In a major update for UAE travelers, India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility for UAE nationals to include three more international airports: Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad. This means UAE citizens can now enter India through nine major airports with VoA, simplifying the process for frequent and short-term visits.
Previously, the VoA service was only available at six Indian airports—New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. With the latest inclusion, the full list now stands at:
- New Delhi (DEL)
- Mumbai (BOM)
- Kolkata (CCU)
- Chennai (MAA)
- Bengaluru (BLR)
- Hyderabad (HYD)
- Kochi (COK)
- Calicut (CCJ)
- Ahmedabad (AMD)
Who is eligible for Visa-on-Arrival in India?
The Visa-on-Arrival in India is available only to UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian e-Visa or a regular paper visa. This is not a first-time entry option—it’s a convenience for those who have already been granted an Indian visa at least once.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- The traveler must be a UAE passport holder (Emirati citizen only).
- Their passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- They must carry proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
- The visit can be for tourism, business, attending conferences, or medical treatment.
- The maximum stay is 60 days, with double entry allowed within that period.
- There is no annual limit to how many times a UAE citizen can use the VoA facility.
Important exceptions
The Visa-on-Arrival will not be granted to UAE nationals whose parents or grandparents were born in, or were permanent residents of, Pakistan.
Visa-on-Arrival fees and payment
The fee for the Visa-on-Arrival is INR ₹2,000 per traveler, including children. This amount can be paid in Indian rupees or an equivalent amount in accepted foreign currency.
Why this matters for UAE-India travel
This update is expected to boost travel between the UAE and India, making it easier for Emiratis to visit India for short-term stays, especially for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment. The move reflects the growing travel and economic partnership between the two countries.
With this simplified visa process and expanded airport access, India is becoming even more accessible to travelers from the UAE, one of its fastest-growing inbound tourism markets.
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