{"id":1450,"date":"2025-11-29T09:53:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T09:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/?p=1450"},"modified":"2026-04-21T06:47:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:47:45","slug":"india-expands-visa-on-arrival-for-uae-traveler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/india-expands-visa-on-arrival-for-uae-traveler\/","title":{"rendered":"India Expands Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good news for travellers from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/United_Arab_Emirates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>United Arab Emirates<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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 \u2014 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What changed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u2014 you can land closer to your final destination and avoid extra domestic travel after arrival.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who is eligible?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 \u2014 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/india-visa-online\"><b>India Visa Online<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before you travel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How long can you stay and what does it cost?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/india-visa-status\"><b>India Visa Status<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or official guidance before you fly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Which airports offer the facility?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can use Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler at these nine airports:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chennai (Chennai International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bengaluru (Kempegowda International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kochi (Cochin International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calicut (Kozhikode International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you land at one of these airports and meet the \u201cprevious visa\u201d requirement, you can apply for Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler on arrival.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Simple step-by-step: before you travel<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Check your past visa record.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Make sure your passport has a record of a prior Indian e-Visa or paper visa.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Verify passport validity.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Save documents.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Keep a copy of your flight ticket, hotel booking or invitation and a screenshot of your India Visa Status if possible.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prepare payment.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Have cash in Indian rupees or an international card ready to pay the VoA fee.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use official sources.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For forms and exact details, use India Visa Online and the official airport or immigration guidance.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>At the airport: what happens<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you arrive, follow signs for \u201cVisa on Arrival\u201d or \u201cVoA.\u201d You will find counters or kiosks where you\u2019ll 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 \u2014 so be patient.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Common questions \u2014 answered simply<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Can a first-time UAE traveller use VoA?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>How long does VoA take at the airport?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it\u2019s quiet, 15\u201330 minutes is possible. During peak times, allow more time.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Can I extend a VoA?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extensions are not automatic. If you need more time, contact local immigration after you arrive and check your India Visa Status for guidance.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Are there eligibility exceptions?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Certain security or nationality rules may apply in special cases. Always confirm before booking.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Why India expanded the facility<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Practical tips to avoid problems<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep a printed or digital copy of any previous Indian visa.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carry extra passport photos \u2014 some counters still ask for them.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save emails or screenshots that show your India Visa Status.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid unofficial agents who promise shortcuts. Use official India Visa Online guidance and airport staff.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note emergency numbers for your embassy or consulate in India.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Real-life examples<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Final thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019d like, I can create a simple printable checklist or a one-page script to follow at the VoA counter for the airport you\u2019ll use \u2014 tell me which airport and I\u2019ll make it for you.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 \u2014 who can use the Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler, where &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/india-expands-visa-on-arrival-for-uae-traveler\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;India Expands Visa-On-Arrival for UAE Traveler&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1451,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-india-visa"],"featured_image":"https:\/\/my-tours.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com\/evisaindians-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/29095246\/India-Expands-Visa-On-Arrival-for-UAE-Traveler.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1450"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1450\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1452,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1450\/revisions\/1452"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}