Everything You Need to Know About Visa on Arrival for Dubai
Dubai’s unique mixture of modern aesthetic and timeless culture makes it a must visit destination. Its vibrant energy and endless attractions appeal to tourists worldwide. For those eligible, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) makes entering Dubai simple, fast, and flexible. If you’re considering a spontaneous trip or don’t want to go through the pre-approval process, and just want to get Dubai visa hassle free this detailed well-articulated blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the Dubai Visa on Arrival in 2025, step by step.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Visa on Arrival for Indian in Dubai?
- Eligibility Criteria of Dubai for Visa on Arrival
- Step by Step Process for Getting Your Visa on Arrival at Dubai Airport
- Required Documents for visa on arrival of dubai
- Fees & Duration of Stay for visa on arrival of dubai
- Extensions and Conditions
- Overstay Penalties
- Practical Tips to Avoid Issues
- Final Word: Is Visa on Arrival Right for You?
What Is Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens?
For eligible Indian passport holders, Dubai offers a 14 days Visa on Arrival, which can be extended once for another 14 days.
This visa is issued at the immigration counter upon arrival at any UAE airport no need to apply in advance, provided you meet the entry conditions.
Eligibility Criteria of Dubai for Visa on Arrival
Indian citizens can only get a Visa on Arrival if they hold one of the following:
- A valid US visa (tourist or business)
- A valid UK visa or residence permit
- A valid Schengen visa or residence permit
Important Conditions:
- The visa or residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Dubai.
- Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- The visa must be used at least once (i.e., not brand-new and unused in your passport).
Step by Step Process for Getting Your Visa on Arrival at Dubai Airport
Here’s how Indian nationals can get their VOA at the airport:
Step 1: Arrive at Dubai Airport
Disembark and head directly to the immigration counters.
Step 2: Go to the Visa on Arrival Counter
Look for signage or staff directing traveller’s eligible for VOA. Join the dedicated line.
Step 3: Show to Valid documents
Provide:
- Indian passport
- Valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residence permit
- Return ticket
- Hotel booking (optional, but useful)
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the VOA fee (approx. AED 100–150). Payment is accepted via card or cash.
Step 5: Get Your Passport Stamped
Once approved, your passport will be stamped with a 14-day entry visa.
Documents Required
Make sure to carry these physical (and digital) copies:
- Valid Indian Passport (6+ months validity)
- Valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residence permit (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed Return or Onward Flight Ticket
- Hotel Reservation or Host Details (Recommended)
- International Credit/Debit Card (For Visa Fee)
- Pan card
Fees and Duration of Stay
How to Extend Your VOA
You can extend your visa once for another 14 days, giving you a total of 28 days in the UAE.
How to extend:
- Visit an AMER Center in Dubai
- Or use the GDRFA online portal
- Pay the extension fee (approx. AED 250–300)
Overstay Penalties
If you overstay your VOA, you will be fined:
- AED 50 per day of overstay
- Additional service charges
- Possible entry bans for future UAE visits
Tip: Set calendar reminders or use the GDRFA app to track visa expiry.
Practical Tips to Avoid Issues
- Double-check your visa eligibility before travel.
- Use an international credit card to avoid currency issues at the counter.
- Carry both printed and digital versions of all documents.
- Don’t overstay even by a day
- Plan ahead if you think you’ll want to extend your stay.
- For long stays or multiple entries, apply in advance for a tourist visa.
Avoid VOA if:
- You don’t have a valid visa for the US/UK/Schengen
- You plan to stay longer than 28 days
- You want confirmed entry before you depart
In that case, apply for a pre-approved tourist visa via trusted platforms like flyforholidays.com or through UAE embassy channels.
Final Word: Travel Smart
Dubai offers Indian passport holders a convenient way to enter the UAE through Visa on Arrival but only if you meet the criteria. With the right documents and awareness, it’s a smooth process from landing to exploring this dynamic city.
Still unsure? Reach out to travel agents or apply for a tourist visa in advance for peace of mind.
Pack smart, plan wisely—and enjoy Dubai!
Everything You Need to Know About Visa on Arrival for Dubai
A Visa on Arrival means you don’t need to apply for a visa before your trip. If you’re eligible, you simply land in Dubai, head to the immigration counter, and get your visa stamped right there—easy and quick!
If you’re an Indian passport holder, you’re eligible only if you have a valid visa or residence permit from any of these:
- USA
- UK
- Schengen countries (Europe)
Note: That visa or permit must be valid for at least 6 more months from your arrival date.
Nope! That’s the beauty of VOA. As long as you meet the criteria, you can just show up in Dubai and get your visa at the airport. But if you’re unsure, you can apply online in advance just to be safe.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Indian passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residence permit
- Return flight ticket
- Hotel booking (not always asked, but recommended)
- Debit/credit card (for visa payment)
- PAN card (optional, but useful for ID verification)
The cost usually ranges from AED 120 to 150 (approx. ₹2,700–₹3,300). You can pay by card or cash at the airport.
You get a 14-day visa initially. You can extend it once for another 14 days, giving you a maximum stay of 28 days.
You can go to:
- Any AMER center in Dubai
- Or use the GDRFA online portal
The extension fee is about AED 250–300. Just apply before your current visa expires!
Overstaying comes with fines:
- AED 50 per day
- Additional service fees may apply
- And you might face trouble getting visas in the future
Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone or install the GDRFA app to keep track of your visa status.
No. The visa must have been used at least once—you should’ve entered that country before using it to get VOA in Dubai.
Yes, absolutely! You’ll just need to apply for a pre-approved tourist visa through:
- A travel agency
- Airline (like Emirates or Air India)
- Or the UAE embassy
It takes a few days and allows stays of 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the visa type.
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