Do Indians need a visa for Dubai?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Dubai and the wider UAE. The UAE does not issue traditional walk-in tourist visas through an embassy — tourist visas are sponsored and issued electronically by an airline, a hotel, or a licensed travel agent, and arrive as a PDF e-visa by email. The only exception is the visa on arrival facility, which is open to Indians who already hold a valid visa or residence permit from certain countries (covered below).
For the vast majority of first-time Indian visitors, that means applying online for a 30-day or 60-day tourist e-visa a couple of weeks before you fly. There is no in-person interview, and you can apply from anywhere in India.
Planning the rest of the trip? See our Dubai travel guide and Dubai trip cost guide, sort your airport arrival with the DXB airport guide, and use the visa checklist tool to track your documents.
Dubai tourist visa types & validity
As of 2026, Indians can choose from several tourist visas. Validity, entries and extension rules vary by type and issuer, so confirm the exact terms before you pay.
- 30-day tourist visa — the most common choice for a short holiday; available as single or multiple entry, and often extendable once inside the UAE.
- 60-day tourist visa — better value if you are staying longer or visiting more than once in two months.
- 90-day tourist visa — offered through some channels; check whether it is single or multiple entry.
- 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas — low-cost options if Dubai is only a stopover.
- 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa — designed for frequent visitors; lets you enter repeatedly over five years (each stay is capped, typically 90 days, and extendable once).
“Validity” (the window in which you must enter) and “duration of stay” (how long you can remain) are different numbers — read both on your visa.
Visa on arrival — who qualifies
You can skip the e-visa entirely and get a 14-day visa on arrival for AED 100 if, as an Indian passport holder, you hold a valid visa or residence permit (valid for at least six months) from the USA, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore, among others. The visa on arrival can be extended once for a further 14 days for AED 250. If you do not hold one of these, apply for an e-visa in advance.
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your travel date (clear scan of the bio page).
- A recent colour passport photo with a plain white background.
- Confirmed return/onward flight tickets.
- Proof of accommodation — a hotel booking, or an invitation/host details if staying with someone in Dubai.
- Some channels may ask for a recent bank statement or proof of funds.
Travel insurance isn't always mandatory but is strongly recommended — see our travel insurance guide, and estimate your spend with the trip budget calculator.
Step-by-step
- Decide your visa type — for most first-timers, a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is enough.
- Choose a sponsor/channel: your airline if flying Emirates or flydubai, your Dubai hotel, or a licensed travel agent / trusted online visa platform.
- Fill the application and upload your documents (passport bio page, white-background photo, return ticket, hotel booking).
- Pay the visa fee online (keep the receipt).
- Receive your e-visa PDF by email — usually 3–5 working days, or 24–48 hours with express processing.
- Before you fly, print a copy and save it on your phone, and double-check your passport has 6+ months validity.
Cost summary
| 30-day tourist e-visa | ₹6,700 – ₹9,500 |
|---|---|
| 60-day tourist e-visa | ₹14,700 – ₹18,000 |
| Visa on arrival (eligible travellers) | AED 100 (~₹2,300) + AED 250 to extend |
| Express processing add-on | Varies by provider |
| Travel insurance (recommended) | from ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Travelling on a passport with less than 6 months validity — it will be refused.
- Confusing visa validity (the window to enter) with the duration of stay.
- Assuming you'll get visa on arrival without holding an eligible US/UK/Schengen/Canada/Australia/Japan/Singapore visa or residence.
- Overstaying — the UAE charges a daily overstay fine.
- Using an unlicensed agent — apply through your airline, hotel, or a licensed provider only.
- Uploading a photo that doesn't meet spec (must be colour, white background).
Alternatives compared
| Route | Best for | Approx. cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa via licensed platform/agent | Most tourists | ₹6.7k–9.5k (30-day) | Easiest; pick a licensed provider |
| E-visa via airline (Emirates/flydubai) | Flying those airlines | Similar | Convenient if booked together |
| Via your Dubai hotel | Staying at a sponsoring hotel | Varies | Hotel acts as sponsor |
| Visa on arrival | Holders of US/UK/EU/CA/AU/JP/SG visa or residence | AED 100 | No pre-application needed |
| 5-year multiple-entry visa | Frequent visitors | Higher upfront | Multiple entries over 5 years |
Final recommendation
For a typical first-time Indian visitor, apply for a 30-day single-entry e-visa through a licensed platform or your airline about two to three weeks before you travel — it's the cheapest, simplest route. If you already hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada or Australia visa or residence, skip the paperwork and use the AED 100 visa on arrival. If you visit Dubai often, the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa pays for itself. Whichever route you choose, confirm current fees and rules on the official GDRFA or ICP channel before paying, keep your passport valid for 6+ months, and never overstay.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Dubai?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa for the UAE. Most get a sponsored e-visa in advance; those holding an eligible US/UK/Schengen/Canada/Australia/Japan/Singapore visa or residence can use a 14-day visa on arrival.
How much does a Dubai visa cost for Indians?
Roughly ₹6,700–9,500 for a 30-day tourist e-visa and ₹14,700–18,000 for 60 days, including service fees. Visa on arrival is AED 100. Fees vary by channel — check current rates.
How long does a Dubai visa take to process?
Usually 3–5 working days. Express processing, where offered, can be 24–48 hours.
Can I get a Dubai visa on arrival?
Only if you hold a valid visa or residence permit (6+ months) from countries such as the USA, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore.
How long can I stay in Dubai on a tourist visa?
Depending on the visa you buy — 30, 60 or 90 days. Many tourist visas can be extended once from inside the UAE for a fee.
What documents do I need for a Dubai tourist visa?
A passport valid 6+ months, a white-background photo, confirmed return tickets and proof of accommodation. Some channels also ask for a bank statement.
Can I extend my Dubai tourist visa?
Yes — many tourist visas allow a one-time extension from within the UAE (fees apply). Confirm at the time of application.