In 2017, the UAE government allowed Indians holding a valid US tourist visa to enter the country on a 14-day UAE visa or Dubai visa on arrival.
Who is eligible for the 14-day UAE Visa on Arrival?
Indian nationals holding a valid visa or residence card from the US, UK or any EU country can now apply for a Dubai visa on arrival in the UAE.
What visas are accepted?
Indian nationals can apply for the following visas at UAE international airports and seaports and receive Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indians holding US Visa:
- US multiple entry visas such as B1, B2, B1/B2, L1, H1, F1, J1 (all multiple entry US visas except transit visas such as C1).
- US Green Card
- UK Residence Permit (ILR, BRP or Spouse Visa)
- EU residence permit (residence permit from a member state)
U.S. Tourist Visa Requirements
A US B2 tourist visa from Dubai can be obtained by meeting certain conditions and presenting the required documents proving your intention to visit and your connection to your home or current place of residence.
Important Specifications
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period you intend to stay in the United States.
- A completed online application form, DS-160.
- Evidence of payment of the non-refundable visa application fee.
- A recent passport-sized photograph that meets U.S. visa photo standards.
- Travel itinerary, bank statements, employment details,
- Examples of additional documents include invitations to visiting friends and family.
Show your connection to your home country
- Applicants must demonstrate that they have close ties to their home country or current place of residence and that they intend to return after their visit to the United States. This includes:
- Pay stubs, proof of employment, and documentation that the leave was approved.
- Proof of family ties back home.
- A document evidencing ownership of a property or asset.
- Bank statements and other financial documents.
How to get a UAE or Dubai visa when you arrive at the airport
Pre-departure permission
Once you have paid the arrival fee at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Marhaba Services will review your documents and accept your US Visa from Dubai. When you check in, your airline will provide your details to Marhaba and you will wait for Marhaba’s approval.
Marhaba approval can take up to 45 minutes. Once approved by Marhaba, the airline representative will obtain your boarding pass and collect your checked baggage.
Document verification and fee payment
- When you disembark in Dubai, head to baggage claim and passport control. Look for the Marhaba Services counter, located before the passport control counters.
- Marhaba Services is a company that operates lounges and meet-and-greet services at Dubai Airport.
- They are responsible for processing visa applications, collecting the necessary fees and issuing Dubai visas on arrival.
- Simply tell a Marhaba Services representative that you would like to get a visa on arrival, hand over your passport and boarding pass, and you don’t need to submit any forms or photos.
- Pay the visa fee of 125 AED on arrival in Dubai and you must present this receipt at immigration.
Immigration
As you approach the immigration counter, present your boarding pass, passport and marhaba visa on arrival receipt.
You may be asked how long you plan to stay in the UAE.
Visa on Arrival Fee
- For US visa holders, the visa on arrival fee in Dubai is 100 AED, although depending on the airport the cost may range from 105-140 AED.
- You’ll need to pay the visa fee elsewhere before visiting the immigration office. These third-party agencies add a service fee that will exceed the official fee of AED 100.
- Visa fees are also subject to change, please refer to the official website for the latest information.
Visa Processing on Arrival
Checking your documents, collecting the visa on arrival fee and issuing the visa on arrival is a third-party process that takes between 5 and 15 minutes to complete.
- Visa on arrival validity
- For US visa holders, the Dubai visa on arrival is valid for 14 days.
- Visa on Arrival for Dubai
- A visa on arrival is only valid for a single entry. If you leave the UAE and plan to re-enter the country after some time has passed, you will need to obtain a new visa on arrival.
Visa on Arrival Extension
Dubai Visa on Arrival for US Visa holders can be extended once for 14 days at any AMER centre in the UAE for a fee of AED 250, which includes service charge and VAT.
Allow yourself plenty of time to spend at the airport before you depart
Some airports assign third-party agents to check your documents and collect visa on arrival fees. To get permission to board your flight to the UAE, the airline must forward your passport and ticket details to a local agent. It takes 5-8 minutes to get the approval.
Once approved by the agency, you will receive your boarding pass from the airline, so make sure you arrive at the airport early to allow for this extra time.
Conclusion
If you wish to stay in the UAE for less than 14 days, then the Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders is a much better option than the 30-day Tourist Visa for Indian passport holders, which costs around three times more than the UAE Visa on Arrival.
FAQ
How long can I stay in Dubai if I get a visa on arrival?
A. The maximum stay permitted on a Visa on Arrival is 14 days, subject to approval by Dubai immigration officials.
What documents do I need to get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
A. You will need a valid US visa, a confirmed return or onward air ticket, and an Indian passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
How much does a visa on arrival cost in Dubai?
A. The visa on arrival fee is AED 100. It can be paid at the immigration office using your credit or debit card.
Can I extend my Dubai visa on arrival?
A. It is possible to extend your visa on arrival for an additional 14 days. The extension application must be received and approved by the appropriate immigration authority in Dubai.
Do I need to apply for a visa before traveling to Dubai?
A. There is no need to apply for a visa before traveling as it will be issued on arrival at Dubai International Airport.
