Great news for travelers from the UAE! As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the United Arab Emirates and simplify international travel, the Government of India has officially expanded the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility for UAE nationals to three additional international airports.
Effective immediately, UAE citizens can now avail of the Visa-on-Arrival service at the following nine major Indian airports:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport – New Delhi (DEL)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport – Mumbai (BOM)
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport – Kolkata (CCU)
- Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- Kempegowda International Airport – Bengaluru (BLR)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport – Hyderabad (HYD)
- Cochin International Airport – Kochi (COK)
- Calicut International Airport (CCJ)
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport – Ahmedabad (AMD)
This development is a welcome upgrade for UAE passport holders looking to explore India’s rich culture, booming business hubs, medical facilities, or scenic holiday destinations—without the hassle of a pre-approved visa for every trip.
Who Can Use the Visa-on-Arrival in India?
The Visa-on-Arrival is exclusively for Emirati citizens (UAE nationals) who have held an Indian e-Visa or regular paper visa in the past. This means the VoA is not valid for first-time visitors to India, but serves as a quick-entry option for those who have already visited India before.
To qualify, travelers must meet the following conditions:
- Must hold a valid UAE passport (not applicable to UAE residents of other nationalities).
- Must have visited India previously with an e-Visa or a regular stamped visa.
- Passport must have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry.
- Must present proof of sufficient funds, confirmed return/onward flight tickets, and hotel bookings or accommodation details.
- Visit purpose must be tourism, business, conference attendance, or medical treatment.
- Visitors are allowed to stay in India for up to 60 days, with two entries permitted.
➡️ There is no restriction on how many times a UAE national can use this facility per year, making it perfect for frequent visitors.
Who Is Not Eligible?
India has clarified that this facility does not apply to any UAE national whose parents or grandparents were born in or were permanent residents of Pakistan, regardless of their current citizenship status.
Visa-on-Arrival Fees
The Visa-on-Arrival costs INR ₹2,000 (approximately AED 90) per passenger, including children. This can be paid at the airport in Indian rupees or equivalent foreign currency.
What Does This Mean for UAE Travelers?
The expansion of VoA to Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad is a strategic move that opens the door to southern and western regions of India—including popular tourist destinations like Kerala’s backwaters, Gujarat’s heritage sites, and Malabar’s culinary trails.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing Ayurveda retreat, attending a business conference, or seeking top-tier medical care in India, the updated visa policy makes it easier than ever to book your trip.
Travel Smart with Tusk Travel
With these new updates, planning your next trip to India from the UAE is simpler and more flexible. Tusk Travel is here to help you with everything—from choosing the right India tour packages, customized itineraries, and hotel bookings, to visa assistance and local guides.
Let us take the stress out of your travel planning so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying your journey through India.
Popular India Tours for UAE Travelers:
- 🌴 Kerala Wellness & Ayurveda Tour (perfect with new Kochi VoA access)
- 🕌 Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
- 🐘 South India Temple Trail
- 🛕 Gujarat Cultural & Wildlife Tour
- 💉 Medical Tourism Packages in Chennai, Hyderabad & Bengaluru
Final Thoughts
The Visa-on-Arrival expansion is a positive step that reflects the deepening India-UAE relationship, not just in terms of diplomacy and trade, but also through people-to-people connections and tourism growth. If you’re a UAE national and have visited India before, you can now fly into even more cities directly—faster, easier, and with fewer paperwork hurdles.
📞 Need help planning your next trip to India?
Contact Tusk Travel today for expert guidance, exclusive tour deals, and personalized support.
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