UAE Visa on Arrival Countries List 2025: Eligible Nationalities & Requirements

Visa on arrival is a convenient entry permit that allows eligible travelers to secure their visa upon landing in the UAE, eliminating the need for pre-arranged visas and streamlining the travel process . This facility is especially beneficial for tourists, business visitors, and short‑term travelers who prefer a hassle‑free entry without prior embassy or online applications.

Benefits at a Glance

• No advance visa application required
• Quick processing at immigration counters
• Flexibility for spontaneous travel plans
• Applicable at all major UAE airports and designated land borders

Eligibility Criteria
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, as well as nationals of the following countries, can obtain a 30‑day visa on arrival (with a 10‑day grace period for extension) without any advance arrangements :

• GCC Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Europe & Western Asia: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City
• Asia & Oceania: Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea
• Americas & Others: United Kingdom, United States of America

Visa Duration & Extension
Passports of eligible travelers are stamped with a 30‑day visit visa, valid from the date of entry. An automatic 10‑day grace period is granted to arrange departure or apply for an extension through local immigration authorities .

Standard Visa‑on‑Arrival for Indians
Indian citizens holding a normal passport and one of the following valid documents can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 14 days, at a fee of AED 100:

• A valid U.S. visit visa or green card
• A valid residence visa from the United Kingdom
• A valid residence visa from the European Union

Fee & Extension

• Visa Fee: AED 100 upon arrival
• Extension: One‑time extension of 14 additional days for AED 250, subject to eligibility and application through immigration channels

2025 Expansion for Indian Nationals
Starting 13 February 2025, the UAE expanded its visa‑on‑arrival programme to include Indian nationals holding valid residence permits from the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea
• Singapore

These travelers may also obtain a visa on arrival at any UAE entry point, under the same 14‑day validity and fee structure .

Standard 30‑Day Visa

• Validity: 30 days from entry
• Grace Period: 10 days for departure or extension
• Fee: Included in airport service charges; typically AED 100–150, depending on entry point

14‑Day Visa for Indian Nationals

• Validity: 14 days
• Initial Fee: AED 100
• Extension: AED 250 for an additional 14 days

Passport Validity
All travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry into the UAE .

Onward/Return Ticket
A confirmed round‑trip or onward travel ticket is generally required to qualify for visa on arrival.

Health & Security Checks
Travelers should ensure they meet any current health requirements (e.g., vaccinations) and are not subject to travel bans or security restrictions.

How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival

At the Airport or Land Border

• Arrival: Proceed to the immigration hall upon disembarkation or border crossing.
• Documentation: Present your passport (with required validity), and, if applicable, your U.S. visa/green card or residence permit.
• Fee Payment: Pay the visa on arrival fee (AED 100–150) at the designated kiosk or counter.
• Stamp & Collect: Receive your visa stamp in the passport and proceed through immigration.

No Prior Application Needed
Eligible travelers do not need to apply online or visit an embassy in advance. Simply follow the on‑arrival process at designated entry points.

List Variability
Visa‑on‑arrival eligibility lists may be updated periodically. Always verify the current list with the UAE embassy or official portals before travel .

Extensions
If you need to stay beyond the initial period, apply for an extension at Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) or General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) service centers.

Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unforeseen delays.

Local Laws & Customs
Familiarize yourself with UAE laws, cultural norms, and regulations to ensure a respectful and trouble‑free visit.

Conclusion

The UAE’s visa on arrival scheme offers a seamless entry option for nationals of over 50 countries and special provisions for Indian travelers, making it one of the world’s most accessible destinations. By understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and extension processes, you can plan your trip with confidence and enjoy all that the UAE has to offer. Always check the latest information before departure to avoid any surprises at the border.