India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility for UAE nationals, adding more airports and broadening access for repeat visitors. The update strengthens air links with the UAE and gives passengers more arrival choices without changing the core eligibility rules. The VoA now covers 9 airports: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad.
The VoA applies only to UAE citizens. To qualify, travellers must have a previous Indian e-Visa or regular paper visa. This must be verified at the airport counter. The policy does not apply to UAE nationals who have a parent or grandparent of Pakistani origin. Those travellers must obtain a regular visa from an Indian mission in the UAE.
UAE citizens visiting India for the first time are encouraged to apply for an e-Visa or standard visa before using VoA on later trips.
The Visa-on-Arrival supports tourism, business, medical visits, and conference attendance. Once issued, the visa allows a stay of up to 60 days. Travellers may enter India twice within those 60 days if they receive a double-entry VoA. The visa cannot be extended or converted to any other category. There is no limit on how many times the VoA can be used each year.
Officers may also ask for proof of funds, stay details, and a return or onward ticket. The VoA form can be filed online in advance or completed on arrival. The fee is ₹2,000 per traveller, including children.
“Can I switch airports if my travel plan changes?”
Yes, as long as the new airport is one of the nine locations that offer VoA. The visa must still meet all eligibility rules.
“Will my previous e-Visa count if it expired long ago?”
Yes. The policy requires you to have held one in the past; it does not need to be active at the time of arrival.
“Can I get VoA if I booked a last-minute medical trip?”
Yes, medical visits are covered. You must still present all required documents and meet the eligibility rules at immigration.
The wider airport access offers more flexibility when planning trips and benefits passengers who rely on frequent travel for family, medical, or short business visits. Airlines serving the newly added airports may also see increased movement from returning travellers who prefer simpler arrival procedures.
By extending this facility to more entry points and removing annual limits, India aims to keep travel formalities clear and predictable for UAE citizens who meet the VoA criteria.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
