The Ultimate Guide to the UAE Visa From India

Types of Abu Dhabi and UAE Tourist Visa for Indian Travelers: An Overview

There are various UAE tourist visas available to Indian citizens coming to Yas Island.

Please note that visa requirements are the same throughout the UAE. Whether you plan to visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any of the other emirates, you will follow the same UAE visa application process. When people talk about getting an Abu Dhabi visa, they are typically referring to the UAE visa.

Follow the guidance here to get the UAE tourist visa that best suits your circumstances. Here's a quick overview of the different visas you may need. You can also read more about each visa type and how to get a visa for Abu Dhabi from India in the sections below.

Visa-on-Arrival Short-Term Visas

As an Indian passport holder, you are probably not eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE. However, there are some exceptions if you live outside of India. See the relevant section below on visas on arrival to see if you are eligible.

Short-Term Tourist Visas

If you are traveling to the UAE on an Indian passport on vacation, then you may apply for:

• A short-term single-entry UAE tourist visa
• A multiple-entry UAE tourist visa.

We outline these visas for Indians in detail below, including the application process.

Transit Visas

For stays of less than four days, you can apply for a transit visa under certain conditions. If you think you may be eligible for this UAE tourist visa, read more below.

Abu Dhabi Visa on Arrival for Indians

As an Indian passport holder, you are generally not eligible for a UAE visa on arrival. You must apply before you travel for an India to Abu Dhabi tourist visa.

However, if you hold an Indian passport but are a resident of another country, you may be eligible for a 14-day visa, extendable to 60 days, upon arrival in the UAE.

Indian passport holders residing in these countries may get a visa on arrival in the UAE:

• USA
• Canada
• UK
• All EU member countries
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Singapore

Visa on arrival eligibility means that you do not need to do anything in advance of your journey to Abu Dhabi. However, you will need to be certain that you can provide proof of your residence status at the UAE border control.

India to Abu Dhabi Tourist Visa

For vacations and leisure visits to Abu Dhabi, you will need a UAE tourist visa for Indians. Apply for this visa for week or fortnight-long Yas Island packages from India, including winter holidays and summer vacations.

Single-Entry Visas

Single-entry tourist visas are valid for 58 days upon issuance, and you can apply to extend them up to three times. This gives you ample time to explore the UAE, including all the things to do on Yas Island.

You can apply for a single-entry tourist visa through your airline, such as Air India or Emirates Airlines. The standard turnaround time is about a week, though you can apply for a UAE express visa if you are booking a last-minute holiday.

For a UAE tourist visa, you'll need a passport valid for at least six months, two passport photos, and a return airline ticket.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas

If you plan to be a frequent visitor to Yas Island or anywhere else in the UAE, you can apply for a multiple-entry UAE tourist visa for Indians. This lasts for five years, and you can stay for up to 90 days on each visit, or 180 days if you extend your visa.

If you are traveling to the UAE through an Emirates-based airline, you can apply through them. If not, you can ask your hotel or travel agent for assistance.

To be eligible for this visa, you must provide evidence of:

• The ability to support yourself financially while in the UAE
• A valid health insurance policy
• A return ticket
• Your hotel or accommodation plans

Abu Dhabi Transit Visas for Indian Travelers

If you are traveling through Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways or Dubai with Emirates Airlines, and onward to a third country, you are likely eligible for a transit visa. This allows you to make a short visit to the UAE during a layover.

A 48-hour transit visa is free. For a fee, you can get a 96-hour visa. In both cases, you must apply for your transit visa through Emirates Airlines or Etihad Airways.

Why not spend a few days on Yas Island with a transit visa? This destination is ideal for creating a compact itinerary. A 48-hour trip is ideal for mixing beach relaxation with some shopping at Yas Mall, hitting a theme park for the day, and dining across several of the island's international and award-winning restaurants. With a 96-hour trip, you could even manage three days for three theme parks.