Dubai Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Thanks to the government’s policies, getting a Dubai visa for Indians is fairly easy. The visa allows Indian citizens to enter the UAE and visit Dubai. Since the permit is in the form of a Dubai e visa, you can get the permit with great ease. Now, although it is widely known as a Dubai visa for Indian citizens, the actual permit is called a UAE visa. When it is issued by a Dubai based entity rather than the other emirates, it comes as a Dubai permit. Although, this is still equally valid in all the other emirates.

First things first, the UAE embassy in India does not issue a visa to ordinary passport holders. The applications require you to have a sponsor and therefore, is done with the help of Dubai based airlines, a travel agency, or a hotel. These factions apply for a visa on your behalf to the official issuing authority in Dubai. The Dubai visa process can be mentioned as follows -

• Choose the method of application that is easier for you. While choosing travel agencies, ensure that they are well-reputed and genuine. 
• Now, determine the type of visa you require.
• Once you do that, obtain the necessary documents as per your visa type. 
• Fill in the Dubai visa application form available at the airline websites, or at the travel agencies.
• The necessary documents will be then uploaded to the respective online portals by the respective agency. 
• Proceed to pay the visa fees online. 
• They will then submit the application.

Always ensure that you provide the correct details along with genuine documents. You may get a visa denial if your application is incorrect. This may cause you from not being able to apply for the visa in the future. 

Please note that if you are flying to Dubai via their home-based airlines (Emirates or Fly Dubai), you can apply at one of the Dubai Visa Service Centres located all over India. If you are being sponsored by a relative or friend, they can apply for you at a visa issuing authority located in Dubai.

Based on the different purpose, type of entry and length of stay, the Dubai permit can be categorized into the following -

• Dubai Transit Visa - The transit permit for Dubai is issued if you are travelling to another country via Dubai International Airport, and all you need is to stay in the country for a few days in transit. This type is issued for two periods such as -
  • 48-hour transit
  • 96-hour transit
• Service  - This type of permit allows you to stay in the country for a period of 14 days from the day of arrival. This is mainly used by people travelling for commercial and business purposes. 
• Dubai Tourist Visa - The tourist visa allows the individual to visit Dubai and other emirates for a period of up to 30 days. There are two types of tourist permits based on entry types. 
  • Single-Entry Tourist
  • Multiple-Entry Tourist
• Dubai Long Term Tourist Visa - These are issued for people wanting to stay in UAE for a longer period. The visa is issued for a duration of 90 days. Based on the type of entry, these can be classified into the following two -
  • Long Term Single-Entry Tourist Visa
  • Long Term Multiple-Entry Visit Visa

As per the Dubai visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following are the list of documents you will need to submit. However, based on the exact type of permit, there will be additional documents necessary.

1. A valid Passport - up to at least 6 months from the date of arrival in UAE 
2. Colour copies of your passport bio page and last page
3. Confirmed round trip flight tickets
4. 1 coloured photograph
5. Proof of employment

• Dubai visa photo size: 35X45 mm
• Recently captured
• Face: directed towards the camera
• Eyes: open, and looking straight at the camera
• Background: plain white
• Headgear: allowed for religious purposes
• Glasses: only  prescription eye-wear
• Neutral facial expression

The Dubai Visa cost for Indians depends on several factors such as the type of the permit, the number of entries, the duration of the visit, as well as any express visa processing charges. There may be additional service charges levied based on the mode of application. It is essential to confirm the exact fees before applying for the visa.

The visa for Dubai normally issued in about 3-5 working days. However, it can vary depending upon any express option, the exact type of the permit, or any other complications arising with documents. It also depends upon your mode of application. It is therefore essential to apply for your visa well in advance. Your processing may also be faster depending upon certain eligibility criteria such as your passport containing a visa to Schengen, UK, USA, etc in the past 5 years. It can also speed up if you have an invitation letter from a family member in the UAE.

You can perform the Dubai visa status check in a number of ways. If you have applied through an airline, you can log in to their portal and check the status. Travel agencies also allow you to track the status in the same way. Alternatively, you can send an email to the agency/airline/hotel enquiring about the status. If you have applied through one of the Dubai visa application centres, you can track it by visiting their website with your reference number and passport expiry date.