional 14 days. Companies with frequent traveller programmes should update automated pre-trip approval tools to capture the expanded eligibility list. Compliance teams are advised to keep screenshots of the government announcement until filing systems used by carriers (Timatic/Fraport) reflect the change, which typically lags by a week. Indian nationals without qualifying third-country visas must continue to obtain a pre-arranged UAE e-visa.
Whether you already qualify for the new visa-on-arrival or still need a pre-arranged e-visa, VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) can streamline the paperwork, provide real-time entry updates and manage extensions, sparing both travelers and corporate mobility teams the administrative chase.
Travellers must carry proof of at least six months’ passport validity and pay an AED 100 entry fee. The visa can be extended once, in-country, for an additional 14 days. Companies with frequent traveller programmes should update automated pre-trip approval tools to capture the expanded eligibility list. Compliance teams are advised to keep screenshots of the government announcement until filing systems used by carriers (Timatic/Fraport) reflect the change, which typically lags by a week. Indian nationals without qualifying third-country visas must continue to obtain a pre-arranged UAE e-visa.
