The Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi has expanded its visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for Emirati citizens from six to nine international airports, adding Cochin, Calicut and Ahmedabad to the list that already included Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. The VoA is available to UAE passport-holders who have previously obtained an Indian e-Visa or regular visa.
UAE travellers meeting the criteria can now enter India for up to 60 days for tourism, business, conferences or medical treatment by filling out a short form on arrival and paying a ₹2,000 (AED 83) fee. They may use the privilege multiple times per year, provided each stay remains within the limit and passports are valid for at least six months.
![India expands visa-on-arrival to nine airports for UAE nationals, easing short-haul business trips]()
The timing is significant: two-way traffic has surged since UAE–India comprehensive economic ties deepened in 2023, with Dubai–South India routes among the busiest. Mobility managers say the added points of entry will shorten surface-travel legs for executives visiting Tier-2 manufacturing clusters in Kerala and Gujarat, reducing the need for domestic connections.
Conversely, Indian nationals already benefit from an expanded UAE visa-on-arrival scheme introduced in February 2025, underscoring growing reciprocal liberalisation.
Companies should update travel policies to flag the eligibility rules—especially the requirement of a prior Indian visa history—and budget for the on-arrival fee, which is reimbursable as a travel expense under most corporate guidelines.
UAE travellers meeting the criteria can now enter India for up to 60 days for tourism, business, conferences or medical treatment by filling out a short form on arrival and paying a ₹2,000 (AED 83) fee. They may use the privilege multiple times per year, provided each stay remains within the limit and passports are valid for at least six months.
The timing is significant: two-way traffic has surged since UAE–India comprehensive economic ties deepened in 2023, with Dubai–South India routes among the busiest. Mobility managers say the added points of entry will shorten surface-travel legs for executives visiting Tier-2 manufacturing clusters in Kerala and Gujarat, reducing the need for domestic connections.
Conversely, Indian nationals already benefit from an expanded UAE visa-on-arrival scheme introduced in February 2025, underscoring growing reciprocal liberalisation.
Companies should update travel policies to flag the eligibility rules—especially the requirement of a prior Indian visa history—and budget for the on-arrival fee, which is reimbursable as a travel expense under most corporate guidelines.
Source: Khaleej Times
