Dubai has announced a simpler tourist visa application process. On 1 November, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan said travellers can apply through Visit Dubai, the city’s official tourism website. The service is scheduled to launch in November 2026.
For Indian travellers, this comes with changes to visa on arrival rules. There is also a five-year multiple-entry visa for frequent visitors.
This guide explains the Dubai tourist visa for Indians in simple terms. It covers visa types, fees, documents, Dubai visa on arrival rules and how to apply.
The new service is still rolling out, and details may change. Confirm the latest information on official channels before you book flights.
Dubai Tourist Visa for Indians at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New application route | Visit Dubai, the official tourism website |
| Issuing authority | GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs) |
| Visa options | 30-day and 60-day (single or multiple entry), plus a five-year multiple-entry visa |
| Starting fee | Dh200 for a 30-day single-entry visa, excluding VAT |
| Typical processing | Within three working days, according to Visit Dubai |
| Visa on arrival | Only for Indians holding eligible foreign visas or residence permits |
What Is New: Applying for a Dubai Tourist Visa Through Visit Dubai
Visit Dubai is the emirate’s official tourism platform. Travellers already use it to explore attractions, book tickets and plan itineraries.
Under the new initiative, Visit Dubai visa applications will be added to the same platform. Travellers will be able to apply for single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas there. The aim is one digital journey, so visitors do not move between several websites and apps.
The change is part of the Shared Digital Channels Initiative and the D33 economic agenda. D33 aims to place Dubai among the world’s top three destinations for business and leisure.
GDRFA Dubai will still assess every application and issue every visa. According to the Visit Dubai website, processing typically takes up to three working days.
Visit Dubai does not replace current routes. Government portals, approved travel agencies and airlines such as Emirates and flydubai remain available.
More visa categories are planned for the future. Further service details are expected to be announced as the rollout continues.
Types of Dubai Tourist Visas
Dubai offers several tourist visa options. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay and how often you travel.
| Visa type | Stay | Entry | Fee (excluding VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry, 30 days | 30 days | One entry | Dh200 |
| Single entry, 60 days | 60 days | One entry | Dh300 |
| Multiple entry, 30 days | 30 days | Several entries | Dh300 |
| Multiple entry, 60 days | 60 days | Several entries | Dh500 |
| Five-year multiple entry | Up to 90 days per visit | Several entries | See the five-year visa section |
These fees are listed by GDRFA. They exclude VAT and other service charges.
A Dubai single entry visa lets you enter the UAE once. After you leave, you cannot use it to re-enter. A Dubai multiple entry visa lets you enter and leave several times during its validity. The permitted stay conditions still apply.
The 30-day and 60-day visas must be sponsored or arranged by a UAE-based company or tourism business, such as a licensed travel agency. An individual cannot sponsor them.
Dubai Visa on Arrival Rules for Indians
Not every Indian traveller needs a visa in advance. But Dubai visa on arrival for Indians is limited to passport holders with eligible foreign documents. Citizens of more than 80 countries qualify for visa on arrival, but the Indian rule depends on your documents.
Indian citizens with ordinary passports can get a visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from one of these:
- United States
- European Union member states
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore were added from 13 February 2025.
Recent reports say Indians who hold only a UK visa or UK residence permit no longer qualify for visa on arrival. An earlier 2025 notice listed the UK. Check the latest rule with your airline or official UAE sources before you travel.
Who must apply in advance?
Indian citizens without an eligible foreign visa, residence permit or Green Card should apply for a Dubai tourist visa before travelling. You can use an authorised service provider, an airline, or the Visit Dubai route once it is live.
Do not assume you qualify. Without the right documents, you could face problems at check-in or be denied boarding.
Dubai Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
The Dubai 5 year tourist visa is designed for frequent visitors. It lets you enter the UAE several times over five years.
Each visit is generally limited to 90 days. You can extend a stay by another 90 days, as long as your total stay does not exceed 180 days within one year.
You do not need a UAE-based sponsor. Instead, you must provide:
- A bank statement showing a balance of at least $4,000 (or equivalent) over the previous six months
- Valid health insurance
- A valid passport
- A return or onward ticket
Five-year visa vs 30 or 60-day multiple-entry visa
| Feature | 30 or 60-day multiple entry | Five-year multiple entry |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 30 or 60 days | Five years |
| Stay per visit | Within the permitted stay conditions | Generally up to 90 days |
| Sponsor | UAE-based company or travel agency | Not required |
| Extra requirement | Standard documents | Bank statement of at least $4,000 over six months |
| Best for | Occasional trips | Frequent visitors |
Dubai Tourist Visa Requirements and Documents
Prepare these Dubai tourist visa documents before you apply:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months.
- Photograph: A recent passport-size photo with a white background.
- Flight ticket: A confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Insurance: Valid UAE medical insurance.
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or stay details. You may be asked for these on arrival.
- Other ID: Additional identification documents may be needed, depending on your nationality.
Once your visa is issued, carry a printed copy when you fly. It helps you avoid delays at the airport.
Dubai Tourist Visa Fees
The Dubai tourist visa fee depends on your visa type and stay. The listed fees are:
- 30-day single entry: Dh200
- 60-day single entry: Dh300
- 30-day multiple entry: Dh300
- 60-day multiple entry: Dh500
These fees exclude VAT and other service charges. Agents and airlines may charge extra for their services.
Also plan for insurance, flight tickets and accommodation. Confirm the five-year visa fee and any Access Club charges on the official Visit Dubai page, as these details may change.
How to Apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa from India
Follow these steps to apply for a Dubai tourist visa from India.
- Check visa on arrival eligibility. Confirm whether your foreign visa, residence permit or Green Card qualifies.
- Choose your visa type. Decide between single entry, multiple entry or the five-year visa.
- Arrange insurance and tickets. Buy valid UAE medical insurance and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Prepare your documents. Check passport validity, photo and accommodation details.
- Submit your application. Apply through Visit Dubai once live, or use a government portal, an approved travel agency or an airline.
- Pay the fee and track your application. Keep your payment receipt and reference number.
- Download and print your visa. Carry a copy when you travel.
Dubai Access Club: What You Need to Know
Dubai Access Club is an invitation-only membership programme for repeat visitors. Dubai describes it as the world’s first city-led tourism membership programme.
Early reports said the eligibility rules and benefits were not yet announced. Later coverage lists a five-year multi-entry visa, a free du SIM card and Dh2,000 in credit for hotels, attractions and shops.
Membership terms may still change. Confirm the latest details on the official Visit Dubai page before you rely on any benefit.
Other Dubai Visit Visas and Transit Options
A tourist visa is not the only way to visit the UAE. Other options include:
- Visit visa for relatives and friends: For visiting people who live in the UAE. Sponsors must meet salary rules: Dh4,000 for first-degree relatives, Dh8,000 for second or third-degree relatives and Dh15,000 for friends.
- Event visa: For festivals, exhibitions, conferences and similar events. A host organisation must provide a letter with event details.
- Entertainment visa: For temporary leisure visits.
- Maritime tourism visa: For cruise ship and leisure boat arrivals.
- Transit visa: For eligible travellers passing through the UAE, with stays of 48 or 96 hours.
- AI specialists permit: For specialists with a host company letter.
Tips for Indian Travellers Applying for a Dubai Visa
- Check your passport validity early, as six months is required.
- Do not rely on visa on arrival unless you are sure you are eligible.
- Keep insurance and hotel details ready for the airport.
- Apply only through authorised channels.
- Allow extra time during peak travel periods.
- Recheck the rules shortly before you fly, as they can change.
How Abroad Gateway Can Help
Visa rules change often, and one missing document can delay your plans. Abroad Gateway helps applicants avoid these problems.
Our team supports you with:
- Checking your Dubai tourist visa and visa on arrival eligibility
- Document checklists and review
- Guidance on choosing the right visa type
- Step-by-step help with the application process
Speak to the Abroad Gateway team for clear guidance on your Dubai tourist visa.
Conclusion
Dubai is making tourist visas easier to apply for. Visit Dubai will soon offer a single place to apply, though existing channels remain available.
For Indians, the key points are clear. Visa on arrival depends on holding an eligible foreign visa, residence permit or Green Card. Everyone else should apply in advance.
Frequent visitors can also look at the five-year multiple-entry visa. Prepare your documents early, check the latest rules and apply through authorised channels.
Need help with your Dubai tourist visa? Contact Abroad Gateway today.
