Apply UAE Visa Online from India
A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
The UAE—home to stunning skyscrapers, golden deserts, luxury shopping, and cultural marvels—continues to be one of the top travel destinations for Indians in 2025. Whether you’re planning a leisure trip to Dubai, a business visit to Abu Dhabi, or even a family reunion in Sharjah, applying for a UAE visa online from India has never been easier. Thanks to streamlined digital systems, you can complete the entire process from the comfort of your home.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a UAE visa online in 2025—types of visas, requirements, fees, processing time, and step-by-step instructions
Why Apply for a UAE Visa Online?
Before diving into the steps, let’s explore why applying online is the preferred method for Indians traveling to the UAE
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No need to visit the embassy or consulate
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Faster processing and real-time tracking
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User-friendly portals and travel agency support
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Digital delivery of e-visa to your email
Choose the Right Type of UAE Visa
The first and most important step is to determine which visa type suits your travel needs. The most common UAE visas for Indians include
Tourist Visa
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Duration: 14, 30, 60, or 90 days
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Single or multiple entry
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Best for vacations, visiting family, or short visits
Transit Visa
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Duration: 48 or 96 hours
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For travelers transiting through UAE airports
Business Visa
- For individuals attending meetings, conferences, or trade events
Student Visa
- For Indian students enrolled in UAE educational institutions
Work Visa
- Requires sponsorship from a UAE employer (not available for online application directly by individuals)
Gather Required Documents
Regardless of visa type, you’ll need to submit certain documents. Here’s a checklist for a tourist visa, which is the most commonly applied online visa
Mandatory Documents
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Scanned color copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months)
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Passport-size photograph (white background, recent)
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Confirmed return flight tickets
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Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host’s residence)
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Visa application form (digitally filled)
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Bank statement (optional, but recommended for 60/90-day visas)
Additional Documents (if required)
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PAN card
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Travel insurance (mandatory for longer stays)
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Invitation letter (for family/friends visit)
Always double-check document requirements on the official UAE visa portal or your travel agency’s website
Select an Application Platform
There are several platforms you can use to apply for a UAE visa online from India
Official UAE Government Portals
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ICA Smart Services: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
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GDRFA Dubai Portal: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae
These are mainly used for long-term visas or if you have a sponsor in the UAE
Airlines’ Visa Services
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Emirates (https://www.emirates.com)
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Etihad Airways
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Air Arabia
These offer visa services if you book your flight with them
Authorized Travel Agencies
Several licensed agencies offer reliable UAE visa services online
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VFS Global
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Musafir
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Rayna Tours
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Akbar Travels
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MakeMyTrip
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Yatra
These platforms often provide customer support and handle documentation and submission on your behalf.
Fill Out the Application Form Online
Fill Out the Application Form Online
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Full name
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Passport number and details
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Nationality
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Travel dates
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Purpose of visit
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Contact information
Make sure all details match your passport exactly.
Important: Upload documents in high resolution, and use JPEG or PDF formats as required. Blurry images or mismatched details can lead to rejection
Pay the Visa Fee
Visa fees vary depending on the type, duration, and entry status (single or multiple). Below are approximate prices in 2025
| Visa Type | Validity | Entry Type | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (14 days) | 14 days | Single | ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 |
| Tourist (30 days) | 30 days | Single | ₹6,500 – ₹8,000 |
| Tourist (60 days) | 60 days | Single | ₹12,000 – ₹14,000 |
| Tourist (90 days) | 90 days | Single | ₹16,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Multiple Entry (30 days) | 30 days | Multiple | ₹13,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Transit Visa (48 hrs) | 2 days | Single | ₹1,700 – ₹2,000 |
Payment Methods
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Debit/Credit Card
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UPI
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Net Banking
Always confirm the final amount before proceeding to payment.
Track Your Application
After submission, you’ll receive a reference number or application ID to track the progress of your visa.
Most platforms offer email and SMS notifications. Processing typically takes
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24–72 hours for tourist visas
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Up to 5 working days for 60- or 90-day visas
You can also check your status on the portal or contact support if it exceeds the estimated timeline.
Receive and Download Your UAE e-Visa
Once approved, your e-visa will be emailed to you in PDF format. Print at least two copies—one for immigration and one as backup
Make sure your visa includes:
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Your name and passport number
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Visa validity and duration
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Visa type and entry count
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Issuing authority details
Prepare for Departure
Before boarding your flight, keep the following ready
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Printed UAE visa
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Passport (valid for 6 months or more)
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Return flight tickets
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Hotel or stay details
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Travel insurance
UAE immigration authorities may ask for any of these documents on arrival.
FAQs: UAE Visa for Indians
Can I get a visa on arrival in the UAE as an Indian
Answer: Only Indian passport holders with a valid US visa, green card, UK or EU residence visa can get a UAE visa on arrival (valid for 14 days, extendable once
How far in advance should I apply?
Answer: At least 7–10 days before your travel date, especially during holiday seasons
What if my visa application is rejected?
Answer: You’ll receive a reason (if provided). You can reapply after correcting the issues or appeal through your agent or service provider
Can I extend my tourist visa while in the UAE?
Answer: Yes, you can extend most tourist visas for 30 more days by applying online or through local agents in the UAE.
Are biometric appointments needed for UAE e-visas?
Answer: No, biometric data is not required for short-term UAE e-visas applied online from India.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Approval
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Double-check passport validity (minimum 6 months)
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Use a white-background photo with no edits
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Avoid last-minute applications or errors in forms
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If applying through an agent, choose a reliable, IATA-approved agency
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Ensure your travel itinerary is clear and complete
Final Thoughts
The UAE is a seamless blend of modern luxury and rich heritage—and now, getting there from India is easier than ever. Thanks to digital visa processing, you can complete the UAE visa application process online in just a few steps. Whether you’re planning to explore Burj Khalifa, take a desert safari, or close a business deal, following this guide will make your visa experience hassle-free in 2025.
So what are you waiting for? Choose your visa type, gather your documents, and start your application today. The UAE is just a few clicks away