Online UAE Visa For Indians/ UAE Visa On Arrival for Indians with Valid US Visa in 2024

In this post, I list out how to get an Online UAE Visa for Indians through Emirates or UAE Visa On Arrival for Indians with Valid US Visa.

Written by: Soumya Nambiar

Last Updated on:

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links we may make a commission from.

I travel to UAE frequently. My twin sister lives in Dubai and hence I make a trip to Dubai at least twice a year.

It is mostly to spend time with the little devil aka the nephew. So many people ask me about the UAE visa requirements for Indian Citizens. What if I told you that it is easy and you can obtain an online UAE visa for Indians through Emirates in 10-15 minutes?

I used to apply for an online UAE visa through Emirates till recently. This is till I realised that I do not have to apply for an online visa since I already have a valid US visa as well. You can obtain a UAE visa for arrival for Indian passorts if you have a valid US visa. I still use the Emirates online UAE visa facility for my parents since they do not have a valid US visa.

Places_to_visit_in_Dubai_itinerary_Atlantis

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2-7 Day Dubai itinerary

Online UAE Visa For Indians/ Visa On Arrival for Indians with Valid US Visa

So in this post, I give you answers to the below two queries;

  1. How to apply for an online UAE visa for Indians through Emirates?
  2. How to avail UAE visa on arrival for Indian passport holders with valid US visas?

How to apply for an online UAE visa for Indians through Emirates?

I am going to take you through a broad view of the entire process and the whole thing takes less than 15 minutes.

Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
  • Enter your ‘Last Name’ and ‘Booking Reference’ and click on Go.
  • On the right side, you will see the below options. Click on ‘Apply for a UAE Visa’.
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Places_to_visit_in_Dubai_itinerary_Atlantis

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Short Trips from Dubai

  • Click on ‘Continue to Visa Application’ on next page. This redirects you to the VFS Global Services page.
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
  • Next page will give you information on types of visa. Click on continue at the bottom.
  • Enter all your passport details and click on ‘Continue’.
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
  • In the next page, enter your email address details.
  • You will get a ‘Visa Application Form’ where you have to fill all the required details and click on submit.
  • You have to upload a scanned color copy of your passport’s front and back pages (Only pdf is allowed and size restriction is 200KB). Also upload a passport colour photograph not exceeding 40KB in size.
  • Sometimes they may ask you for other documents like bank statements and proof of residency etc.
  • Review your application and click on ‘Submit’.
  • In the next page, you have to click on ‘Purchase’ and this will redirect you to the payment gateway.
  • Once this is done, you can check the status of your visa application by using the right side form on the VFS page.
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
The entire process is so easy and it is so quick too. I applied on a Wednesday afternoon and I received my visa over email on Sunday afternoon. (Note that Fridays and Saturdays are weekly off for UAE). They usually process the entire application in 4 working days. You have to just take the printout of this eVisa and this can be used both at the Indian and UAE airports. Your visa will come with a disclaimer that this is valid only for Emirates flights.
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa

Online Visa Fees for UAE for Indian Citizens

Based on the number of days, the tourist visa fees for UAE for Indian citizens range from 90$ (for a 30-day stay for one time entry) to 330$ (for a 90-day stay).

I am definitely going to use this service for my parents for its relative ease of use. You guys should definitely try it out. Check the list of FAQ’s here.

UAE_Visa_Fees_for_Indians

How to avail UAE visa on arrival for Indian passport holders with valid US visas?

In March 2017, the UAE and the Indian government came up with a new scheme for all Indian passport holders traveling to UAE with a valid US visa. This has been applicable since May 2017 and it has been quite helpful for frequent travelers like our family with valid US visas.

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Renewing a US B1/B2 visa

So, who can avail this visa on arrival facility?

All Indian citizens with a valid US visa or Green card can avail this facility. I have a B1/B2 US visa which has a validity of 10 years. While availing this facility, please ensure that both your passport and your US visa are valid for at least 6 months.

How can you avail the Dubai visa on arrival for Indian passport with US visa facility?

Before my experience, I read a lot on how we need an ‘Ok to board’ from the airline if you are making use of this facility. I even contemplated getting an Online UAE visa before I was scheduled to fly. But thankfully, none of that is required. I was on my way back from London to India and I decided to stop in Dubai for a few days.

Checking in

At Heathrow, the first thing the lady who was in charge of check-in asked me was where my UAE visa was. I informed her that I have a valid US visa. She asked me no further questions after she checked the validity of my US visa.

Find the nearest Marhaba counter once you land in UAE

I was flying with Qantas (a partner airline of Emirates). All Emirates and Qantas flights land in the T3 terminal in Dubai International Airport. In T3, the Marhaba counter is just before the immigration counter. Once you descend from the escalator, look to your left and you can see the Marhaba counter. There were two counters here. It was relatively empty when I was there and I did not have to wait.

UAE visa on arrival for Indian passport holders with a valid US visa fees

Once they check your USA visa validity, you will have to pay 140 Dhs (Approximately 38-40$). They accept only Dhirhams in cash but you have an option to pay with your international credit card as well. They give you a valid UAE visa on the spot and this will be valid for 14 days. You have an option to extend this for another 14 days for a fee of 250 Dhs.

You can proceed to the immigration counter once you receive your paper visa.

Check out this post on how to get an Australia visa for Indians.

I have a valid US visa on an old passport. Am I eligible for this UAE visa on arrival scheme for Indians?

So I had to change my passport this year since I ran out of pages and I had a couple of valid visas on my old passport including my US B1/B2 visa. So I was worried that I would not be eligible for this scheme. Thankfully, all you have to do is carry both your old and new passports, preferably stuck together. I had no issues availing this scheme when I went to Dubai in November 2018 and November 2022.

Conclusion

As you can see, both processes are relatively easy. I will definitely be using both these processes based on the number of days I intend to stay in UAE.

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Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa
Emirates_Online_UAE_Visa

Find my recommendations on guidebooks for Dubai.

Guidebooks for UAE

Traveling to UAE and need more guidance on which books to read? These are our recommendations for you to read before you go.

BOOKING RESOURCES

Looking to book your trip now? Find some of my favorite resources I use while booking my trip. You can also find my travel gear here.

Book Your Flight

I am a Skyscanner fan when it comes to booking international flights. I use Makemytrip and Yatra for domestic flights.

Book Accommodation

Booking is my go to resource for booking hotel accommodation and I use Airbnb for booking my homestays. I also compare prices on Tripadvisor always. Another one I always use is Expedia.

Travel Insurance

As an Indian, I prefer ICICILombard and I am always insured when I am traveling outside India. In addition, I have used World Nomads and SafetyWing for some of my trips.

Book Tours

I do go on a lot of day tours especially when I am traveling solo and love going on road trips with my husband.. Depending on convenience, my choices are Viator or Getyourguide.

About Soumya Nambiar

Soumya Nambiar here. I am an avid traveler, travel blogger, vegetarian foodie and entrepreneur from Bangalore, India who grew up in Tanzania, Africa. I have been to more than 60 countries and in this blog, I write about my personal experiences as an Indian traveller around the world as well as my struggles as a vegetarian. I can be reached at [email protected].

34 thoughts on “Online UAE Visa For Indians/ UAE Visa On Arrival for Indians with Valid US Visa in 2024”

  1. Is this Visa on Arrival possible in Sharjah airport if Indian citizen have valid US visa of B1/B2 type. Flying by Air Arabia.

    Reply
  2. Hi Soumya,
    Thank you for the blog that gives us a better understanding of these procedures.
    I’m travelling with my husband in November and I hold a 10 years B1/B2 US visa but my husband does not. Do u think I can apply online visa for my husband and I avail VOA since it’s 1/3 fee??
    Are there any restriction. I’m scared what if they don’t allow VOA… in that case my husband will already have a visa but I wont.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • There is no restriction if you have a valid B1/B2 visa. I have availed this facility multiple times in the past 1 year.

      Reply
  3. Hi, I am currently on a 14-day VoA (landed in Dubai on the 18th November) and I wish to opt for the 14-day one-time extension. Can I get this done online? or do I have to go back to the airport to pay for the extension?

    There is no information available online.

    Your help is appreciated!

    Reply
    • I am sorry that I don’t have an answer for this. Why don’t you check with Marhaba services since they will be able to help you better?

      Reply
  4. Very informative
    Please let us know list of docs required for on arrival. Below copies all required for on arrival visa?
    passport bio data page , last page , US visit visa page(B1/B2) and passport size pic

    Reply
    • You just need your passport with the visa stamped. They will scan your passport pages with all details. And photo is not required.

      Reply
  5. Excellent information for Dubai online visa and arrival visa.
    Please clarify a passport size photo is required for getting arrival visa at Dubai airport ?

    Reply
  6. Hi Thanks for the information. Can one apply for visa if the Passport has more than 6 months validity but the US Visa having less than 6 months validity. Please answer.

    Reply
  7. Hello Soumya,
    This article is really helpful, good work!
    I have a valid B1/B2 visa but I have never travelled to the US till date so will that be a hurdle to get my visa on arrival for UAE?
    I appreciate your help, thanks in advance.

    Reply
  8. Hello Soumya,
    This article is really helpful, good work!
    I have a valid B1/B2 visa but I have never travelled to the US till date so will that be a hurdle to get my visa on arrival for UAE?
    I appreciate your help, thanks in advance.

    Reply
  9. Hello Soumya,
    This article is really helpful, good work!
    I have a valid B1/B2 visa but I have never travelled to the US till date so will that be a hurdle to get my visa on arrival for UAE?
    I appreciate your help.

    Reply
  10. Hello Soumya,
    This article is really helpful, good work!
    I have a valid B1/B2 visa but I have never travelled to the US till date so will that be a hurdle to get my visa on arrival for UAE?
    I appreciate your help.

    Reply
    • Haneesh, from what I understand, they do check if you have visited US to avail this facility. But please get this checked with Marhaba to get further clarity.

      Reply
    • The requirement is that you must have valid US visa. I have traveled to Dubai many time along with my family, even though never traveled to US.

      Reply
  11. Hi Soumya,
    My US visa expires on the 4 April 2019. I am due to travel to Dubai on the 16/17 March 2019 and have opted for VoA… Will I be able to make use of the VoA?
    I have travelled earlier to the USA… My passport has a 10 year validity too. Please advise. Thankx.
    Sarita

    Reply
  12. Is there a separate line for visa on arrival for emirates passengers and passengers traveling by other airlines for visa on arrival

    Reply
  13. I’m Really Imperesd To Your Blog All Photographs Are Good Thanks For Giving Information Such A Great Work

    Reply
  14. I’m Really Imperesd To Your Blog All Photographs Are Good Thanks For Giving Information Such A Great Work Keep It Up.

    Reply
  15. Hi Soumya… I am Kavya’s friend…really liked your blog a lot…..I am planning a trip to Dubai with my entire family and wanted to know the visa process when not using emirates and neither having US Visa…would be very grateful if you can send me any link regarding the procedure for this.

    Reply
  16. Hi Soumya Nambiar,

    Thanks for Sharing Great Information about the UAE visa requirements for Indian Citizens. I loved the way how you describes how to apply online with all the screenshots. It’s very helpful for Beginners.

    Thanks & Regards
    Richa Malhotra

    Reply
  17. Thank you very much for documenting this so well! If you avail of the on-arrival visa facility for Indian citizens with Green card when you first arrive in Dubai, can you extend it for another 14 days the same day at the airport if your trip is going to be longer? Couldn’t find any specific guidance on this online.

    Reply

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