Planning a trip to Dubai from USA or a Dubai stopover while flying to India this winter? This guide on the pre-approved visa-on-arrival in Dubai is exclusively for you. Since January 2024, Emirates Airlines – one of our partners for best flight deals to India and USA– has been offering pre-approved visa on arrival service to eligible Indian nationals. With pre-arrival approval, Indian passport holders can skip visa-on-arrival formalities at Dubai International Airport during a peak travel season.
Difference between visa on arrival in Dubai and pre-approved visa on arrival
Emirates Airlines’ visa-on-arrival service in Dubai is not new for Indians having a valid US visa or Green Card. However, the pre-approved visa on arrival facility is more efficient and convenient. It simplifies and quickens the visa formalities on arrival at DXB Airport. If the Dubai Airport layover in your itinerary permits only a short city sightseeing tour, Emirates Airlines’ pre-arrival approval enables faster visa processing so that you can spend more time in the city.
How to get Emirates’ pre-approved visa on arrival for Dubai?
It is easy and simple. You can apply for it online only after booking Emirates flight tickets through Indian Eagle or any other travel agency. Emirates Airlines’ partnership with VFS Global Services facilitates the pre-approval process for eligible Indian passport holders. The UAE visa platform linked to Emirates.com outlines the requirements and clauses for you to obtain a 14-day single-entry visa on arrival.
- Log on to Emirates.com and navigate to “Manage an existing booking” on the portal.
- Enter your last name and booking reference number or e-ticket number to retrieve your booking details.
- Click the “Apply for a UAE Visa” link
- You will be redirected to the UAE Visa application portal powered by VFS Global Services
- Fill out the application form and pay the visa fee online.
- Go to the pre-approved visa on arrival counter at Dubai Airport
Emirates’ visa on arrival service fee for Indians
A single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival costs USD 63 per traveler, as per the official website of Emirates Airlines. Eligible Indian nationals have to pay this UAE visa fee during the online pre-approval process (mentioned above).
Eligibility criteria for Emirates’ pre-approved visa on arrival
- You must be an Indian national
- You must have a valid US visa or Green Card, or a valid UK/EU visa or residence permit with 6-month validity
- Your Indian passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of travel to the UAE
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List of documents for UAE visa on arrival
- Passport Cover Page: A copy of the outer front cover of your Indian passport, featuring the country’s name and national emblem (new mandatory requirement)
- Passport Biodata Page: A copy of the main page displaying your personal information and photograph
- Passport-size Photograph: A recent, high-resolution photo that meets standard visa specifications
- Flight Tickets: Confirmed booking for a return flight or onward journey to a third country
- Hotel Booking: Valid hotel stay reservation for the duration of your planned stay in Dubai or UAE
What about us citizens, what’s the process?