Indian nationals must first register online to be eligible for the 14-day pre-approved visa-on-arrival in Dubai. This service is only available to Indian passport holders with a valid six-month US, US Green Card, EU, or UK residency visa.
Additionally, the visa may be renewed for an extra 14 days, but only once. To use the service, passengers must show a valid passport, travel documents, a permanent residence card from the US or the UK, and their photo, according to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
For those who qualify, the following is how to apply online for a pre-approved visa upon arrival:
- Open the GDRFA website and log in.
- Enter your information.
- Remit fees (around 253 dirhams).
Once an applicant’s visa is approved, the process usually takes 48 hours, and they will receive an email notification.
Who is impacted?
Indian nationals with regular passports who possess a valid US green card or a residence visa from the UK or another EU country are subject to this new condition. Before, these people could enter Dubai with a pre-approved visa and remain for 14 days, with the possibility of a single 14-day extension.
What has changed?
There is no longer a way to obtain a pre-approved visa upon arrival. Travellers who meet the requirements now have to apply electronically for the visa via the official procedures before leaving for Dubai.
The visa itself is still a 14-day, single-entry permit with the option for a single extension, even if the application procedure has moved online. Applying online expedites the procedure and keeps you safe from any delays or problems when you get to Dubai. It is advised to consult the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) on Dubai’s official website for additional information and specifics regarding the application procedure.
