The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship & Customs has reiterated that Indian nationals holding a valid US visa, US Green Card or UK/EU residency permit are entitled to a 14-day visa on arrival, extendable once for the same period. The clarification, published 29 October, comes amid confusion after conflicting social-media posts suggested a suspension of the privilege.
To qualify, the third-country visa or residence must have at least six months’ validity. Travellers failing this criterion must secure a pre-arranged UAE visa. Overstay penalties remain AED 50 per day plus AED 100 service charge, the authority warned.
For Indian corporates with frequent GCC travel, the reconfirmed rules preserve a popular fast-track entry channel that avoids processing fees of approximately ₹7,500 for a short-term tourist visa. Airlines have updated check-in systems to flag ineligible passengers.
Mobility managers should ensure eligible travellers carry physical proof of residency alongside digital copies, as anecdotal reports indicate some UAE airports still request hard-copy documents for manual verification on peak days.
Looking ahead, industry insiders expect the UAE to extend visa-on-arrival length once biometric immigration lanes dedicated to trusted-traveller programmes become fully operational in 2026.
To qualify, the third-country visa or residence must have at least six months’ validity. Travellers failing this criterion must secure a pre-arranged UAE visa. Overstay penalties remain AED 50 per day plus AED 100 service charge, the authority warned.
For Indian corporates with frequent GCC travel, the reconfirmed rules preserve a popular fast-track entry channel that avoids processing fees of approximately ₹7,500 for a short-term tourist visa. Airlines have updated check-in systems to flag ineligible passengers.
Mobility managers should ensure eligible travellers carry physical proof of residency alongside digital copies, as anecdotal reports indicate some UAE airports still request hard-copy documents for manual verification on peak days.
Looking ahead, industry insiders expect the UAE to extend visa-on-arrival length once biometric immigration lanes dedicated to trusted-traveller programmes become fully operational in 2026.
