If you're a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) planning to visit India, this news is for you. The Indian government has broadened the scope of its visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility for UAE citizens. This service, previously limited to select airports, is now available at nine major airports across the country. This initiative aims to strengthen ties and friendships between India and the UAE. With this expansion, UAE citizens can enjoy unlimited trips to India each year with ease and convenience.
The Indian government has extended this facility to airports in several major cities. Previously confined to a few locations, now UAE travelers can utilize it at nine international airports in India. Newly added to the list are airports such as Calicut and Ahmedabad. In addition, major airports like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Kochi will continue to offer this service. By implementing this facility across all nine key airports, the Indian government demonstrates its commitment to providing excellent service to travelers from the UAE. This move highlights India's intention to facilitate smooth travel for foreign nationals, especially those from neighboring countries like the UAE.
The visa-on-arrival (VOA) facility will not be available to all passport holders of the UAE; there are specific requirements. This convenience is granted only to those UAE citizens who have previously held an Indian e-visa or a regular visa. If you're visiting India for the first time, you need to apply for an e-visa or a standard visa. Only after your initial trip can you benefit from the visa-on-arrival for subsequent visits.
The visa-on-arrival allows travelers to stay in India for up to 60 days. If granted a double-entry visa, travelers can enter the country twice during this period. This visa is valid for various purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending conferences. However, note that once issued, this visa-on-arrival cannot be extended or converted into other types of visas for employment or study purposes.
There is a notable rule in this simplified visa-on-arrival facility. It is not available to UAE citizens born in Pakistan, those who permanently reside there, or individuals whose parents or grandparents were born in Pakistan. Such travelers must follow the standard visa application procedure through the Indian embassy or consulate in the UAE.
Additionally, first-time tourists from the UAE are advised to apply for an e-visa or regular visa before using the visa-on-arrival for future trips. Initial entry through an e-visa or regular visa will facilitate subsequent access to the visa-on-arrival service.
