India widens visa-on-arrival access for UAE travellers

India has broadened its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme for UAE passport holders, extending the facility to nine international airports and allowing eligible travellers to make unlimited visits per year. The expansion highlights India’s intent to simplify entry procedures for UAE nationals and strengthen already robust bilateral ties.

The newest additions — Cochin, Calicut and Ahmedabad — join existing VoA hubs in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Kochi. With these airports now active under the scheme, UAE travellers have far more flexibility in planning flights and choosing their entry points across India.

Authorities note that the decision reflects rising demand from UAE visitors and aligns with India’s broader push to streamline arrivals for qualifying foreign nationals.

Who qualifies for visa-on-arrival?

The VoA is available exclusively to UAE citizens who have previously held an Indian e-Visa or a regular (paper) visa. This condition remains central to eligibility.

However, the policy also contains key exclusions. The VoA cannot be issued to any UAE national who, or whose parent or grandparent (on either side), was born in or permanently resident in Pakistan. Travellers falling within this category may only enter India using a regular visa issued by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.

Indian officials advise first-time visitors to apply for either an e-Visa or a regular visa, and to use the Visa-on-Arrival facility on subsequent trips.

Purpose and duration of stay

The expanded scheme covers entry for business trips, tourism, conferences and medical visits. Once issued, the VoA allows visitors to remain in India for up to 60 days, with the option of making two entries within that 60-day window if a double-entry VoA is granted. The visa cannot be extended or converted to another category.

Officials underline that there is no restriction on how many times a traveller may use the VoA in a calendar year, provided they meet all eligibility criteria. This effectively opens the door to more spontaneous and frequent travel between the UAE and India.

Documentation and fees

Travellers must arrive with a valid passport (at least six months’ validity and two blank pages), along with a completed VoA application form, disembarkation card, and passport-sized photographs. Immigration officers may also request proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.

The VoA application (Annexure-A) may be submitted online before travel or completed upon arrival. A fee of Rs2,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) is payable per traveller, including children, before the visa is issued.

The expansion of the Visa-on-Arrival scheme signals India’s commitment to improving mobility for UAE nationals. By widening the choice of airports and eliminating limits on annual usage, India is making travel easier, faster and more convenient — whether for business, medical needs, family visits or tourism.