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Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for the UAE?

Checked October 19, 2026 · Indian ordinary passport · tourism and short visits

Short answer

e-Visa required

Indian citizens need a visa for the UAE, which can be applied for online as an e-Visa before travel.

Good to know: Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or green card, or a valid visa or residence permit from the UK or EU (and residence permits from several other countries), can get a visa on arrival. The eligible list was expanded in June 2026; check ICP before you fly.

How to apply

Visitors who need a visa usually get a tourist e-visa before travel through a UAE airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia), a hotel or a licensed travel agent.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.

Official website: UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)

Before you travel

  • Make sure your Indian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has blank pages.
  • Carry a return or onward ticket, your hotel booking and proof that you can pay for your stay; border officers can ask for them.
  • Check whether your airline needs to see your visa or authorization at check-in; many will refuse boarding without it.
  • Visas for work, study or long stays follow different rules from the tourist rules on this page.

Visa rules for the UAE by passport

Pakistane-Visa
Indiae-Visa
Bangladeshe-Visa
Nigeriae-Visa
Philippinese-Visa
Egypte-Visa
United StatesVisa-free · 30d
United KingdomVisa-free · 30d

Easier destinations for Indian passport holders

Popular places you can visit visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an eTA:

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa for the UAE?

e-Visa required. Indian citizens need a visa for the UAE, which can be applied for online as an e-Visa before travel. Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or green card, or a valid visa or residence permit from the UK or EU (and residence permits from several other countries), can get a visa on arrival. The eligible list was expanded in June 2026; check ICP before you fly.

How long can Indian citizens stay in the UAE?

The length of stay is set by the visa you are granted; tourist visas commonly allow 30 to 90 days.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a United Arab Emirates visa?

Use the official website: UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) (icp.gov.ae). Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra service fees.

How many countries can Indian passport holders visit without a visa?

Indian passport holders can visit 28 countries visa-free and 30 more with a visa on arrival or eTA.

Based on the Passport Index dataset with our verified corrections for recent rule changes, last reviewed October 19, 2026. Entry rules change often and depend on your passport, purpose of travel and onward tickets. Always confirm with the official website or embassy before you book.