India Expands Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler

Good news for travellers from the United Arab Emirates: India has expanded the Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler facility. This change makes short trips, business visits, medical travel and last-minute plans easier for many UAE passport holders. Below I explain the expansion in plain, friendly English — who can use the Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler, where it works, what to do before you go, what to expect at the airport, and simple tips to avoid problems. Read through and you should feel ready and confident to travel.

What changed?

India has added three more airports to the list that offer Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler: Kochi (Cochin), Calicut (Kozhikode) and Ahmedabad. That means there are now nine Indian airports offering this facility, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata. More airports means more convenience — you can land closer to your final destination and avoid extra domestic travel after arrival.

Who is eligible?

This point is important and easy to miss. The Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler is not available to first-time visitors from the UAE. To use this facility, you must have previously held an Indian visa — either an e-Visa or a regular paper visa. In other words, if you have been to India before and your passport shows a past Indian visa, you may use Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler at the listed airports. If you have never had an Indian visa, you should apply ahead of time through India Visa Online before you travel.

How long can you stay and what does it cost?

Typically, a Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler allows a stay of up to 60 days and covers tourism, business meetings, conferences and medical treatment. A fee is charged when you arrive; bring a method of payment that works at Indian airports. Rules and fees can change, so it is wise to check your India Visa Status or official guidance before you fly.

Which airports offer the facility?

You can use Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler at these nine airports:

New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International)
Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International)
Chennai (Chennai International)
Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International)
Bengaluru (Kempegowda International)
Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International)
Kochi (Cochin International)
Calicut (Kozhikode International)
Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International)

If you land at one of these airports and meet the “previous visa” requirement, you can apply for Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler on arrival.

Simple step-by-step: before you travel

Check your past visa record. Make sure your passport has a record of a prior Indian e-Visa or paper visa.
Verify passport validity. Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Save documents. Keep a copy of your flight ticket, hotel booking or invitation and a screenshot of your India Visa Status if possible.
Prepare payment. Have cash in Indian rupees or an international card ready to pay the VoA fee.
Use official sources. For forms and exact details, use India Visa Online and the official airport or immigration guidance.

At the airport: what happens

When you arrive, follow signs for “Visa on Arrival” or “VoA.” You will find counters or kiosks where you’ll fill in details, show your passport and proof of prior visa (if available), and pay the fee. An immigration officer will check your documents and place the visa stamp in your passport. The process is designed to be straightforward, but at busy times you may have to wait longer — so be patient.

Common questions — answered simply

Can a first-time UAE traveller use VoA?
No. Only UAE nationals who have held an Indian visa before can use the Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler. First-time visitors must apply via India Visa Online before travel.
How long does VoA take at the airport?
If it’s quiet, 15–30 minutes is possible. During peak times, allow more time.
Can I extend a VoA?
Extensions are not automatic. If you need more time, contact local immigration after you arrive and check your India Visa Status for guidance.
Are there eligibility exceptions?
Yes. Certain security or nationality rules may apply in special cases. Always confirm before booking.

Why India expanded the facility

India and the UAE share strong business, family and tourism links. Adding airports like Kochi, Calicut and Ahmedabad helps people reach their final destination faster, supports medical and business travel, and eases pressure on main airports. For travellers, this change simply means more choices and less hassle for short or urgent trips.

Practical tips to avoid problems

Keep a printed or digital copy of any previous Indian visa.
Carry extra passport photos — some counters still ask for them.
Save emails or screenshots that show your India Visa Status.
Avoid unofficial agents who promise shortcuts. Use official India Visa Online guidance and airport staff.
Note emergency numbers for your embassy or consulate in India.

Real-life examples

A Dubai manager gets a surprise meeting in Ahmedabad: because he had a past Indian visa, he used Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler at Ahmedabad and reached his meeting on time.
A patient in the UAE needs quick medical care in Kochi: with a previous Indian visa, the patient arrived directly at Kochi and used VoA for a fast transfer to the hospital.
A tourist who visited India before wants a last-minute 2-week beach trip: landing at Calicut made the trip simpler thanks to Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler.

Final thoughts

The expansion of Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler is a helpful and traveler-friendly step. It makes many journeys quicker and easier for repeat visitors, business travelers and medical tourists. Remember the key rule: you must have held an Indian visa before. Before you travel, check your India Visa Status and official India Visa Online instructions to avoid surprises. If you’d like, I can create a simple printable checklist or a one-page script to follow at the VoA counter for the airport you’ll use — tell me which airport and I’ll make it for you.