UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Nationals Expands

In a landmark move reflecting the deepening ties between two strategic partners, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in New Delhi has reaffirmed the importance of the UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Nationals, a policy now expanded to include Indian passport holders with residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore.

This expanded visa initiative, officially in effect since February 13, 2025, is being hailed as a milestone in facilitating seamless travel and enriching people-to-people engagement between the Republic of India and the UAE. With this policy, eligible Indian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at all UAE entry points, thereby making cross-border mobility faster, smoother, and more accessible.

Previously, the visa-on-arrival provision was limited to Indian nationals holding valid visas or residence permits from the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union. The recent inclusion of additional countries broadens the scope significantly, marking a progressive shift in the UAE’s approach to global connectivity and inclusivity.

Strengthening Human Connections

According to Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India, “The expansion of the UAE’s visa-on-arrival programme for Indian nationals is a reflection of our enduring partnership with the Republic of India. It is a practical step that will make it easier for families to reconnect, professionals to collaborate, and businesses to grow across borders.”

He further emphasised that this policy mirrors the UAE’s strategic vision of building stronger human and economic bridges with India, one of its most vital partners in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

UAE: Driving Economic and Social Integration

The UAE Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Nationals policy is poised to catalyse greater cooperation across sectors—be it tourism, education, healthcare, or entrepreneurship. With reduced bureaucratic hurdles, Indian travellers—ranging from students and professionals to entrepreneurs and families—can engage with the UAE more easily and meaningfully.

This policy is also expected to boost tourist inflows, enable swifter family reunions, and accelerate joint business ventures, reinforcing the already dynamic and robust relationship between the two nations.

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