Indian travelers who depend only on a UK residence visa may no longer be eligible for the UAE visa-on-arrival facility under the updated entry rules.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has revised its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian passport holders. Under the updated rules, travellers holding only a UK residence visa will no longer be eligible for the visa-on-arrival facility. The changes were announced by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), according to Business Standard.
However, the implementation date has not yet been confirmed. Reports suggest the revised policy could impact Indian tourists, business travellers, and frequent visitors who previously used a UK residence permit to access the conditional 14-day visa-on-arrival facility.
Who can still get a visa on arrival?
The UAE continues to offer visa-on-arrival facilities to Indian passport holders who hold any of the following:
- A valid US visit visa
- A US Green Card
- A valid EU visit visa
- A valid EU residence visa
These travellers will continue to be eligible for the conditional 14-day visa-on-arrival scheme. Under the existing rules, the stay can also be extended by an additional 14 days.
Proposed 60-Day Visa-on-Arrival Option
In addition to the updated eligibility rules, the UAE is also considering introducing a new 60-day conditional visa-on-arrival facility for eligible Indian nationals. According to immigration updates, the proposed scheme is expected to follow eligibility criteria similar to those currently applicable under the 14-day visa-on-arrival programme. However, authorities have not yet announced a timeline for its implementation.
What it means for Indian travellers
The revised policy is likely to impact Indian travellers who hold only a UK residence visa and do not have a valid US or EU visa or residence permit. Such travellers may now need to apply for a regular UAE tourist visa before travelling, obtain a visa through authorised channels or airlines, or explore other visa categories for which they may be eligible.
Immigration experts have also advised travellers to verify the latest entry requirements before booking flights, as airlines may require passengers to confirm their visa status before boarding.
The UAE remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indian tourists, professionals, and business travellers, with cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi attracting large numbers of visitors each year. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has urged travellers to check the latest eligibility conditions before departure to avoid any travel disruptions.
