UAE Eases Travel for Indians with New Visa-On-Arrival Policy: In a major step to boost India-UAE relations, the United Arab Emirates will expand its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders starting February 13, 2025.
Indian citizens with valid residence permits from six additional countries—Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore—will now be eligible for a visa on arrival at any UAE entry point.
Strengthening India-UAE Partnership Through Simplified Travel
The UAE Embassy in New Delhi praised the move as a meaningful effort to deepen ties between the two nations. The visa-on-arrival expansion is a key diplomatic gesture aimed at enhancing people-to-people connections and strengthening cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, and technology.
This new provision builds on earlier rules that already allowed Indian citizens with valid visas or residency in the USA, UK, or European Union to receive a visa upon arrival in the UAE.
Hassle-Free Travel for Indian Professionals, Families, and Students
Frequent travelers to the UAE can now enjoy greater ease and flexibility. Whether you’re traveling for business meetings, family reunions, education, or tourism, this new policy simplifies entry by reducing documentation and processing time.
The process is designed to be smooth, fast, and welcoming—reflecting the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for talent and innovation.
UAE Ambassador Highlights Deepening Bilateral Ties
UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, stated that the initiative highlights the strong and growing relationship between both nations. He emphasized its role in making travel easier for families, professionals, and entrepreneurs, calling it a step toward more practical and personal cooperation.
Boost for Trade, Tourism, and Long-Term Growth
India and the UAE share one of the most dynamic partnerships in the region. With over 3.5 million Indians living in the UAE and bilateral trade crossing USD 85 billion annually, the updated visa policy is expected to fuel even greater activity in sectors like:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Education and student exchanges
- Business and investment
- Cross-border employment and real estate
Experts believe this will also support Indian startups and skilled professionals looking to explore opportunities in the UAE.
What Indian Citizens Need to Know
To qualify for the visa-on-arrival in the UAE under the new rules, Indian travelers must:
- Hold a valid Indian passport
- Have a residence permit from one of the eligible countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore)
- Arrive at any UAE airport or entry point after February 13, 2025
No advance visa application is required if these conditions are met.
Greater Mobility, Stronger Connections
This new visa-on-arrival policy marks a milestone in India-UAE relations, offering practical benefits for millions of travelers. It signals the UAE’s intent to welcome more global citizens, while helping Indian nationals stay globally connected.
If you’re an Indian citizen with residency in one of the eligible countries, this change opens new doors for seamless travel in 2025 and beyond.
