Travellers get new ICAC guide on Indian tourist visa requirements, process and fees.
Dubai: UAE residents planning a holiday to India can now refer to a new step-by-step guide released by the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC), outlining the tourist visa application process, required documents and applicable fees.
The guidance is available on the new ICAC portal, which now manages Indian visa, passport and consular services across the UAE.
Applicants are required to first complete their visa application through the Indian Visa Online Portal before scheduling an appointment at their preferred ICAC centre.
Applicants who require assistance with completing the visa application can visit any ICAC branch, where support services are available.
According to the Indian Embassy, UAE nationals are required to obtain a visa before travelling to India. However, they may apply for an e-Visa online or be eligible for a Visa-on-Arrival if they have previously held an Indian visa.
How to apply
According to the ICAC, applicants should complete the following steps to apply for an Indian tourist visa:
- Fill out the online tourist visa application form.
- Schedule an appointment through the ICAC website.
- Prepare all required documents and photographs.
- Visit the selected ICAC centre at the appointed date and time.
- Submit the application and pay the applicable visa fees.
- Keep the submission receipt to track the application and collect the passport.
- Monitor the application status through the ICAC website.
- Collect the passport from the ICAC centre or opt for courier delivery if that service was selected.
Documents required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- An original passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel, with a minimum of two blank pages.
- A copy of the passport’s biographical information page.
- A valid UAE residence visa or residence permit, where applicable, along with a copy.
- A recent passport-sized colour photograph with a white background.
- A completed online visa application form.
The ICAC also states that additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
For example:
- Former Indian nationals must provide a Surrender Certificate along with a copy of their cancelled Indian passport.
- Cabin crew and pilots are required to submit a copy of their crew identity card.
- Housemaids and domestic workers must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their sponsor, together with a copy of the sponsor’s passport.
- Journalists and media professionals must submit a journalist identity card or press accreditation, along with a letter from their UAE-based employer confirming that the visit is solely for tourism.
- Swiss nationals are required to provide a confirmed flight reservation.
The ICAC notes that the Indian Embassy or Consulate may request additional supporting documents based on an applicant’s nationality, occupation or intended purpose of travel.
Additional requirements for children
Applications for minors must include:
- The child’s birth certificate, along with a copy.
- A written consent letter signed by both parents.
- Copies of both parents’ passports, including the biographical page and any relevant endorsement pages.
Tourist visa fees
The guide also outlines tourist visa fees for applicants of different nationalities.
For most nationalities:
- A one-year multiple-entry tourist visa costs Dh391, inclusive of government charges, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) fee and the Alhind service charge.
- A multiple-entry tourist visa valid for more than one year and up to five years is priced at Dh751.
The ICAC has also published separate fee schedules for applicants from Bangladesh, Mozambique, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, with charges varying based on nationality, visa validity and whether expedited processing is requested.
The ICAC confirmed that all fees outlined in the guide are inclusive of taxes.
