How to Get a UAE Tourist Visa in Simple Steps in 2025 (for Indians)

Complete UAE Tourist Visa Guide for Indians

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for Indian tourists as it is known for offering a blend of modern attractions and cultural experiences.

So, if you’re planning to go to the UAE for a vacation, it’s important that you know the whole visa process. In this guide, we will walk you through simple steps to get a UAE visa in India, and also explain to you the fees, validity, requirements and other details for getting a tourist visa easily.

Types of UAE Tourist Visas for Indians

There are many tourist visa options for Indian nationals who are looking for a UAE tourist visa. Here they are:

1. Short-Term Single-Entry Tourist Visa

• Duration: 14, 30, or 60 days
• Validity: 60 days from the issued date
• Entry: Single
• Extension: May be possible for an additional fee

2. Short-Term Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

• Duration: 30 or 90 days
• Validity: 60 days from the issued date
• Entry: Multiple
• Extension: Maybe possible for an additional fee

3. 5-Year Multiple-entry Tourist Visa

• Duration: Up to 90 days per visit
• Validity: 5 years
• Entry: Multiple

4. Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival is not applicable for Indian citizens for any purposes, but there’s an exception.

If you are an Indian national holding a valid US visa, US green card, UK residence permit, or EU residence permit, then you are eligible for a 14-day visa on arrival. Please note that your permit should have at least six months’ validity.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Although the process of applying for a UAE tourist visa from India is simple, it can get confusing. Hence, it needs careful planning, uploading the right documents, and submitting your application correctly. Whether you’re visiting the UAE for a short vacation or to meet family members, here’s a detailed explanation of how to do it. 

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type

The first step in the process is to know which type of tourist visa you should apply for. The UAE offers many types of tourist visas for Indians. This includes 

• 14-day, 30-day, and 60-day single-entry visas
• 5-year multiple-entry visa. 

How to choose the visa type?

This depends on your travel duration and how frequently you plan to visit. For example, if you’re going on a vacation, a 14-day visa is enough. If you are going there for a long vacation, or 30-day single-entry visa is good. But if you plan to visit frequently or stay longer, a multiple-entry or long-term visa is suitable. 

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once you’ve decided on the visa type, the next step is to collect all the necessary documents. These are important as they are checked for the approval of your application. Below is a list of commonly needed documents:

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter the UAE. Also, it should be in good condition without any markings or tears. 
• Recent Passport-size Photograph: You will need a clear, high-resolution, passport-size photograph taken against a white background. It should be a recent one. Also, it should not have any shadows or accessories like glasses that may hide facial features.
• Confirmed Flight Tickets: You must present a copy of your confirmed return and onward flight ticket in your application. This is needed to assure the UAE government that you have plans to return and do not intend to overstay.
• Proof of Accommodation: You must show where you will be staying in the UAE. This can be a hotel booking confirmation. If you’re going to stay with a friend or family, then mention their address and contact details as they’re going to accommodate you.  
• Financial Proof: Sometimes, authorities may ask you to submit your bank statements (generally for the last 3 to 6 months) to show that you have enough funds to cover your stay. This is usually needed for some visa types, like the 5-year multiple-entry visa. Here, you must show a minimum bank balance of USD 4,000 over the past six months. (The requirement for financial proof may vary.) 
• Travel Insurance: This is mandatory for all tourists. You must get travel insurance, and it should cover the entire duration of your stay in the UAE and include medical coverage.

Important Note: Depending on your personal circumstances, travel purpose, visa type, or as directed by the embassy — you may need to attach additional documents. This can include a no-objection certificate (NOC) from your employer, a marriage certificate if you’re travelling with a spouse, or proof of relationship if you are travelling with children. 

Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application

There are multiple ways to submit your visa application.

A. Ask Airlines for Visa Services

If you are flying with a UAE-based airline such as Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, or Air Arabia, you can ask them for visa services as they often provide tourist visa services for passengers. To apply, visit their airline’s website or ask for their customer service portal. This option is available only if you have a confirmed booking with that airline.

B. Authorised Travel Agencies

Many registered travel agencies in India and the UAE have the authority to process UAE tourist visa applications. By choosing them, you get a lot of benefits. This is because these agencies can handle the documentation, submission, and communication with UAE immigration authorities on your behalf.

C. Online Government Portals:

• Visit the official GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) or the  United Arab Emirates’  Government portal.
• Navigate to the Apply visa option. 
• Register for an account.
• Fill up the form with the correct details
• Upload the required documents 
• Pay the fees
• Submit your application
• You’ll get a reference number and an acknowledgement receipt.  

Step 4: Receive and Print Your E-Visa

After submitting your application, you have to wait for a few days (2-7 working days or more). Once your visa application is approved, you will receive the e-visa on your registered email ID. After receiving the e-visa, it’s important that you take a printout of it and carry it with you when you travel. You have to present this e-visa at the immigration counter upon arrival in the UAE.

Although you can carry a soft copy on your mobile phone, it’s recommended that you carry a printed copy for easy accessibility.

UAE Tourist Visa Fees

Visa fees are always subject to change from time to time, and they vary based on the method you use to get a visa. Here are the approximate costs:

• Up to 1 year/ Single or Multiple Entry — 370.00 AED
• More than 1 year and up to 5 years with Multiple Entry- 735.00 AED

Please note that additional charges may apply. This includes service fees, VAT, and security deposits. 

What is a 5-Year Multiple-entry Tourist UAE Visa for Indians?

The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa is a convenient and flexible option introduced by the UAE government for Indian travellers who frequently visit the UAE. With this visa, indian nationals can enter the UAE multiple times over five years without the need to apply for a new visa each time. This visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days at a time. If needed, you can extend your stay for another 90 days during the same trip. 

To qualify for the 5-year visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. 

• One requirement is showing financial stability by providing a bank statement that shows a minimum balance of USD 4,000 over the last six months.
• You must have valid health insurance that covers your stay in the UAE. 
• Submit the proof of accommodation.

This 5-year multiple-entry visa is popular among Indian tourists who visit the UAE often or want to avoid applying for a visa each time. 

UAE Tourist Visa Requierments

Here’s a quick checklist for tourist visa requirements for the UAE.

• Passport.
• A recent passport-sized photo with a white background.
• Confirmed onward and return flight tickets
• Accommodation proof of a hotel or residential address in the UAE.
• Itinerary of your tour 
• Financial proof.
• Travel insurance.

Note: There are No document attestation is required for a Tourist Visa

How to Track Visa Status

You can track your visa application status online by visiting the ICP website.

• Click on the tracking link
• Enter your email ID and reference number
• Get details 

While checking, make sure that you have your application reference number, email ID, and passport details handy.

Updated: May 2025.
This page is for informational purposes. Tourist Visa rules are subject to change by the UAE Government authorities.