UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Nationals with Residency in 6 More Countries

Great news for Indian travellers! The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian nationals, making it even easier for those living abroad to visit the UAE. As of February 13, 2025, Indian citizens with valid residence permits from six newly added countries can now obtain a visa on arrival at any UAE airport or land/sea entry point.

This move is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to boost international tourism, strengthen bilateral ties, and streamline travel for global Indian communities.

Also read : Visa Free Countries for UAE Residents

What’s Changing?

Previously, visa-on-arrival in the UAE was limited to Indian passport holders who had valid visas or residence permits from countries like the USA, UK, or the Schengen Area.

Now, the UAE has included six more countries in this eligibility list:

Australia
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
South Korea
Singapore

This update gives millions of Indian expatriates living in these countries access to a faster and more convenient way to enter the UAE, whether for tourism, business, or visiting family.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the UAE visa-on-arrival under the new rule, Indian nationals must:

Hold a valid Indian passport (with at least 6 months validity)

Hold a valid residence permit from one of the following countries:

Australia
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
South Korea
Singapore

The foreign residency must also be valid for at least 6 months.

What If You're Travelling Directly From India?

It’s important to note that Indian passport holders traveling directly from India to the UAE still require a pre-approved visa, unless they meet the eligibility for visa-on-arrival (i.e., holding a valid residence permit from approved countries like the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore).

If you're not a resident of one of these countries, you must apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance through an airline, travel agent, or the UAE's official visa portal.

Key Benefits for Indian Travellers

The UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival policy brings major advantages for eligible Indian nationals:

No advance visa required – You can travel without applying weeks in advance
Fast, seamless airport processing – Skip long queues and get your visa stamped on arrival
Ideal for spontaneous travel – Perfect for last-minute business trips or family visits
14-day stay with extension option – Enough flexibility for short vacations or meetings
Applies at all UAE entry points – Including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and land borders
Supports Indian expats abroad – especially those residing in developed nations like Canada, Australia, and Japan
Boosts ease of doing business – Encourages more cross-border partnerships and investments

How to Get Visa on Arrival

Getting a visa on arrival in the UAE is simple and fast for eligible Indian travellers. Follow these easy steps:

Book your flight to any UAE entry point — Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), or others.
Ensure your documents are ready:
- Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore (also valid for at least 6 months)
On arrival at the UAE airport, head to the Visa on Arrival counter at immigration.
Present your documents to the immigration officer.
Pay the visa fee, usually around AED 100–120 (can vary slightly by airport).
A visa will be issued immediately, allowing you to stay for 14 days.

If needed, apply for an extension (for another 14 days) before your initial visa expires. This can be done through UAE immigration offices or approved typing centres.

Click here to learn more about How Many Days Before Visa Expires Can I Travel UAE?

Planning to Travel or Do Business in the UAE?

Whether you're visiting for a short trip or planning to launch your business in the UAE, Filings.ae is your trusted partner.

We assist with visa-on-arrival guidance, visa extensions, and full PRO services.
Need help with mainland or free zone business setup, virtual offices, or bank account opening? We’ve got you covered!

Visit Filings.ae or contact our expert team today for fast, reliable, and end-to-end support tailored to Indian nationals and expats across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the UAE visa-on-arrival under this new update?

Indian citizens holding a valid residence permit (minimum 6 months validity) from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, or Singapore are now eligible for visa-on-arrival at UAE entry points.

2. Can I get visa-on-arrival if I’m traveling directly from India?

Not unless you also hold a valid residence permit from one of the approved countries (e.g., US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, etc.). If you don’t, you must apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance.

3. How long is the visa-on-arrival valid for?

The visa-on-arrival is valid for 14 days, with the option to extend once for an additional 14 days.

4. Can I apply for a visa extension while in the UAE?

Yes. You can extend your visa-on-arrival once for another 14 days through immigration offices or authorised typing centres in the UAE.

5. Is this visa valid for both tourism and business visits?

Yes. The visa-on-arrival allows travel for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family/friends.

6. Do children or dependents also qualify for a visa-on-arrival?

Yes, as long as they are Indian citizens and each dependent holds a valid residence permit from one of the approved countries.

7. Which UAE airports offer visa-on-arrival services?

Visa-on-arrival is available at all UAE entry points, including:

Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Land and sea borders

8. Do I need to show return tickets or hotel bookings?

While not always mandatory, return tickets and accommodation proof are recommended and may be requested at immigration to support your visit purpose.

9. How can Filings.ae help with UAE visas and business setup?

Filings.ae offers expert visa support, including guidance on visa-on-arrival, extensions, and tourist visa applications. We also assist with business formation, virtual offices, PRO services, and bank account opening in both mainland and free zones.