India Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
India requires a pre-obtained e-Visa for Emirati passport holders. The Indian eVisa (e-Tourist Visa) is valid for 90 days per visit with double-entry, and costs $25 USD. It is applied for online with no embassy visit needed in most cases.
United Arab Emirates passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
Apply at the official India eVisa portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Complete the online application, upload a recent passport-size photograph and passport bio-page scan, and pay $25 by credit card. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days; apply at least 7 days before travel. The eVisa is linked electronically; print the approval confirmation to present at immigration.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
India eVisa Application
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 7 days before travel. Select e-Tourist Visa. Cost: $25 USD for 90-day double-entry.
UAE Passport Scan
Clear scan of UAE passport bio-page for the eVisa application.
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Digital photo: white background, 2x2 inch (51x51 mm), recent, front-facing, eyes open.
Credit/Debit Card for eVisa Fee
International Visa or Mastercard to pay the $25 USD eVisa fee.
Required at Entry
UAE Passport (original)
Present original UAE passport at Indian immigration on arrival. The eVisa is linked electronically.
eVisa Approval Printout
Print and carry the eVisa approval confirmation for presentation at the immigration officer.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward flight from India.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel bookings or address of host for the duration of stay.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to India: What You Need to Know
The UAE is home to over 3 million Indian nationals, and ties between the two countries are among the closest in the world. For Emiratis travelling to India, the eVisa process is simple and fast. Emirates, Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet all operate extensive Dubai-India routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. India is popular for Ayurvedic wellness tourism, cultural heritage, and family travel.
How to Get There
India's Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) is a classic 10-day itinerary from Dubai. Goa (direct flydubai flights) is popular for short beach breaks. Combine with a Sri Lanka visit (eVisa available) on the same trip.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian rupee (INR). UAE dirhams cannot be exchanged in India; carry USD or use ATMs. Foreign ATM withdrawals widely available in cities. Credit cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and malls but many street vendors are cash-only. UPI payments are expanding for tourists via designated platforms.
Practical Tips
India eVisa is valid for double entry within 90 days. For multiple visits or longer stays, the 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa is available at higher cost. Arrival must be through one of the designated eVisa airports (most major international airports are included). India's climate varies widely; check regional weather before booking. SIM cards are easily obtained at major airports with a passport copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for India?
Yes. Emirati nationals require an Indian visa. The most convenient option is the India eVisa ($25 USD), applied entirely online with no embassy visit required for tourism.
How do I apply for an India eVisa?
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Fill in the online application, upload a passport-size photo and your passport bio-page, and pay $25 by credit card. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least 7 days before travel.
What is the India eVisa valid for?
The e-Tourist Visa (eTV) allows 90 days per visit with double entry. For frequent visitors, 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist Visas are available at higher cost ($40 and $80 respectively) with multiple entry.
Which airports accept India eVisa arrivals?
Most major Indian international airports accept eVisa arrivals including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), and Goa (GOI). The complete list is on the eVisa portal.
Are there direct flights from UAE to India?
Yes, many. Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai, IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Vistara all connect UAE airports to major Indian cities. The Dubai-Mumbai and Dubai-Delhi routes are among the busiest international routes in the world.
What are the best destinations in India for UAE travellers?
Goa (beaches, water sports), Kerala (backwaters, Ayurveda), Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur palaces), Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Golden Triangle, and the Himalayas (Ladakh, Manali) are popular among UAE visitors.
Is India a good destination for medical tourism from UAE?
Yes. Indian hospitals in Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi offer world-class cardiac, orthopaedic, oncology, and organ transplant services at a fraction of UAE or Western costs. Many UAE nationals visit India for planned surgical procedures.