Travel visa · Asia · 2026
India visa from the UAE (2026)
India has no visa waiver with the UAE, so the passport — not the residence permit — decides how you apply. Most nationalities, including UAE citizens, use the online e-Visa; the rest file regular sticker visas through the outsourced centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Everything starts on the official indianvisaonline.gov.in portal — copycat sites charge markups.
- UAE citizens
- e-Visa (no waiver) India has no visa-free agreement with the UAE; apply online before departure
- e-Visa options
- 30 days / 1 year / 5 years tourist e-Visa; entry count depends on the option (30-day is double entry)
- Where to apply
- indianvisaonline.gov.in official portal only; regular visas via the outsourced centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Processing
- 3-5 working days typical ETA arrives by email; regular visa applications take longer
Visas
Who needs this visa
- UAE citizens are not visa-exempt: they apply for the India e-Visa like most other nationalities.
- Most expatriate passports common among UAE residents (Western, Filipino, Egyptian, Russian and others) are e-Visa eligible for tourism, business, medical and conference trips.
- Applicants of Pakistani origin and a few other categories cannot use the e-Visa and must file a regular application, which takes longer and needs an appointment.
- The e-Visa is fully online with an ETA issued by email; regular visas are submitted at the outsourced visa centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Document checklist
Document checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival, with two blank pages
- Digital passport-style photo on a white background meeting Indian e-Visa specifications
- Scan of the passport bio page and of the UAE residence visa
- UAE residence permit valid beyond your travel dates
- Return or onward ticket and accommodation details or a host address in India
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months for regular visa applications
- NOC or leave letter and salary certificate from the UAE employer for regular visa applications
- Business invitation or visiting-card details for the e-Business visa
- Printed ETA copy presented at immigration (the e-Visa works only at designated airports and seaports)
Process
How it works
-
Confirm eligibility
day 0Check that your nationality is on the e-Visa list; Pakistani-origin and other restricted categories must apply for a regular visa instead.
-
Fill the online form
day 1Complete the application on indianvisaonline.gov.in — the same form covers e-Visa and regular applications.
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Pay and upload
day 1Pay the fee online and upload the photo and passport scans.
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Receive the ETA
day 3-5The electronic travel authorisation arrives by email; check the name, passport number and dates.
-
Fly to a designated port
departuree-Visa holders must enter through one of the designated airports or seaports; carry a printed ETA.
-
Regular visa route
day 1-2If the e-Visa is not available to you, book an appointment at the Dubai or Abu Dhabi centre and submit in person.
Fees and rules checked September 2026 — confirm with the application center before booking.
Visa fees
Visa fees
| Fee item | Amount |
|---|---|
| e-Visa fee (tourist, 30 days / 1 year / 5 years) | Set by nationality — paid online on the official portal |
| Regular (sticker) visa fee | Set by the mission; varies by nationality and validity |
| Outsourced centre service charge | Paid in AED at the Dubai or Abu Dhabi centre |
| Copycat portal markups | Avoid — apply only via indianvisaonline.gov.in |
Government fees are set in local currency; service fees are set by the application center. Checked Sep 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a UAE residence visa give visa-free entry to India?
No. India decides by nationality, and there is no visa waiver with the UAE for ordinary passport holders. Residence status only determines where you can submit an application.
Do UAE citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. Emirati passport holders apply for the e-Visa online like most nationalities. Approval is an ETA sent by email before departure.
How many entries does the India e-Visa give?
The 30-day tourist e-Visa is double entry, while the 1-year and 5-year options are multiple entry. Check the entry rules for your option before booking connecting flights.
How early should I apply?
File at least 4-7 days before travel; standard processing is 3-5 working days but can stretch in peak season. Apply on the official portal only — third-party sites charge large markups.
Where can I enter India on an e-Visa?
Only through the designated international airports and seaports listed on the official website. Land borders do not accept e-Visa arrivals.
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