India Visa for UAE Citizens
UAE citizens are eligible for India's e-Visa — and, uniquely, for a conditional Visa on Arrival if they have previously held an Indian visa. This guide covers what is specific to Emirati travellers (and where UAE-resident expats of other nationalities should look); the documents and process for each visa type are the same for all foreign nationals.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Independent consultancy — verify with official sources
India Visa Essentials for UAE Citizens
- •India's Visa on Arrival is available to UAE nationals only if they earlier obtained an e-Visa or regular visa for India — first-time visitors must apply before travel. Where eligible, it works at nine designated airports for a fee of ₹2,000 and is non-extendable.
- •Living in the UAE but holding another passport? Your India visa route follows your nationality, not your residence — check your nationality's guide or the e-Visa portal. Applications through the Indian missions in the UAE are made where you legally reside.
- •The UAE hosts one of the world's largest Indian diaspora communities — for OCI cardholder spouses and persons of Indian origin, the OCI route is often more valuable than repeat visas.
Which India visa do you need?
The requirements and process for each category are the same for all foreign nationals. For tourism, Emirati travellers use the official e-Visa portal. For everything below, we handle the paperwork end to end:
Meetings, conferences, investment exploration.
Paid work with an Indian employer.
Spouses and children of visa holders.
Persons of Indian origin and spouses.
Treatment at recognised Indian hospitals.
Mandatory for stays beyond 180 days.
Extend an eligible long-stay visa.
Leave India after an overstay or expiry.
For tourism and business visits, most UAE citizens use the official India e-Visa portal; repeat visitors may qualify for the Visa on Arrival. For employment, family (X), OCI, medical, or any FRRO/compliance matter, apply through the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai — we manage the process end to end.
India Visa FAQs for UAE Citizens
Do UAE citizens get Visa on Arrival in India?
Conditionally. The Visa on Arrival is available only to UAE nationals who have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular visa for India. First-time visitors must apply for the e-Visa or a regular visa before travelling. Where eligible, the VoA costs ₹2,000 at nine designated airports and is non-extendable.
I live in Dubai but hold another passport — which rules apply to me?
Your nationality's rules, not the UAE's. e-Visa eligibility and visa validity follow your passport. You apply online or through the Indian missions in the UAE as a legal resident there — our team routinely assists UAE-based expats of all nationalities.
Can UAE citizens work in India on an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival?
No. Employment in India requires an Employment Visa before travel, with the sponsoring employer's documents — the same rule as every nationality. Long stays on qualifying visas also trigger FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival.
Official government sources
We base our guidance on official Indian government sources and update it as rules change. Requirements are set by the authorities and can change — always verify the current position directly before you apply:
Disclaimer: India Visa Experts is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with the Government of India, its missions, or any government agency. Visa decisions rest solely with the relevant authorities. Nationality-specific terms (validity, eligibility) can change — verify the current position on the official sources above before you apply. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. See our editorial policy.
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Independent consulting service. Not affiliated with the Government of India or any government agency.