Travelers from the UAE can get a India visa on arrival under the following conditions: They have previously obtained a visa to India and visited the country, they have a valid UAE passport that has at least 6 months left on it, they pay the visa application fee (this is per application, including children), and they are entering India through the airport in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, or Mumbai. Airlines will also offer the opportunity to fill out the form on the flight, though the paperwork may not always be available. Once they land, UAE citizens will need to present their passport, the filled-out application form, and their disembarkation card. As long as they have these things ready, it won’t take long to get their visa on arrival in India.
Emirati citizens can avail of the VoA facility at several major international airports in India, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Chennai International Airport in Chennai, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, and Cochin International Airport in Kochi. Numerous airlines operate flights between the UAE and the major airports that accept the India Visa on Arrival for Emirati citizens, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Flydubai, IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, ensuring a wide range of options for travelers.
While the Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility for Emirati citizens has streamlined travel to India, some drawbacks still exist. Potential longer wait times at immigration during peak seasons can deter travelers, and VoA eligibility is limited to specific airports, restricting flexibility. Additionally, the VoA is not applicable for employment, research, or missionary purposes. However, the initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening India-UAE relations as it facilitates easier travel for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival
Feature
e-Visa
VOA
Apply Before Travel
✓ Yes
✗ No
Entry Points
29 airports + 5 seaports
6 airports only
Prior India Visit Required
✗ No
✓ Yes
Wait Time at Airport
Minimal
Can be long
Recommended
✓ Best Choice
Backup Option