New Visit Visa Rules in UAE: Your Key to Exploring the Emirates

The UAE is a top destination for travelers seeking a blend of modern luxury, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. From Dubai’s towering skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa and world-class shopping to Abu Dhabi’s heritage sites and desert adventures, the country offers something for every type of traveler. Add seamless travel facilities, vibrant festivals, and a thriving culinary scene, and it’s easy to see why millions, including Indian tourists, flock to the UAE year after year.

Even bigger changes are ahead: the Unified GCC Tourist Visa, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026, will enable travel across six Gulf countries on a single permit. Dubai alone welcomed 5.31 million overnight visitors in Q1 2025, a 3% rise from last year, generating nearly Rs. 11,800 crore (USD 1.42 billion) in tourism receipts. For Indian businesses and travelers alike, the UAE’s evolving travel policies signal even stronger cross-border ties.

Visa Durations & Fees

The UAE offers various Visa-on-Arrival options with different durations and fees to suit travelers’ needs.

• 14-day VoA: AED 100 (USD approx. 27)
• Extension (additional 14 days): AED 250
• 60-day VoA (non-extendable): AED 250

The UAE has recently updated its Visa on Arrival (VoA) rules, making travel easier for many Indian passport holders. With the help of visa services, you can now apply for your VoA quickly and securely, ensuring a smooth entry process. Here are the key changes you should know:

1. No Pre-Approval Needed

Travellers who meet the criteria can skip pre-arranged visa applications and receive their visa directly upon arrival, making the process seamless and quick.

2. Passport Validity & Documentation

Travellers must have passports valid for at least six months. Additionally, valid proof of visa/residence from eligible countries is required.

3. Wide Airport Accessibility

The VoA facility is available at all main UAE entry points, airports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, as well as designated land and sea borders, ensuring broad coverage.

4. Facilitated Entry, Strengthened Ties

This update promotes smoother tourism and business travel for Indians and supports the UAE’s goal of bolstering economic and cultural connections.

The UAE has eased its Visa-on-Arrival rules, offering Indian travellers more flexibility and faster entry. Here are the latest updates:

1. Expanded Eligibility

More Indian travellers now qualify for Visa-on-Arrival.

• Until 2024, only Indian passport holders with valid visas/residency from the US, UK, or Schengen countries were eligible.
• Since February 2025, the list has been expanded to include visas/residency from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea.
• The foreign visa/residency permit must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry into the UAE.

2. Simplified Entry Process

The application process has been made faster and paperless.

• No need for pre-approval or applying in advance through agents or websites.
• Travellers can walk up to immigration counters and get their visa stamped instantly.
• This is especially helpful for last-minute trips or business travellers with urgent schedules.

3. Passport & Documentation Rules

Certain conditions must be met to get the visa approved.

• Passports must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of arrival.
• A valid return ticket or onward booking is required at check-in.
• An original, valid visa/residence card from the listed countries must be shown.
• Some airlines may check eligibility before boarding, so documents should be handy.

4. Where You Can Get It

The Visa-on-Arrival is available across the UAE’s main entry points.

• Issued at all major international airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
• Available at land border crossings with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
• Also accessible at seaports for cruise passengers entering the UAE.
• Immigration counters are equipped with dedicated VoA desks to process arrivals quickly.

5. Why It Matters for Indians

The rule change brings big benefits for Indian tourists and professionals.

• Indians are the largest group of international visitors to Dubai, making this policy highly impactful.
• Easier access encourages more short trips for leisure and shopping, especially from cities with frequent flights.
• Business travellers benefit from greater flexibility, as they no longer need weeks of planning.
• The move strengthens India–UAE ties, supporting both tourism and economic exchanges.

6. Expanded Eligibility for Indian Nationals

As of February 13, 2025, Indian passport holders with valid visas, residence permits, or green cards from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea can now obtain a visa on arrival (VoA) in the UAE. This builds upon the existing eligibility for holders of documents from the US, UK, and Schengen countries.

The new visit visa rules in the UAE offer multiple options tailored to different purposes, making it easier to choose the right visa for your stay.

The UAE has simplified the visa application process, allowing travellers to complete most steps quickly and securely online

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type

The first and most important step is to select the visa that matches the purpose of your trip. The new rules in uae visit visa offer several options, and picking the right one is crucial for a successful application.

• For Tourism: If your visit is for leisure, the standard tourist visa is the right choice.
• For Work: If you are seeking employment, the Job Seeker Visa is the correct category.
• For Study: The Student Visa is specifically for those enrolled in an educational program.

Step 2: Find the Right Sponsor or Application Channel

Once you have chosen your visa, you need to find a sponsor to apply on your behalf. This is a critical part of the process and a key change under the new rules in uae visit visa.

• Official Portals: For many visa types, you can apply directly through the official government portals like the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
• Airlines and Hotels: For a standard tourist visa, major airlines (like Emirates and Etihad) and many hotels can act as your sponsor and handle the application for you.
• Authorized Travel Agencies: You can also use a licensed travel agency in the UAE or your home country.

Step 3: Prepare and Digitize Your Documents

After you have a sponsor, you must gather all the necessary documents and ensure they are in a digital format. The new rules in uae visit visa require all documents to be submitted online.

• Passport Scan: A high-resolution, colored scan of your passport’s bio-data page is mandatory. Ensure it is valid for at least six months from your travel date.
• Passport-Sized Photo: A recent, clear passport-sized photo with a white background that meets the official specifications.
• Supporting Documents: This includes a confirmed return flight ticket, hotel booking or proof of accommodation, and, for certain visas, proof of funds or an employment letter.

Step 4: Fill Out and Submit the Online Application

This is where you will input your information into the online system. This step is a key part of the simplified process under the new visit visa rules in uae.

• Access the Form: Go to the chosen government portal, airline, or travel agency website. You will be asked to create an account or log in.
• Enter Your Details: Carefully fill in all required personal and travel information. Double-check that all details match your passport exactly to avoid any chance of rejection.

Step 5: Pay the Fees and Track Your Application

The final step is to make the payment and wait for your visa to be processed. This concludes your part of the application under the new rules in uae visit visa.

• Secure Payment: After filling out the form, you will be directed to a secure payment gateway to pay the visa fees and any service charges.
• Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with an application reference number. You can use this number on the portal to track the status of your application. Once approved, your e-visa will be sent to you.

Carrying the right documents ensures a smooth travel experience and avoids unnecessary delays at immigration and other checkpoints.

Note: Always double-check requirements for your specific destination before travel, as rules can change frequently. Contact a professional who can help avoid delays, errors, or last-minute issues at immigration.

Understanding the validity period and renewal process of your visa is essential to ensure an uninterrupted stay and compliance with local laws.

Being aware of fines and penalties for overstaying your visa helps you avoid legal issues and extra costs during your UAE visit.

The new visit visa rules in uae also make it easier for families to travel together. Expatriates with a valid residence visa can sponsor their family members, including their spouse and children.

Key Pointers:

• You must meet a minimum monthly salary requirement to sponsor your family.
• Sponsors have 60 days to apply for a family member’s visa after they arrive in the UAE.
• The visa validity for family members is tied to the sponsor’s visa.
• All sponsored family members must have valid health insurance in the UAE.
• Dependent family members can study and, in some cases, work if proper permits are obtained.
• Multiple-entry visas allow family members to travel in and out of the UAE within the visa’s validity.

Understanding UAE visit visas in 2025 is now simple, with clear rules for tourists, students, professionals, and families. Knowing the different visa types, validity periods, renewal options, and fines for overstaying helps travellers plan their trips efficiently and avoid unnecessary complications.

Ensuring all documents are in order, understanding eligibility criteria, and following official procedures can make the visa process smooth and efficient. Seeking guidance from visa professionals or official authorities can further simplify the process, helping travellers fully enjoy their stay in the UAE without delays or issues.