UAE visa for Indian Citizens in 2024

According to the UAE visa for Indians latest news, Dubai is welcoming Indian travelers with some new visa options for 2024.

In this article, we will provide you with the up-to-date Dubai visa information for Indians, including questions like “What is the new 5-year visa for Indians?” or “Can Indian get Visa-on-Arrival in UAE in 2024?”

Table of contents

• UAE Visa Rules and Latest Updates for Indian Citizens in 2024
• Can Indian Citizens Get a Visa-on-Arrival in UAE?
• 5-year Multiple Entry Visa for Indians: Rules
• UAE Visa Types
• How to Apply for UAE Visa Online?
• Documents Required to Apply for UAE Visa
• UAE/Dubai Visa Photo Requirements
• Online UAE Visa Editor
• Take a UAE Visa Photo With a Phone!
• UAE Visa Fees for Indian Citizens
• UAE Visa Waiting Times

UAE Visa Rules and Latest Updates for Indian Citizens in 2024

Do Indian citizens need visa for UAE? All citizens of India require a visa to enter, stay in, or transit through the United Arab Emirates.

In 2024, to boost travel and economic relations between India and Dubai, the UAE has introduced a 5-year multiple-entry visa option for Indians.

In addition, according to the UAE Visa for Indian news from January 7, 2024, selected Indian nationals with a valid ordinary passport for at least six months will be able to obtain a 14-day single entry Visa-on-Arrival in the UAE.

Let's look at each of these visas in more detail.

Can Indian Citizens Get a Visa-on-Arrival in UAE?

Does UAE give Visa-on-Arrival to Indian passport? For selected Indian passport holders — yes! Dubai's flagship airline, Emirates, in partnership with VFS Global, is now offering a 14-day Single Entry Visa-on-Arrival for certain Indian passport holders. Eligible travelers include those with:

• An Indian diplomatic or official passport.
• A Green Card or Permanent Resident of the USA, UK, or any Schengen country.

Indian nationals who meet these criteria can apply for their UAE Entry Permit directly on Emirates.com under “Manage your booking”.

This visa is initially valid for 14 days but can be extended for a further two weeks.

5-year Multiple Entry Visa for Indians: Rules

This new 5-year UAE multiple-entry visa for Indians allows Indian nationals to enjoy multiple entries into Dubai over a five-year period. It's a move designed to simplify travel for Indians visiting the UAE.

Under this scheme, visitors can stay for up to 90 days each time, with the option to extend for another 90 days, as long as their total stay doesn't exceed 180 days per year.

Who can apply:

• This opportunity is open to all Indian passport holders.
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application.

What you will need:

• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months.
• Bank statements for the last six months, showing that you have at least INR 330,000 (approximately $4,000).
• Details of your accommodation in Dubai, such as a hotel booking or home address.
• Medical insurance, valid in the UAE.
• Your return air tickets.

UAE Visa Types

For Indian citizens wishing to visit the UAE, there are a variety of visa options available, each catering to different needs:

• Tourist Visa. If you don't qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you'll need a tourist visa. This UAE visa for Indian tourists allows you to see the sights of the UAE for either 30 or 90 days, and you can enter multiple times if you wish.
• Transit Visa. Needed if you have a stopover in the UAE for more than 8 hours and want to leave the airport.
• Employment Visa. If you have a job offer and a work contract in the UAE, you can apply for this visa to work there.
• Freelance Visa. Ideal for those who wish to work in the UAE on a freelance basis without a traditional employment contract.
• Golden Visa. Offers Indians the chance to live, work, study, or start a business in the UAE with more long-term stability.
• Green Visa. Suitable for entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and investors looking for a longer stay in the UAE.
• Business Visa. If you're visiting for business-related meetings, conferences or to negotiate deals, this visa is for you. However, it doesn't allow you to take up employment in the UAE.

How to Apply for UAE Visa Online?

Getting a Dubai visa online can be done through several official channels, depending on your visa needs like tourism, residency, or work. Here’s how to navigate each platform:

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

Great for those heading to Dubai. It covers tourist, residency, or work visas.

1. Visit the GDRFA website.
2. Click on “Services.”
3. Choose the visa service you need (like New Visa Services, Entry Permits, or Residency Services).
4. Fill in the application with the required documents.
5. Submit your application and pay the fees.

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)

Ideal for various immigration and visa processes.

1. Go to the ICP website.
2. Click “E-Channel Services”.
3. Select the visa type you’re applying for.
4. Complete the form and upload the necessary documents.
5. Finish the application and pay.

Dubai Visa Processing Center (DVPC)

Perfect for straightforward Dubai visa applications.

1. Head over to the DVPC via the Emirates website.
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Fill out the application form, add documents, and pay with a Visa/MasterCard.

Mobile Apps

• GDRFA Dubai, ICA eChannels, and Dubai Now apps are also available for download on both Google Play and the App Store, offering another convenient option to apply.

Via Airlines

Some airlines based in the UAE, like Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Air Arabia, and Fly Dubai, will process visas for transit or tourists. Check with the airline’s customer service or sales department directly for specific application steps.

Documents Required to Apply for UAE Visa

To obtain your UAE Visa, you will need to collect these documents:

• A color copy of the page in your passport with your details and photo. The copy must be clear, without any glare, and the file size should be at least 900×2000 pixels.
• One passport-size color photo that meets the UAE visa requirements.
• Proof of your travel plans, such as a return ticket or reservation confirmation. This can be an email or a hard copy.
• Proof of your ability to support yourself during your visit, such as a work certificate (in English), bank statements, or any visas from Schengen countries, the U.S., or the U.K. that you've held in the last 5 years.
• Complete the online questionnaire on the official website and pay the visa service fee online.

UAE/Dubai Visa Photo Requirements

Here's what your visa photo should look like, according to UAE standards:

• The standard UAE visa photo size must be 35×45 mm. For use via the ICP, this format is suitable.
• For online applications make sure the photo is in color with a light gray background. The photo file format should be JPEG.
• For applications through Emirates.com, your digital photo should be 300×369 pixels.
• For offline applications, sometimes a 43×55 mm (4.3×5.5 cm) photo is required. Always check based on how you're applying.
• Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo frame.
• The photo must be in color with a light background.
• It should be a recent photo taken within the last six months.

Here is an example:

Online UAE Visa Editor

Need a Dubai visa photo fast? Check out Visafoto.com! It's super user-friendly and boasts a 99.7% approval rate.

Just grab your smartphone or digital camera, snap a picture against a plain white wall, and upload it to Visafoto.com. They'll adjust your photo to meet all the UAE visa photo requirements, including size, background color, and making sure your face is positioned correctly for the ID photo. Not happy with the result? They offer a full money-back guarantee.

Visafoto.com will also give you two versions of your photo: a digital one for online applications and a template for printing.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

Take a UAE Visa Photo With a Phone!

Meet your new go-to UAE visa photo maker app — 7ID by Visafoto.com. Whether it's an iPhone or an Android, this clever app takes the hassle out of getting your ID, passport, and visa photos done, right from your smartphone.

Just upload your selfie, pick the document you're applying for and the country, and 7ID handles everything else. It auto-adjusts your photo to make sure it ticks all the boxes for official photo standards, including sizing, formatting, and making sure your face and eyes are centered just right.

Once your photo is set, 7ID makes it easy to print in common sizes like 4×6 inches, A4, A5, or B5, so you can print it out straight away for any application.

For those who want extra control, there's an Expert mode for detailed adjustments, no matter the background. And if you get stuck, the 24/7 technical support team is ready to help.

UAE Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

If you're an Indian citizen planning to visit the UAE in 2024, the cost of your visa will depend on the type of visa you need. Here's a quick price breakdown:

• A 14-day Single-Entry Visa-on-Arrival costs about $63
• 30 days Single-Entry Visa costs about $88
• 60 days Single-Entry Visa costs $176
• 30 days Multiple-Entry Visa costs $206
• 60 days Multiple-Entry Visa costs $252
• 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa — The price is between $177 and $476 depending on your location.

UAE Visa Waiting Times

Getting a UAE visa has also become fairly quick. Once you've submitted your application, and it's been accepted, you can expect it to take between two and five working days to process.

Good luck with your UAE Visa application!