Dubai Visa for Indians: Requirements and Application Process

Dubai is a popular destination for Indians due to its attractions, shopping, and job opportunities. If you are an Indian citizen planning to visit Dubai, you need to obtain a visa before you can enter the country. The process of getting a Dubai visa for Indians can be confusing, with different types of visas and eligibility criteria.

To help you understand the process, this article will provide a comprehensive guide to Dubai visa for Indians. It will cover the eligibility criteria, types of visas available, application process, and other important information you need to know before applying for a Dubai visa. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the Dubai visa process and be ready to plan your trip to this exciting destination.

To learn more about the Dubai visa process and requirements for Indians, read on.

Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Visa

To visit Dubai, Indian nationals need to obtain a visa. However, before applying for a visa, they must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the requirements that Indian citizens must fulfill to be eligible for a Dubai visa.

Passport Validity Requirements

To apply for a Dubai visa, Indian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Dubai. The passport should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamping purposes.

Financial Criteria

Indian citizens must meet certain financial criteria to be eligible for a Dubai visa. They must have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Dubai, including accommodation, food, and transportation expenses. The exact amount of funds required may vary depending on the duration and purpose of the visit.

Purpose of Visit

Indian citizens must have a valid reason for visiting Dubai. They can apply for a tourist visa, a business visa, or a transit visa, depending on their purpose of visit. The requirements for each type of visa may vary.

No Criminal Record

Indian citizens with a criminal record may not be eligible for a Dubai visa. They must provide a police clearance certificate to prove that they have no criminal record.

In summary, Indian citizens must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a Dubai visa, including passport validity, financial criteria, purpose of visit, and no criminal record. It is essential to fulfill these criteria to avoid any visa application rejections or delays.

Types of Dubai Visas for Indians

Dubai offers various types of visas to Indian nationals depending on their purpose of visit. Here are the most common types of visas available:

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is issued to Indian nationals who wish to visit Dubai for tourism purposes. This visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. The cost of a short-term single-entry tourist visa ranges from 250 AED to 1740 AED, depending on the type of visa.

Business Visa

A business visa is issued to Indian nationals who wish to visit Dubai for business purposes. This visa is valid for a maximum of 14 days and can be extended for an additional 14 days. The cost of a short-term single-entry business visa is 250 AED.

Transit Visa

Indian nationals who have a layover in Dubai and wish to leave the airport can apply for a transit visa. The UAE issues two types of transit visas – for 48 hours and 96 hours. Transit visa cannot be extended and is arranged either by your travel agent or UAE-based airlines that you are travelling with. Eligibility for Dubai transit visa requires you to have an Indian passport and a confirmed return ticket.

Student Visa

Indian students who have been accepted into a Dubai-based educational institution can apply for a student visa. The visa is valid for a maximum of one year and can be renewed annually. The cost of a student visa is 550 AED.

Residence Visa

Indian nationals who wish to live and work in Dubai can apply for a residence visa. The visa is valid for a maximum of three years and can be renewed annually. The cost of a residence visa is 310 AED.

Dubai visa fees and processing times may vary and are subject to change. It is recommended to check the official website of the Dubai immigration authority for the latest information.

Application Process

To apply for a Dubai visa, Indian nationals can follow the steps below:

Online Application Steps

1. Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.
2. Click on the “Visa Services” tab and select “Entry Permit/Visa Services”.
3. Choose the type of visa you require and fill in the online application form.
4. Upload all the required documents and submit the application.

Document Submission

The applicant must submit the following documents to obtain a Dubai visa:

• A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Confirmed return air ticket.
• Proof of accommodation in Dubai.
• Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000.

Visa Fee Payment

The visa fee for Dubai varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. The applicant can pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card.

Biometric Data Collection

Once the visa application is approved, the applicant must visit the visa application center to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs.

It is important to note that the visa processing time may vary depending on the type of visa and the number of applications received. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for the Dubai visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Important Information

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Dubai visa for Indian citizens varies depending on the type of visa. The usual processing time for a tourist visa is between two to four working days, while the processing time for a visit visa can take up to 14 working days. However, it is advisable to apply for a visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays or issues.

Visa Validity Period

The validity period for a Dubai visa for Indian citizens depends on the type of visa issued. Tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days from the date of entry, while visit visas can be valid for up to 90 days from the date of entry. It is important to note that the validity of the visa starts from the date of issue, and not from the date of entry.

Extension and Renewal Options

Indian citizens with a Dubai visa can extend their stay for an additional 14 days by paying a fee of AED 250. However, it is important to note that this extension is only applicable for tourist visas and not for visit visas. In case an individual wishes to stay for a longer period, they must exit the country before the expiry of their visa and apply for a new visa after a cooling-off period.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Indian citizens with a valid passport and a Dubai visa can enter the country through any of the airports or land borders. However, it is important to note that the visa holder must enter the country within the validity period of the visa. Upon entry, the passport and visa will be verified by the immigration authorities. Upon exit, the visa holder must ensure that they leave the country before the expiry of their visa to avoid any penalties or issues with future visa applications.

It is important to note that the information provided is subject to change and it is recommended to confirm the latest visa requirements and regulations with the relevant authorities.

See More Destinations in the Middle East

• Dubai Golden Visa for Indians
• Turkey Visa for Indians
• See All Travel Visa Guides for Indians
• Visa Free Countries for Indians

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

See author's posts