Dubai Visa for Indian citizens, everything you need to know

Source: ednarabia.com

The first thing that you need to know is that the Dubai visa is actually the UAE visa. There is no separate visa for Dubai (or for the other emirates – except in a few specific circumstances related to Work Visa).

So the headline should read, UAE Visa For Indian Citizens – Everything You Need To Know.

So why did we not directly call it UAE visa in the headline? Because most people search for it online as a Dubai visa and so we stuck with the same.

Dubai is one of the seven emirates, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

So let’s get down to business as we explain everything you need to know about successfully applying Dubai Visa for Indian Citizens.

UAE/Dubai Visa For Indian Citizens

UAE Visa: Jump to the one you need

1. UAE Tourist Visa
2. UAE Visit Visa
3. UAE Transit Visa
4. UAE Work Visa/UAE Employment Visa
5. UAE Residence Visa
6. UAE Student Visa
7. UAE Visa-on-Arrival

Important Points About UAE Visa You Should Consider

1. Don’t overlook “OK to Board”
2. Visa Fees Exemption For Kids
3. UAE Visa Rejection
4. UAE Visa Overstaying
5. UAE Government Visa Centres Address in India
6. Important Links
7. Frequently Asked Questions – UAE Visa

1. UAE Tourist Visa

The UAE tourist visa is given to people who want to travel the UAE on a holiday, for leisure purpose.

There is also another type of visa within this category ;

Note: The UAE government does not allow females below the age of 18 to apply for a tourist visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

Also, the 30-day tourist visa (both the single entry and multi-entry) can be renewed up to 2 times for a maximum extension of 60 days. Cost is AED 600 per extension.

How to apply for UAE Tourist Visa?

The UAE Embassy does not issue tourist visas. To get a UAE Tourist Visa, you’ve 3 options ;

1. Apply for UAE Tourist Visas through Airlines;
   To get a UAE visa through an airline, you must fly with them
   Etihad Airways UAE Visa Service
   Emirates Airline UAE Visa Service
   Fly Dubai UAE Visa Service
   Air Arabia UAE Visa Service
2. Tourist Visa through Agencies
   Local travel agencies in India or UAE could help with your UAE Tourist Visa application. Make sure to approach authentic agencies as you’d be sharing sensitive information with them like passport and other personal details. You can approach the UAE Embassy in this regard to find out some reputed agencies. Ex: VFS global, Thomas Cook etc.
3. Tourist Visa through Hotels in UAE
   The hotel in UAE where you are planning to stay may offer to sponsor your visa (and include the charge in your bill). So check-up with your hotel beforehand itself if they can sponsor your tourist visa.

Documents Needed To Apply For UAE Tourist Visa

1. Valid Indian Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the planned date of entry to UAE ( Only machine-readable passports will be accepted. Handwritten passports will not be accepted ).
2. Scanned colour copy of the first and last pages of your passport.
3. Confirmed onward and return ticket travelling into and onwards from UAE.
4. Photograph – 4.3*5.5 cms colour photo size with white background. At least 80% of the face should be visible in the photograph.
5. Completed Visa application form.
6. A female travelling alone will need to provide NOC from father or husband.

Note: The 30-day tourist visa may be renewed up to 2 times for a maximum extension of 60 days. Cost is AED 600 (Approx. Rs 11,700) per extension.

2. UAE Visit Visa

The UAE visit visa is given to family members, friends, or acquaintances of Indian citizens who have a residence permit in UAE. The residency holder sponsors the Visit Visa of family/friends coming from India.

Note: The 30-day visit visa can be renewed up to 2 times for a maximum extension of 60 days. Cost is AED 600 (Approx. Rs 11,700) per extension.

How to apply for UAE Visit Visa?

1. The first thing you need is a sponsor in UAE who can sponsor your Visit Visa.
   This could be a UAE Resident, a Company or a hotel licenced to operate in the UAE. In this case, ask your sponsor can help apply the Visit Visa for you.

Note: Residents can sponsor a visit visa to UAE for their family members, relatives or friends. For sponsoring a family member, a UAE resident must draw a minimum monthly salary of AED 4000 to 5000. For sponsoring a relative, a minimum monthly salary of AED 6000 to 7000 is required. For sponsoring a friend to UAE, the minimum salary should be AED 10,000.

Also, a refundable deposit up to AED 2000 may be required per visit visa sponsored by the resident. This amount will be refunded to you within 4 working days after you provide proof exiting UAE.

2. You can also contact a travel agent for applying for UAE/Dubai Visa online.
   Some reputed travel agencies are ;

• Dnata
• Musafir
• VFS Global
• Flydubai

Documents Needed To Apply For UAE Visit Visa

1. If you are going to the UAE to visit your family or friends for a special function or being invited by a company, you can submit the invitation card/letter as a document along with the other necessary documents.
2. Covering letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit
3. Valid Indian Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entering UAE.
4. Scanned colour copy of the first and last pages of your passport.
5. Passport copy and valid residential address of your family member or friend in the UAE who has invited you.

Note: It is illegal to work with or without pay in the UAE while being there on a visit visa or tourist visa

3. UAE Transit Visa

The UAE Transit Visa is preferred for travellers who are just passing through the UAE and taking a stopover there. While on their layover in UAE, they can use the transit visa to go sightseeing or visiting friends in the country.

Please Note: The layover needs to be more than 8 hours to apply for this visa.

The passenger needs to have an onward flight ticket within 48/96 hours corresponding to the 48/96 hours Transit Visa in hand. This visa is non-extendable.

How to apply for UAE Transit Visa?

1. You can apply for a UAE Transit Visa prior to your journey only through the airline you are travelling in. If you are travelling through a travel agency, then they can help you get the visa but ultimately the Visit Visa application would be routed through your airline.Transit visa from Etihad Airways
   Transit visa from Emirates Airline
2. Have a confirmed hotel reservation in UAE during your transit time. Pre-plan the visit and get the visit visa issued before your travel date. Take note that the visa is valid for use only 14 days from the date of issue.

Documents Needed To Apply For UAE Visit Visa

1. Valid Indian Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entering UAE.
2. Scanned colour copy of the first and last pages of your passport.
3. Confirmed onward flight ticket out of UAE within the transit period.
4. Confirmed hotel reservation in UAE.
5. 2 colour photo with size 4.3*5.5 cms, taken against a white background and with minimum 80% face visible.

4. UAE Work Visa/UAE Employment Visa

The UAE Work Visa/Permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) which allows a foreigner to work in the UAE.

How to apply for UAE Work Permit?

The employer needs to apply to the MoHRE for the permit. This permit will be valid for 2 months from the date of issue and allows the employee to enter the UAE.

Once the employee gets into UAE on the basis of his/her work permit, they must complete the remaining formalities like medical testing, obtaining UAE Resident Identity Card (Emirates ID), Labour Card and stamping of their passport with a work residency permit within 2 months. The company sponsoring the employee takes care of these procedures and the cost of the work visa will be borne by them.

Note: When all the above processes are over, the employee is formally part of the UAE workforce and have what is called a work residency permit. They can then sponsor and bring their family over to UAE themselves by way of the work residency permit.

Documents Required To Apply For UAE Work Permit

1. Valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entering UAE.
2. An entry permit from the sponsor/employer
3. Police clearance certificate issued by the passport office or local police station duly attested by Ministry of External Affairs of India.
4. A medical test certificate from any of the 17 approved GAMCA medical centres in India.

5. UAE Residence Visa

A UAE Residence visa allows you to live in UAE for 2 to 3 years depending on the type of residence visa.

There are 3 types of residence visa (we already covered one in the previous section) ;

1. Residency through employment in UAE
2. Residency through buying property in UAE
3. Residency through registering a company in UAE

How to get a UAE Residence Visa?

1. Residency through employment in UAE – When a foreigner gets employed in a company registered in the UAE, the company would sponsor their residence visa.
2. Residency through buying property in UAE – When you purchase real estate in UAE, you become eligible for residency. The property purchased must be at least AED 1 million in value. This type of residence visa has a 2-year validity and must be renewed after that period. It does not grant the right to work in the UAE.
3. Residency through registering a company in UAE – By registering a company is the Emirates or in one of the free zones there, a person can obtain residency. The company must be registered on a shareholding basis with partnership and sponsorship from a local Emirati. The validity of this residency is 3 years after which it has to be renewed.

Documents Required For UAE Residency

1. Copy of valid Indian passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months)
2. Birth certificate
3. Driver’s Licence
4. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
5. Medical Certificate
6. Police clearance certificate issued by the passport office or local police station duly attested by Ministry of External Affairs of India.
7. A medical test certificate from any of the 17 approved GAMCA medical centres in India.
8. Passport size photographs with white background and having at least 80% face visible.
9. Original and photocopy of Investment documents

Renewing your UAE Residence Visa

If your UAE Residence Visa is about to expire then you must start the renewal process soon to continue to live or work legally in the UAE.

You get a 30 day grace period from the time of expiration of your Residence Visa but don’t wait till then. If you haven’t renewed your visa even after the end of the grace period then get ready for fines ;

AED 25 per day during the first 6 months (180 days)
AED 50 per day during the second 6 months (180 days)
AED 100 per day after passing a year and more.

And also with the expiration of your Residence Visa, your Emirates ID card also expires along with it simultaneously. Make sure that your employer takes up Visa renewal on time.

Cancelling your UAE Residence Visa

If you are planning to leave the UAE permanently, then you should cancel your residence visa officially before leaving.

The application for cancelling your visa can only be initiated by your sponsor (family or company).

Once your Residence Visa is cancelled, you’ll get a 30 day grace period to either leave the country or get another Residence Visa.

6. UAE Student Visa

UAE Student Visa is issued to foreign nationals studying in a university or college in the UAE. Also, it is issued to children of UAE residents who are residing in UAE under the sponsorship of their parents or relatives.

Sometimes Universities in UAE may also include a health insurance cost as well which could be around AED 1300 – 1500

How to get a UAE Student Visa?

1. The student must have an official admission letter from the university in the UAE
2. Must pass a medical fitness test and get the relevant certificate
3. Must pass security check of the relevant emirate (where the student is going to study)
4. Have a visa sponsor which could be the University itself or parent/relative having residency in UAE
5. Visa applications are processed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of that particular Emirate.

Note: Receiving a letter of admission from a university in UAE does not guarantee that student visa will be issued. The final decision for that rests with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in the relevant emirate.

Note: UAE does not allow an expatriate to sponsor their male children after the age of 18. The only exception to this case if the male child is continuing their studies in an educational institution in the UAE or abroad for a minimum course duration of 1 year. Female children can be sponsored by their expatriate parents in the UAE, regardless of their age.

7. UAE Visa-on-Arrival

The UAE government recently implemented Visa-on-Arrival for Indian citizens having a valid US Visa (minimum 6 months validity). This visa will be valid for 14 days and can be extended once by paying an additional fee of AED 270.

How to get UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Citizens?

1. The Indian national must have a valid US visa or posses Green Card issued by the United States of America (minimum 6 months validity).
2. The Indian Passport holder must be a UK Resident or have residency from other European countries (minimum 6 months validity).

An entry permission fee of AED 100 and AED 20 service fee will be applicable.

The visa period can be extended for a fee of AED 250 and AED 20 service fee. Extension entitles the traveller to stay for 28 days more.

Note: Overstaying your visa will mean a fine of AED 100/additional day and AED 200 for departure permit from the country.

Important Points About UAE Visa You Should Consider

1. Don’t overlook “OK to Board”

So what is “OK to Board”?

It is a permission granted by the airways (flight) in which you’ve booked your ticket to UAE and other Gulf countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar). It means that the airline has done a background check on the validity and genuineness of your UAE Visa and your Indian Passport and considers you to be a legitimate traveller. Only if your PNR status is updated as “OK to Board”, will you be allowed to board the flight to UAE. The authority which updates your PNR status is the airline itself.

Why this additional “OK to Board” step was introduced?

Till a few years ago, there were many cases of Indian Citizens being apprehended by authorities in Dubai and other emirates for travelling there using a fake Visa/Passport. To reduce such incidents, the “OK to Board” step was introduced.

When a passenger who travels with a fake Visa/Passport is caught in the destination country, the airline which transported the passenger there is fined. Also, the airline has to bear the cost of transporting the passenger back to their country which will include food, stay and flight ticket cost. This is why airlines ensure before issuing a boarding pass that the passengers travelling in their flights have a valid passport and visa.

Which category of passengers going to UAE, require “OK to Board” permission?

• Passengers travelling with ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport.
• Passengers travelling with a print-out of Labour & Work e-visa.

Which category of passengers going to UAE DO NOT require “OK to Board” permission?

• Travellers holding Resident Permit or passport stamped with Resident Visa.
• Passengers using ‘Visa On Arrival’ facility.
• Passengers travelling with ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport.

How to get “OK to Board” status in flight ticket PNR?

Present the following documents to your airline at least 3 days before departure ;

1. Visa Copy
2. Passport Copy
3. Flight Tickets

If your visa is sponsored, the “OK to Board” procedure is done by the sponsor.

Note: You can check online the status of “OK to Board” with your airline through their website or by getting in touch with their customer care and providing the PNR number to them.

2. Visa Fees Exemption For Kids

Tourists going to the UAE between July 15 and September 15 won’t have to pay visa fees for their kids (below 18 years). This is as per a direction the given by the UAE government for boosting tourism.

3. UAE Visa Rejection

Yes, your UAE visa application may be rejected even if you have submitted all the documents and followed the procedures correctly. The UAE visa issuing authority does not give a reason for visa rejection. However, the following are some of the reasons visa could be denied.

1. If you are a female who is below 24 years of age and travelling alone (possibility of being a victim of human trafficking).
2. If you are a blue collar job holder like a labourer or part of the informal job sector.
3. Any previous record of criminal activity.
4. If you have an unused UAE tourist/work visa which you never used. In such a case, you’ve to get the visa cancelled first before applying for a new UAE visa.

If you previously had a UAE residence visa and left the country without cancelling it. You can apply for a new visa only after cancelling the previous one.

4. UAE Visa Overstaying

Overstaying your UAE visa will turn out to be a costly affair along with a host of other problems.

Initially, a fine will be levied for all the days that a person has overstayed in UAE. However, the consequences may not be just limited to this. Other penalties could be levied such as;

1. Being blacklisted
2. Banned from UAE
3. Deportation
4. Jail term up to 3 months

5. UAE Government Visa Centres Address in India

6. Important Links

Where to apply for entry permits or visas? – UAE Government Info

UAE Visa Status, Fees, Application Tracking – UAE Visa Info

UAE Visa Requirements – Etihad Airways

7. Frequently Asked Questions – UAE Visa

1. Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Dubai?

Indian citizens having a valid US visa or Green Card issued by the United States of America with minimum 6 months validity can get Visa-on-Arrival in UAE.  Also, Indian Passport holders who are  UK Residents or have residency from other European countries with a minimum of 6 months validity are eligible for Visa-on-Arrival.

2. How much does the Dubai visa cost?

Depending on the type of Visa you are applying for, a UAE/Dubai Visa can cost from anywhere between AED ZERO (2 Day Transit Visa) to AED 2700 (UAE Student Visa). Read our post above to find out the cost of your visa type.

3. How long does it take to get Dubai visa from India?

It will take you about 3 to 4 days from the time of application to get a UAE/Dubai Visa (Tourist/Visit Visa) provided all the necessary documents have been submitted correctly and you meet the eligibility requirements.

4. Can I travel to Abu Dhabi with Dubai visa?

There is no separate visa for Dubai. When you apply for a tourist/visit visa, it is applicable for the entire UAE and not just Dubai. So yes, you can travel to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai using your UAE Visa.

5. What is the difference between UAE tourist visa and UAE visit visa?

The UAE Tourist Visa is for people who are looking to visit the UAE purely as a traveller and for leisure purpose. They can stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days on a tourist visa and then exit the country after that.

The UAE Visit Visa id for those who have friends or relatives in UAE who sponsor their visit. They can also tour the country. The main difference is that a Visit Visa can be converted to Employment/Residence Visa and in that case, it is not necessary that the person has to exit the country after 90 days.

6. How long can you stay in UAE on a tourist visa?

A person can stay for a maximum of 90 days using a tourist visa in the UAE.

7. Can I visit Sharjah with Dubai visa?

The Dubai Tourist/Visit Visa is actually the UAE Visa.

Yes, you can visit Sharjah using that Visa.

8. Can Visit Visa change to employment visa in Dubai?

Yes. Visit Visa can be converted to Employment Visa in Dubai if you manage to get a job there before the duration of the Visit Visa ends.

9. Can Indians drive a car in Dubai?

Indian citizens having a valid driving licence and International Drivers Permit (IDP) can drive in Dubai and the other emirates of UAE using a tourist visa or visit visa. Resident Visa holders must obtain the local UAE drivers licence to drive there.

10. Do you need a separate visa for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

No, you do not need a separate visa for Dubai and Abu Dhabi (Tourist/Visit Visa). The Visa you get is for the entire UAE and you can travel to all the seven emirates within UAE with your UAE Visit/Tourist Visa.

11. Does Dubai give permanent residency?

No. Dubai does not give Permanent Residency.

12. Can an Indian buy a property in Dubai?

Yes, Indian citizens can buy property in UAE. One can expect a decent

Yes, Indian nationals can purchase property in the UAE, including in select areas in Abu Dhabi. The price will obviously vary based on location and build quality. but a one bedroom flat could cost from 1 million up to 2.2 million dirhams

13. What is the minimum salary for a family visa in Dubai?

UAE resident must draw a minimum monthly salary of AED 4000 to 5000 for sponsoring their family. In the case of a relative, the minimum monthly salary is AED 6000 to 7000.

14. Can I leave UAE without Cancelling visa?

If you have a UAE residence visa and are planning to leave the UAE temporarily, then you can leave without cancelling your Visa.

However, if you are planning to leave UAE permanently, then it is recommended that you settle all your financial accounts (credit/debit with banks there) and apply to cancel your visa.

If a residence visa holder is outside the UAE for more than 6 months, then their visa is automatically considered as cancelled. However, in such a case, the person may be banned from entering the UAE again.

15. How can I check my UAE visa status?

You can check your UAE Visa status using this link, UAE Visa Status, Fees, Application Tracking – UAE Visa Info

16. Can I extend my 90 days visit visa in Dubai?

No, you cannot extend your visit visa beyond 90 days. You must go out of the country and you or your sponsor must apply for a visit visa again.

17. Can I travel to the UAE by just having a one-way ticket?

No.

When travelling on a tourist/visit visa, not only it is compulsory that a return/onward ticket from UAE needs to be booked. But it is also necessary that the booked ticket must be a CONFIRMED ticket. Only then will the airline allow you to board the flight bound for UAE.

18. Can I leave the airport and go outside and visit the city, while I’m transiting from Dubai?

Indian citizens must apply for a transit visa before leaving India itself if they want to visit Dubai during transit. Also, the transit from one flight to another (layover) must be more than 8 hours to be eligible for applying for the transit visa.

19. Is the visa fees the same for both infants and adults?

Yes, the visa fees are the same for both infants and adults.

However, between July 15 and September 15 you won’t have to pay visa fees for kids (below 18 years). This is a move by the UAE government to boost tourism.

20. If my UAE Visa application is rejected, will the visa fee be refunded?

In case your UAE Visa application is rejected, then there will be no refund of application fee. Only the security deposit (if any) will be refunded.

If you have any further clarifications, comment below.

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