Travelling to Dubai? UAE To Scrap Conditional Visa on Arrival for Select Indian Passport Holders; Check Details
The UAE is updating its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian passport holders. Those relying solely on a UK residence visa will no longer qualify for the facility. However, conditional 14-day entry remains open for travellers with valid US or EU visas. The ICP is also considering a new 60-day conditional on-arrival visa option.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to revise its visa-on-arrival (VOA) policy for Indian passport holders. Under updated guidelines from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), Indian nationals who rely solely on a UK residence visa to secure a conditional VOA will no longer be eligible for the facility. The ICP has announced the upcoming structural changes, though UAE authorities have not yet specified an exact implementation date.
The move is expected to directly impact Indian tourists, corporate travellers, and frequent visitors who routinely use their UK residency status to enter the UAE without arranging an advance entry permit. Is UAE Issuing ‘New Golden Visa’ to Citizens of India and Bangladesh Under Relaxed Conditions? UAE Fact-Checks Fake Rumours About Lifetime Golden Visa for Certain Nationalities.
Retained Eligibility Criteria for Visa-On-Arrival
Despite the elimination of the UK residence visa pathway, the conditional 14-day visa-on-arrival facility remains active for a substantial segment of Indian travellers. According to the updated ICP framework, Indian passport holders can still obtain a VOA if they possess any of the following valid documents:
- A valid tourist visa for the United States
- A permanent residency card (Green Card) from the United States
- A valid tourist visa for the European Union (Schengen visa)
- A valid residency visa for an EU member state
Under the existing protocol, this 14-day entry visa can be extended for an additional 14 days upon arrival, subject to standard processing fees.
New 60-Day Conditional Scheme Considered
Alongside the updated restrictions, immigration updates indicate that the UAE is considering the introduction of a new 60-day conditional visa-on-arrival option for qualified Indian nationals. This longer-stay facility is expected to adhere to eligibility benchmarks comparable to the current 14-day program. However, official timelines for the deployment of this 60-day scheme have not been disclosed by immigration authorities.
Guidelines for Affected Travellers
The UAE remains a premier global destination for Indian professionals and vacationers, with hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi drawing millions of visitors annually. In light of the policy adjustment, travellers who previously qualified under the UK residency clause must now take alternative steps before booking travel. Impacted individuals will need to secure a standard UAE tourist visa before departure, which can be processed through authorised travel agencies, hotels, or partner airlines. ‘Bro’s Da Real Missile’: Netizens Swoon Over ‘Handsome’ 20-YO Returning From Dubai Amid Middle East Crisis, His Instagram Followers Multiply (Watch Viral Video).
Immigration experts advise all passengers to verify their specific entry credentials well ahead of time. Because airlines frequently check VOA eligibility criteria during check-in, failing to present valid US or EU documentation could result in boarding denials at the airport. According to the ICP, the adjustments form part of the UAE's routine evaluation of its immigration system to effectively manage international transit, entry procedures, and changing security requirements.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 08:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).