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Last month, I made a last minute dash to Dubai for the Dubai Airshow. Shipra came along as well, as she’d never been to Dubai before and we figured we could see a bit of Dubai on the fringes of the airshow.
Anyhow, this being a last minute trip, I had no opportunity to finish the paperwork and get a visa ahead of time. So I was banking on the Visa on Arrival process that was launched for Indian travellers in May 2017 by the United Arab Emirates. In short, if you have a USA Green Card or a valid visa, you’d be admitted into UAE without a prior visa. This visa is valid for 14 days in the UAE.
However, I had no experience with this VoA process so I was jittery to start with. For almost over ten years, I’ve gone over to the UAE with a piece of paper stating I was going to be allowed in. Once at the airport, though, I could start believing this would really work.
The airline asked me for a UAE visa and I told them about my intention to get a Visa on Arrival. They looked at my USA B1/B2 visa and waived me through. Next, I met the Indian Immigration officials, who also had a look at my USA visa and let me go. Phew!
Dubai Visa on Arrival process
On arrival at Dubai Airport, there were clear markings for Indian travellers who wanted to be admitted with a Visa on Arrival. We had to first go over to a Marhaba counter before immigration, who would process the payment for the Visa on Arrival for us.
There was also a FAQs section explained in English and Arabic before you get in the queue.
UAE Visa on Arrival for US Visa Holders
Marhaba charges AED 120 per person as Visa Fees (including 20 Dirham for their service), which is roughly about INR 2000, much lesser than the fee required for prior processing which usually costs INR 6000 at least.
The queue was 4 people deep when we arrived. However, it did take them about 30 minutes before we came to the front of the queue.
Once there, we presented our passports to the agent on the counter, who scanned our passport and USA visa and collected the money. One can pay in cash or by card. Subsequently, she handed us receipts for the money and advised us to go over to the immigration counter.
Dubai visa on Arrival
At the counter, the only question asked was about the length of our stay in the UAE.Then, we were just made to give our pictures to the immigration cameras. I’m sure I had a bad picture because it took them a few attempts to get mine right. But once they got it done, they stamped the passport and let us in.
Dubai Immigration
If you need to extend your visa, you can do so for another 14 days by paying AED 250, but that is the maximum you can go for.
Bottomline
This was easy, and if you do have a USA visa on your passport, then I’d recommend you try out the Visa on Arrival process. It is cheaper, and while it does take a short while when you arrive in Dubai (could be more when you get off an Emirates A380 perhaps) it is one third the price as well.
Have you had a chance to experience the Visa on Arrival offered by UAE for Indian Citizens? What has been your experience?
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Has there been a change in the process?
I believe Visa on Arrival is not available for Indian passport holders anymore.
It is available only if you are a Greencard holder.
The last time I visited Dubai, my US visa was all that i needed and was accepted as a valid document for Visa on Arrival at Dubai airport.
Has this changed?
@Vikram G, I used this just in November 2023 with a B1 Visa.
@Vikram G, where are you hearing this?
Hi all,
I wish to travell to Dubai for 14 days, i have few doubts to clarify.
1) I hold a usa b2 visa , i will be permitted on arrival for 14 days, but can I exit Dubai, enter Oman on arrival to visit mussandham and salalah and back to Dubai again on arrival with the same 14 days entry. i am not interested in multiple entry since the cost is high and my oman trip is not finalized yet.
2) My family has a single entry UAE visa, can they visit Musandam and enjoy Dibba tour.
3) can i drive with international drive permit (issued from India) to Oman and back to Dubai, insurance can be taken from rental company,
Early reply with a quote from govt websites if any would be highly appreciated.
Hi, I’ve used VoA couple of times at Dubai,Sharjah and AbuDhabi by applying directly at the airport after arrival. I wanted to know if I apply online through the eservices portal how many days does it take to be processed and within how many days should I enter Uae after the visa is approved? (Is it 60 days validity until entry, like in the case of normal 30 day tourist visas)? Any input would be appreciated.thanks
Visa on Arrival for Indian Citizens – UPDATE 1st March 2020
10 DAY FREE GRACE PERIOD IS FOR ALL 14 days visa holders……
For Indian (with USA visa). the Dubai Visa is Valid for 14 days + 10 days grace = 24 days.. Total Cost is only AED 120
Extension possible for 14 days i/e 14days + 14 days
ON ARRIVAL EXTENSION: 14 days + 14 days = 28 days COST AED 120 + AED 270 = 390 AED if taking at the airport on arrival in Dubai
POST ARRIVAL EXTENSION in DUBAI:
COST 550 AED at AMER typing centre / T3 immigration..
So I have read Etihad website, Emirates, this VOA banner photo above and others and information is a bit confusing and inconsistent regarding how it is worded for the validity of US visa “visa for 6 month valid entry”, “6 month validity visa”, “visa valid for 6 months” etc ….there is a slight technical difference and can mean a lot different in legal terms. As per the US law, a US B1/B2 tourist visa is valid for “entry” up to the last date put on the visa sticker and valid for “stay” upto 6 months from that date.
Since it is inconsistently worded and UAE not being a native English speaking country, do any one of you have a situation like mine: We are 4 people looking to travel to the USA and will stop on the way to UAE for 10 days for tourism. For 3 of us the US B1/B2 stamp shows valid for “entry up to 5th May, 2020” (i.e. the date put on visa sticker) and we will land in UAE on 15th March, 2020. Again technically as per US visa rules, this visa is valid for “stay” in the US up to 6 months from 5th May 2020. US Visa for 4th person is valid till 2028 so there is no confusion there.
So will it still be okay to get VOA in this case? Will the airline allow us to board? Anyone come across such a situation? The big point is there are 3 people and if VOA is good, we can get it for AED 120 each, tourist visa will cost a whopping 350 AED each which is a sheer waste of money otherwise, like Rs. 12000 to 14000 waste! It is a shame that UAE is consistently inconsistent about many such visa rules!
Note: I emailed Visa Air Arabia visa office will all these details and they reply that “you will get UAE VOA at any UAE airports if you have a valid US visa”! Well this answer does not help much or may be it does.
I asked many agents, and ofcourse they want more money so they said to apply for UAE tourist visa.
VFS has “no info about VOA”, yes coz they dont get money for it!!!!
I recently returned after spending 10 days in UAE. I am holding a US green card.Emirates and the Indian Immigration allowed me to board after clearing with supposedly Dubai Immigration which took 45 minutes. The problem started when I reached the Marhaba counter on arrival at Dubai. They directed me to the Immigration officer who refused to accept my green card. Even after a lot of explaining and request he told me to get a tourist visa at the Emirates counter which finally cost me $300/- plus wastage and inconvenience of over 12 hours. Suggestion :If you have time get your visa in india
So did they tell you why did they not accept your Green Card? In the 1st place what was the reason that Marhaba counter gave to not accept your card and send you to the immigration officer? Was it a conditional green card for 2 years or had a validity date on it and perhaps not up to 6 months from your travel date? Why did Emirates and Indian immigration have to check with the Dubai Immigration for the same? Most of the airline websites including Emirates explicitly mention about the visa on arrival rule and I have read that they let you board without this hassle (the 45 min you mentioned).
It simply means that if your US visa is valid till June 30th then you can’t get visa on arrival in February.
The entry stamp date is irrelevant.
Hi,
I have booked my flight in Emirates and planned for Visa on Arrival. Booked my return ticket in indigo airlines.
Do I need to book in the same airlines? Will it be a problem?
Thanks,
Sathiesh
is the USA Visa is mandatory for the Dubai Visa. I just have only passport nothing else
To get visa on arrival you need to have US visa, UK/EU Residence Permit.
If you don’t have them, you apply for visa normally and after 2-3 days you get it and you can travel with it.
Brother I booked the tickets to Dubai for 26th of may. My European visa will expire on October that means I will have only 4 months visa. Is it possible to get visa from marhaba counter?
It needs to be valid for Atleast 6 months.
What is voa rules with regards to US C1D visa?
I have taken visa on arrival with C1/D. No issue. They dont check the type of Visa.
Hi Ajay,
This blog has some really good information. Thanks a lot. Can you please kindly answer my below questions?
Me an my wife are traveling from USA to India via Dubai (will arrive in Dubai on 19th Dec 2019) with Emirates.
We are on valid H1B / H-4 visa and it is good till Nov. 2020.
Passports are valid till 2023.
Have layover at Dubai for 16 hrs followed by flight to Mumbai.
I am planning to get VOA to step out from airport and visit Dubai downtown.
Does Emirates provide accommodation and cover for VOA fees if requested? Or can I request an accommodation for one night if I opt for getting VOA?
Do you know if anyone else have tried doing this and their experience with Emirates.
Thanks,
Din
Hi Ajay, I have a similar itinerary as you do, with my upcoming travel plans from USA (Seattle) to Mumbai visa Dubai (24-hour layover), I am wondering if you were able to get accommodation and VOA fees from Emirates?
Thanks a bunch in advance for your reply
The VOA and stay fees aren’t covered by Emirates.
What you can request from Emirates is a Dubai stopover package which will include visa and a stay.
You can figure out which is more economical by doing a simple comparison with maybe keeping in mind your unique circumstances like for eg maybe you’ve free nights with Hilton/Marriott etc. You could redeem it and you’re only paying for the VOA which costs ~33US$ only. That way your entire trip is just the $33 + taxes on the free stay.
Hi People,
I am indian passport holder
I am traveling to INDIA from GERMANY via Dubai, by flydubai airlines (This airlines does not offer Transit visa).
I have german residence permit (EU Residence Permit)
I have 16 hrs of layover time in Dubai and want to visit places in the city.
I dont have relatives living in Dubai and dont want to book hotel (Its day time layover)
Should I ask for 14 days VOA process at Marhaba counter? In that case what should I answer to IO about accomodation for 14 days?
Which additional documents are necessary except Passport and Residence Permit?
Thanks in advance!
They don’t question you about accommodation.
I along with my wife have planned to visit UAE between 22.02.2020 to 29.02.2020. Confirmed Air tickets and hotel bookings have already been done. We both have BI/B2 US Visa valid upto 2028. Please guide give for the following:
1. I don’t have the sponor in Dubai. Hence i cannot fill the details during filling of visa application by echannels to avoid time required for VOA.
2. When i should apply online
@Sukh, online application has gone for a toss. go and do the VoA at the airport. works best.
Bi/B2 US visa holders will get UAE visa on arrival.
Yes
Hello, very informative and helpful blog. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
You mentioned this link for VoA application-
https://echannels.moi.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/serviceCards/432?administrativeRegionId=1
The thing is I have only one day left, I am traveling day after tomorrow. Is it still a good approach to apply for VoA or should I rather get it at the airport considering the shortage of time? I have a valid US B1/B2 visa.
Would appreaciate your suggestion, thakn you
Sorry I was on a long flight. Do it at the airport. Better that way & it’s cheaper vis a vis online as well.
Hi Aarshi
Did you get Visa on Arrival in Dubai using US B1 visa?
Hi, I intend to travel into Ras Al Khaimah International Airport using my B1/B2 US visa. Any idea if the VoA process is the same across all airports for Indian Passport holders? Know anyone who’s tried it before at RKT. Any input will be appreciated.
@Atul, it should work at RKT as well. It works well at DXB and AUH, so I don’t see a reason for it to not work.
Oh that’s great. Thank you for the reply 🙂
Hello all,
I tried the Echannels link ‘https://echannels.moi.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/serviceCards/432?administrativeRegionId=1’
provided above but I am unable to select the options like Fill Info>Attachments etc. Could someone please guide me with the procedure of how to apply for VOA online?
Thank you.
Try with this link – https://echannels.moi.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/issueVisa/request/432/step1?administrativeRegionId=1&withException=false – if it still doesn’t work then go to https://echannels.moi.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/dashboard -and select VISA – HOLDERS OF SPECIAL VISAS – CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA – ISSUE NEW VISA & click on start service.
Hi,
In the above link, it asks to enter applicant’s arabic name. Should I do a google translate of my name or should I write ‘NA”? It is a mandatory field.
Best,
Madhan
Sorry Madhan looks like they changed the forms since I last checked. I would suggest doing VoA at the airport itself. The only benefit of online over doing it in person is the time saved in queue. However, in person VoA is cheaper than online.
Hi Venkatesh,
Trying to upload info on the second link you gave, it’s says invalid info and doesn’t move ahead. The form mentions UAE national I’d no which we don’t have. Is it because of this? Even the first link registration doesn’t work. Again asking for national ID no
Sorry Sneha looks like they changed the forms since I last checked. I would suggest doing VoA at the airport itself. The only benefit of online over doing it in person is the time saved in queue. However, in person VoA is cheaper than online.
This is exactly I was looking for. Thanks for your helpful post. I read the same about VoA for US B1/B2 holders and was feeling jittery too. I can relax a bit
Public Service Announcement:
If you’ve a US B1/B2 or Green Card or UK/EU Residency, you can now apply for the visa on arrival online here – https://echannels.moi.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/serviceCards/432?administrativeRegionId=1
Notes:
1. The only advantage is that you don’t need to stand in the line at Marhaba services.
2. For providing this convenience, the fee is AED 150 which is AED 29 more than the AED 121 at the Marhaba counter at the airport.
Hi, I am planning to visit Dubai on the 26th October with my wife and two children. My elder son has a valid US B1/B2 visa. Can i take a chance of applying the regular tourist visa for three of us and get visa on arrival for my elder son at Dubai airport or can use the above link? Looks like the link provided is for Indian citizens with valid US visa and are residing in USA?? In my case, my elder son is staying with me in India. Can you guide me here please?
No the link is for anyone holding a B1/B2 visa staying anywhere. The residence requirement is for green card holders.
Thanks!
And, thank you for link!
Hello Sdidhar,
Thanks to blogger Ajay and you for clearing doubts.
I have US VISA valid till 2024. So it seems no problem to get VOA.
But, how many times you can get VOA in a year?
Thanks
Ashok
As many times as you want. No quota as such, as of today.
@Ashok as many times as you want.
Thank you Ajay.
And, it’s a very informative blog. Sharing such useful information is a great help.
Thanks Bro, I got visa through echannels link. Fee AED 153.47.
Was the process easy?
How many days did it take?
Got it in 1 day. Didn’t get an email but on tracking the application at the website it showed approved and was able to download from there.
hi there .. need some info i am trying to apply through the echannels link but i have some issues with the second part the documents are attached but it keeps asking attach all documents
any suggestions plz
Can you attach a screenshot of the error
Hello Venkatesh,
The link doesn’t give me an option to apply for the VoA online.
Also, I have a valid US F1 visa for 7 more month and my family has valid US tourist visa.
Can all of us apply online through this link or will there be a problem while applying with a F1 visa?
You get the visa on arrival with a F1
Hi
I hold an h4 visa in my Indian passport both valid for more than an year.Am I eligible for visa on arrival in UAE?
hi sridhar,
i have a query , is their any requirement to fly only by emirates to avail this visa on arrival service ? or it does not matter which ever airline we choose to fly into dubai as long as we have a valid usa visa
My wife and i have valid USA visa but my 1 year old daughter doesn’t have USA visa. What should I do in this situation?
Apply visa for the daughter normally.
Hi Venkatesh,
Have you tried obtaining your Dubai VoA through the link? Coz I tried but no revert from ICA smart services… have received acknowledgement of the payment but no revert regarding the visa…
Unfortunately I have not used the link to apply for an evisa.
Sir,
I’ll be traveling with my husband to Dubai in next week…my husband has a valid US Visa C1/D .. can he get visa on arrival??
Have not really had an answer to if they let C/D visa holders in. Call Emirates & find out, they’ll tell you for sure.
Hello Venkatesh,
I tried the link you’ve provided but I am unable to select the options like Fill Info>Attachments etc. Could you please guide me with the procedure of how to apply for VOA online?
Thank you.
Hi Venkatesh,
Thanks for the very informative blog.
I & my wife have US B1 Visas and hence will use the VOA facility. However, for my daughter and niece who are travelling with us, we plan to get Visas beforehand.
Do you know if the queues for them are different? Also, any idea if the Visas can be applied online if all applicants are dependants?
It’s clear from the blog that they need Visas approved prior to approval.
Thanks
Pannaga
Hi Pannaga,
I am just a commenter. This amazing blog belongs to Ajay 🙂
UAE Visa’s can be applied online for your daughter & niece – usually get them in 3 days time.
You can stand in same queue since you’re traveling as a family, UAE immigration doesn’t have issues with that unlike other western countries.
How often can I get visa on arrival? I am a green card holder and am planning to enter Dubai on 25th Nov and then go to India on 26th Nov. While returning to US, I will be in entering Dubai on 24th Dec and onboarding the flight to US on 25th Dec. Can I get VOA both times (i.e. 2 VOAs within a span of a month)?
No worries you can use them as often as you want.
I myself once landed from Dubai in Mumbai & then had to fly out the same evening back to Dubai. Got in again without any issues.
Since, it’s additional revenue for the UAE govt, they welcome such trips 😉
We have USA Visitor Visa, During travel to USA in between this journey can we stay in DUBAI for week by VoS ?? what will be ticket booking process.
Single ticket from INDIA to USA OR we have to book two different ticket INDIA to DUBAI and from DUBAI to USA another ticket require?
Easiest way to do it is transit on Emirates, ask them for complimentary stopover, they might give you some free nights at the hotel – NOTE – you can request but it’s NOT a guarantee you’ll get free stay at the hotel. So plan for paying for all 7 nights.
Thanks for publishing such a elaborate process. I am going to try for on arrival visa at Dubai. I have all necessary documents.
Thanks once again.
Hi. I am planning to visit Dubai with my wife and 2 kids and we are planning for visa on arrival. Me and my wife already have a valid B1/B2 usa visa, but our kids don’t have US visa. how do we avail visa on arrival for our kids?
You can’t avail visa on arrival if they don’t have the required visas.
However, you can apply for their visas online.
My flight from US to DXB reaches late into the night. Does anyone know if these VOA counters will be open around 9pm? Are these Marhaba counters open 24X7? I am assuming the immigration counters will be open throughout.
Yes it operates 24×7.
Hi Venketesh,
Although I am thankful to blogger Ajay, my question is for you.
I am from Mumbai and have valid USA visa till 2024.
I am going to Dubai next month and will go for “Visa on arrival”.
My question is “how many times a year you can get Visa on arrival”?
Thank you.
Ashok
The US Visa is on previous passport of mine but is VALID Till March 2021. Got my renewed passport last year 2018. Can it be used for VoA at Dubai.
Yes. Carry both the passports.
@Amit Bedi yes. take both passports along
Yes, it works. You just have to carry both your passports.
Hi, me and my wife are planning to visit Dubai from Delhi, India for 7 days. My concern is regarding her no Last name.
My wife does not have last name on her passport. while booking flights, airlines require to input last name as either LNU (last name unknown) or First name repeated as last name. I wish to book with two different airlines i.e. Air India Express for going Dubai and Sri Lankan airlines for return, But both have different requirements of last name. Srilankan Airlines require to input Mahima LNU as passenger name, whereas Air India Express require to input Mahima Mahima. I hope by this, my wifes Dubai Tourist visa will not be delayed/rejected.
Please help me out as soon as possible so that we can plan our trip.
I want to go on a vacation to Dubai withmy wife me and my wife work on cruise ships in usa so we both hold C1 D visa .. so are we both eligible for visa on arrival?
Please reply ..thanks
C1 D visa aren’t eligible for a VOA. But you can get a transit visa via EK.
Hi! I am travelling to Dubai in August 2019.
So, if I do not have a US Visa on my Indian passport or a green card, then I cannot get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Thanks!
@Ananya US or UK visa only gets a visa on arrival
Hi Ajay,
I have UK Type C visa (Multiple entry) for 2 yrs validity.. can i go for VOA for Dubai ?
Regards
Shreyansh
Only UK residence visa gets VOA.
Dear Team,
I have a valid USA visa and i am travelling to USA by emirates airline and have a stopover at Dubai so can i get the visa on arrival. If yes then what is the PAYMENT option.please let me know.
Hi, I have stopover in Dubai for 16 hrs. I dont have hotel booking in Dubai. Still I can get on arrival visa? Please le me know
Speak to Emirates & see if they’ll arrange a complimentary stopover visa. They can also arrange a hotel for you though I’d recommend booking.com
I have valid USA B1/B2 visa. However it’s on my cancelled passport. I hope this will not be problem for UAE on arrival visa.
I have valid passport too 🙂
@Moahmmed, that is not a problem at all.
How was the experience, did you get VOA, as I will be travelling to Dubai expecting VOA and having same situation / B1/B2 VISA on expired/cancelled PP, however US visa is valid till 9TH Dec 2019, I am having valid new passport.
pls advice !!
Hi S. Shekhar,
just curious to know did you get VOA? because i am also having same situation and will be flying next week. Your quick answer is highly appreciated.
The visa needs to be valid for 6 months from your date of entry.
The visa being on your old passport is not an issue.
Thanks Venkatesh, you brought down my tension because i sent an email to amer@dnrd.ae see there reply “you can’t get visa on arrival if the USA visa not stamped on your valid passport and you must apply visa in advance.” Any recommendation?
did you get VOA, can you please share your experience, i am also in a same situation and flying next week.
Hi There,
I am planning to visit Dubai with my Family,
I hold valid USA – B1/B2 visa but my Wife & Son doesn’t.
So do we eligible to get VoA based on my USA-VISA.
Thanks & Regards,
Santosh.
Hi Venkatesh,
I am planning to visit Dubai with my Family,
I hold valid USA – B1/B2 visa but my Wife & Son doesn’t.
So do we eligible to get VoA based on my USA-VISA.
Thanks & Regards,
Santosh.
Your wife & son cannot get VOA
Hi I have a valid B1/B2 visa but have not visited Us yet (trip due in June and have all paperwork ready). I intend to visit UAE in May prior to US trip. Will i get visa on arrival or is it mandatory to have visited US once to get it? Any response will be helpful.
@Nikita you are ok to travel
Ok thank you. Was a bit worried since some travel agents are saying that since I haven’t visited US it may be an issue
@Nikita, you pay them 5000 INR plus and they get a hefty commission so they naturally want your business.
Ya makes sense. Thanks!
U will get Visa no need weather u traveled or not only us Visa needed for voa of uae imyelf had travel to uae with only us visa holder not traveled to us
Very informative blog. Is there any way i can apply for VOA online as an Indian who holds a valid USA visa?
@yogi, Visa on arrival, is “on arrival” only.
I have US visa but I also have a ECR stamp on my indian passport. Am I eligible for VOA?
How long is the US Visa valid for?
Hi This is Sridhar. I am flying to Amsterdam from Bangalore and back by Emirates on the May 18th and 24th respectively. While the lay over time is close to 9 hrs when going, when returning to India, it is close to 15 hours. If i opt for the visa on arrival on the 18th, can I use the same, when returning on the 24th also, or i should go for a new visa on arrival. Please advise.
Try for a transit visa upto 96 hrs thru emirate’s ‘Manage a booking’ page.
hello, i have query regarding UAE VoA . My son (11 years- valid H4 visa) will be visiting USA along with my parents (B1/b2 visa) in summer in Emirates. On return back to India, they plan to visit Dubai (my brother stays there) for a week. Will my son be eligible for VoA or he wont be issued visa as we are not traveling with him. What are formalities in case visa can be issued?
Any valid USA visa holder can apply for VoA
I am planning to travel from USA to India, planning to take VoA in Dubai when traveling with Emirates and want to take a day vacation in Dubai. I have a valid H1B USA visa but the current stamp on the passport has already expired but I have approved I797 petition. Will I get VoA with my documentation?
I was there in Dubai last week and got my visa on arrival, you need a valid US visa, period. If you don’t have (like in your case) you won’t get visa, infact you will be denied boarding
Hi Venkatesh,
This is Rajendra. I and my family (Wife and son) are planning to visit Dubai for vacation in March 2019.
We all are Indian nationals and having Indian Passport with valid USA visas (B1/ B2) on the passports which are valid over 10 years. We have got US (B1/B2) visa in Jan-2019.We are presently living in SAUDI ARABIA. Can I get Dubai or Sharajah On Arrival Visa? What other documents would be needed to get the on arrival Dubai or Sharajah visa?
Thanks and regards,
Rajendra
You can get VoA, present location is inconsequential
This is Rajendra. I and my family (Wife and son) are planning to visit Dubai for vacation in March 2019.
We all are Indian nationals and having Indian Passport with valid USA visas (B1/ B2) on the passports which are valid over 10 years. We have got US (B1/B2) visa in Jan-2019.We are presently living in SAUDI ARABIA. Can I get Dubai or Sharajah On Arrival Visa? What other documents would be needed to get the on arrival Dubai or Sharajah visa?
Thanks and regards,
Rajendra
Hello Venkatesh,
Have been reading all your threads and thank you for all the helpful information.
Need to clarify the following:
I have a valid 5 year multiple entry “I” type visa (media & journalist) US visa. Can I get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Sorry for the late reply, no I visa isn’t listed in the list of eligible visas.
Me and my wife have a valid L1/L2 USA visa. We are travelling to Dubai next week and opting for visa on arrival for this visit. Just want to confirm that L1/L2 visas are also eligible for visa on arrival in Dubai even though I have not visited US yet
Came back after a great holiday. Process for voa is seemless and very much valid for L1/L2 visa
Hi, Did you had 6 months validity on your L1 visa? I am also planning to avail VOA but I do not have 6 months on my H1.. So wanted to check your experience. Thanks!
Hi Aman
Can you please share your experience. I also have a B1/B2 US visa but not yet visited US. Will I get visa on arrival for Dubai?
Thank you very much.Highly informative those who are holding us visa.
Me and my wife have a valid L1/L2 USA visa. We are travelling to Dubai next week and opting for visa on arrival for this visit. Just want to confirm that L1/L2 visas are also eligible for visa on arrival in Dubai even though I have not visited US yet.
I alongwith wife will be travelling to Dubai in early March 2019 for about 6 days.We are having US passport valid for more than 6 months. We plan to take VOA at Dubai airport. We plan to visit Abu Dhabi for a day during our visit to Dubai within 6 days of our stay in Dubai. Is it possible to visit Abu Dhabi on Dubai VOA as mentioned above. We will take our flight back to India from Dubai.
Hi Venkatesh/ Ajay,
This is Arun Shetty. I and my family (Wife and daughter) are planning to visit Dubai for vacation in March 2019. Though I will be in Dubai from 5th of March my wife and daughter will come over on the 9th of March. We will be in Dubai till 14th of March.
They are both Indian nationals with valid USA visas (B1/ B2) on the passports which are valid over 6 months. What other documents would be needed to get the on arrival visa once they get to the Dubai immigration at the airport. They will be having their return flight tickets as well as their hotel bookings with them. And my wife will be carrying a Indian credit card as well with which she can pay the visa charges.
Thanks and regards,
Arun Shetty
I’m planning a trip to Dubai in Summer break of 2019. I have a F1 student Visa and a valid Indian Passport. I wanna know is it necessary to fly Emirates or Etihad to avail an on arrival visa for UAE or we can get it irrespective of what airline I’m flying.
Hi Venkatesh,
Have u ever got Transit visa issued at Dubai Airport?
Well my case is bit tricky. I am a Singapore resident holidng Indian passport and traveling to Egypt while layover of 2 days in Dubai while going to Cairo and 2 days while coming back.to Singapore. I will be staying at my sister’s place while my both stays in Dubai. Here is my itinerary:
Jan 31: SINGAPORE-DXB – through Singapore Airlines
Feb 2: SHARJAH- CAIRO – through Air Arabia
Feb 8: CAIRO – SHARJAH – through Air Arabia
Feb 9: DUBAI – SINGAPORE – through Singapore Airlines
Questions:
1. Do u think I will get Transit visa for 96hrs? Considering my next flight is from Sharjah?
2. Or should I apply for VOA while entering Dubai and Sharjah (while returning from Cairo), as I hold valid US B1/B2 visa on my old passport (got my passport renewed recently but visa on old passport remained valid)?
3. For VOA or transit visa does the exit port need to be same as entry or I can exit from any port of UAE?
Share ur thoughts, what will be the best travel approach without any issues.
Based on this page http://www.dubaifaqs.com/visa-transit-dubai.php I think you will not be eligible for 96 hr transit Visa as (1) technically you are not transiting Dubai…you are getting out of DXB and boarding at Sharjah (2) it states that service is not available for SQ passengers
Given that you have valid B1/B2 visa, you should apply for VOA at the airport (Dubai and Sharjah). Make sure that both passport and B1/B2 visa validity is more than 6 months
Applying VOA at Dubai and exiting via Sharjah followed by reentry via Sharjah (and new VOA) should not be a issue. I did that in November and documented the same in one of the threads on this very blog post
Thanks for your inputs. I ready ur other thread as well..so in short I should be Ok applying VoA while entering via Dubai and renetering (with new VoA) via Sharjah within 6 days of.last exit?
1, I have a valid H1B visa. Is that good enough for visa on arrival ?
2. I have 7 hrs layover at AUH. I am not planning to visit city/go out of airport except for changing termnial and claiming baggage/check in again since I am flying in on indigo and flying out on Etihad. Do I need to get transit visa for this ? Can I get the same on arrival as well ?
Here is my experience. Indigo checked my luggage upto AUH. Once landed, I went to transfer desk and Etihad representatives took my baggage claim tag and called his co-worker to retrieve my bag and checked in with Etihad. Then he issued me the boarding passes for etihad flight. No need for VOA or transit visa in my case.
Dear Ajay,
I am travelling by spicejet to dubai on US live B1/B2 VISA
and my indian passport has ECR stamp will i get Dubai Visa on arrival.
The ECR Stamp might be an issue with Indian Immigration.
Hi Prashant,
Did you make your travel and was there any issues in the immigration ? I will be travelling in Feb on US B1/B2 and my passport has ECR stamp.
Thanks
Akshatha
hi Akshata . same issue here. my son also has ECR passport. what was your experience?
Hello Venkatesh,
I am resident of Switzerland with a C permit. Not too sure you have covered this before, but would we be eligible for VoA at Dubai? On a govt. website I saw that it was US visa or an EU residence permit for Indian passport holders. Some others say it is Schengen permit, while others say this is not implemented. I am also a bit confused as Switzerland is not part of EU but a member of Schengen. I called the embassy here and they were not clear.
I want to make a 3-day stopover on my way back. Am a bit confused as I do not have a US visa. I do however have a UK visa and my Swiss residence permit. Would you have any clarification? Thanks so much – Sri
Sriranjan, Swiss is a bit of a concern yes, there is no real clarity on the same. If you are doing a 3 day stopover, I would recommend getting the airline to arrange a 96 hour stopover visa for yourself.
Hello
How did it go mate? I am from Norway and I too would like to know about this
Cheers
Hi Venkatesh, You have written a great blog and it is very informative, my mother will be travelling alone, but she will not fly Emirates, she will either go on Flydubai which goes to Terminal 2 or Spicejet/Indigo which goes to Terminal 1, so are there Marhaba services at Terminal 2 and Terminal 1?
Thank You
Hi Mark,
This blog belongs to Ajay Awtaney and yes I agree with you, he has done an amazing job with it.
There are Marhaba services in all the 3 terminals, no worries on that front, if your mother will be trying this thing for the first time and is someone who is not used to the procedures, a better option would be for you to arrange the Marhaba Meet & Greet services and then they assist her in getting the visa, there are 2 advantages to this – 1. No need to q in the visa line, 2. You go to a separate Marhaba only immigration counter. So you’re out fastest and also hassle free, this service is over & above the AED 121 which is the cost for the visa.
They have various levels of services, starting at 95 AED for the basic meet & greet which gives you fast track. https://www.marhabaservices.com/english/our-services/meet-greet
Hi, are the Marhaba services for VoA available in all UAE airports (Abu Dhabi/ Sharjah) or just Dubai?
i am travelling to Dubai from Delhi with my spouse and 2 kids.
Me and my wife has US valid visas but my wife’s visa is issued in her maiden name. Will there be any problem in obtaining Dubai visa on arrival ?
Also, will she be stopped at the Jet AIrways check in counter in Delhi or Delhi immigration, as the name on the ticket/new passport is different than the name on her US visa.
Please it is little urgent, since i fly tomorrow morning!
Sorry Manish, just saw this now. I hope you guys had a smooth trip as this is not a problem, usually.
Dear Venkatesh,
Need your expert opinion. My son staying in Canada having Indian passport is coming to Dubai for a short 4 days visit with a US B1/B2 visa valid for 6 months 10 days. Is it OK for him to get VOA at Dubai airport. (The concern is that if he can get 14 days visa? as his US visa validity is 6 months 10 days only! on Dubai arrival)
He should be ok, since the validity is over 6 months, they should let him in as his return trip is also within the 10 days over the validity of the US B1.
Hi Venkatesh. I’m planning to go to Dubai for tourism in March and I do have a valid US H1-B visa. However, the current US visa stamp is expiring in June (lesser than 6 month validity rule) before I renew it further. Do you think I would be allowed if I still plan on availing VoA facility for Indians?
If your visa expires anytime before October 2019, they will not let you do a VoA as the validity would be less than 6 months in March when you land in Dubai.
I arrived on 28th Dec 2018 and got VoA at Abu Dhabi. Now I need to extend my VoA. Where should I approach for extension of VoA.
All extension requests are handled at airport immigration office. Ask any officer once you reach the airport. Some people say it can be done online, I am not so sure, I would rather meet an actual human being just to be sure the visa is extended.
Dear Venkatesh Sridhar,
Thanks for the elaborate and infographic reply for the process of VOA
I have a question,
If my family and I are travelling to Dubai via Muscat would it be a problem?
We have the necessary US Visa.
Your reply is awaited
Thanking you in anticipation.
Not a problem at all. Travel freely because Oman and UAE are usually visited together by many tourists.
hie Venkatesh Sridhar,
i have 2 doubts
1. can we pay for the visa on arrival with cash.
2. and is the process slower then the normal immigration process???
please help.
1. If you have 121 AED in cash, yes. And they expect you to have the change of 1 AED.
2. Marhaba only gives you the visa, then you join the immigration queue. There is a separate line for Visa on Arrival, but sometimes they make you join the normal queue as per the crowd.
Also, there is a Marhaba meet & greet option, in which you skip the queues, that will be in addition to the visa cost. The visa cost is not included in any of their meet & greet packages.
Hi Venkatesh,
You responses are very clear and I thank you for guiding a lot of us.
I have 4 questions:
– I have a US visa, so for VOA – Do I need to take any application from here or simply present my passport at the counter in Dubai or ABu dhabi ?
– What happens at the Delhi immigration counter (at departure) when the officer asks you for a UAE visa ?
– Is it mandatory to take Emirates or Etihaad airlines for VOA?
– Do I need to carry passport pics along with me ?
It’s my pleasure Mayur. Please keep the chain going by paying it forward 🙂
Here are the answers:
1. No form, just give them your current passport and the passport having your US visa (IF different from your current passport)
2. Tell the IO in India that you get a VoA in UAE on account of US visa, they’re aware of it.
3. You can take any airline.
4. No, UAE immigration captures your image along with your retina scan. They don’t need any passport photos.
I have used VOA in Sharjah already on 20 DEC 18. SATA charged me 140 AED per head.
1. So if my entry stamp is for 20 Dec 18, what will be my last date of exit in case of 14 days VOA? 2 or 3 Jan 19?
2. I tried enquiring about grace period – 10 days – to SATA as well as Sharjah immigration officers. But could not get any clarity.
Where can I cross check about grace period? Need to decide my travel dates accordingly. Don’t want to go for formal extension as its to expensive for 15 days !
There are these places called Amer, that you can walk into, and they’ll help you. It’s like a one stop government services center run by the Govt. They’ll tell you.
You can also check the government website for the exact date when your visa on arrival expires, including the grace period:
https://thepointshabibi.com/2019/01/01/validity-for-uae-tourist-visa-or-visa-on-arrival-how-to-check-when-it-really-expires/
Thanks for this info Apx.
If i have not been to USA with that b1/b2 visa. Will i still be allowed for VOA? I recently got a the B1/B2 USA tourist visa thats why and I have not been to USA with it. Will it still be valid for VOA.
Yes. Not an issue.
Having valid USA B1/B2 Visa Can I opt for VOA and take eVisa for my 2 yrs old son before leaving from India. Would Oman Airlines be fine with that??
Shouldn’t be an issue.
Hi,
I am travelling to Dubai with my Son (2 Yrs old). Though I have USA B1/B2 Visa valid for more than 6 months my Son does not have USA B1/B2 Visa.
Can I apply for eVisa for my Son before going to Dubai while I take VOA? or Both of us will have to apply eVisa as the minor needs to be accompned with an Adult having eVisa only
Hi mate,
This thread is really helpful, appreciate your effort. I just wanted to clarify my doubts here.
I want to travel to India from berlin through multiple airlines. I have a norwegian airline from berlin to stockholm and stockholm to dubai (Have got a german resident permit so no issues travelling anywhere around europe). And from dubai to india (bangalore) its air india express. My concern is, because i need to change airline in dubai do i need a visa on arrival? Will I be asked for a visa to Uae in stockholm before i board the flight to dubai? PS: I do have a B1/B2 visa stamped on my old passport valid for 10 years. TIA.
There is no transit visa requirement in Dubai. As a German Resident also you get a VoA in Dubai, IF you choose to enter Dubai that is.
Hello Venkatesh
first and foremost I don’t have any query on this site, although a frequent visitor of your blog. I thought ill write a few words and thank you on behalf of all the people who you have responded to. I personally feel you have spent a much of your free time helping your followers on this site.
thank you from each one of the travellers who you have helped selflessly.
Thank You very much Sushant. Really appreciate your kind words. We travelers need to stick together 🙂
I have valid B1/B2 US visa and agent is asking for 6000 for Dubai visa.. I don’t want to spend that much.. wanted to know the price for the on arrival visa @ Dubai… also wanted to know if I should go with the package from agent or through my own bookings… what would be more cheaper.
How many days do you plan to stay?
If less than 14 days, the VoA is your best bet as it is only ~2,400₹ (121 AED).
Make sure your B1 visa validity dates are more than 6 months
HI Venkatesh –
Thanks so much for providing details around VOA for Dubai. Those are quite helpful.
My husband (having US b1/b2 visa) and I are planning to Dubai this month end.
Although I do not have US B1/B2 Visa Can I still go for VOA as my husband is having US B1/B2 visa? . Please advise.
Thanks so much for all your help
Your husband will get VoA. You need to apply for it.
I would appreciate some help on this.
My parents are Indian citizens who have a 10 year tourist visa for US (on their previous passport) expiring on 2021. We will be traveling from India – Jordan – UAE – India.
We will be using VOA in Jordan. Will the Jordanian authorities cause any problem when trying to board AMM – AUH flight saying they will be using VOA in abu dhabi using the US visit visa. basically want to know will a 3rd country (Jordan) be aware that Indians are allowed VOA in UAE.
There is no issue. You can carry a printout of the same for your peace of mind.
If i have not been to USA with that b1/b2 visa. Will i still be allowed for VOA? I recently got a the B1/B2 USA tourist visa thats why
Hi,
Me and Wife are traveling to USA, with transit in dubai for 20 hours, we have stamped H1B valid for more than a year, can we use the VOA service. I have a new passport and the visa is on my old passport. Will this be an issue?
1. Yes.
2. No issues. Just carry both of your passports
I am assuming you’re traveling on Emirates. Since you’re halt is for 20 hours, try & see if they can give you a 96 hours transit visa, which can be complimentary. No harm in trying.
Yes, we are traveling through Emirates, is the 96 hour visa on arrival or need to be pre arranged? Thank you for your help.
You can call emiraes even now and ask them about it and request for a complimentary 96 hour
Thanks for your all information, my son aged 16 yrs staying In India and currently having valid B1 B2 US visa . Is it possible to come alone in Dubai for a few days by on arrival visa procedure. Awaiting your reply. thanks.
Hi , as per UAE Rule if a young passenger travelling solo below 18yrs of age need to carry a letter of parents along with parents passport copy and visa copy if applicable for a hassle free experience 🙂 your son can travel on US B1/B2 valid Visa along with 6month valid passport and a confirmed return ticket as well.
Hi Venkatesh,
We are travelling to Muscat from Delhi with an Oman VISA. We will then travel to Dubai by Road from Oman and we have a return ticket to Delhi from Dubai.
We have a US B1/B2 VISA.
Would we be asked for return ticket from Oman during the boarding process at Delhi airport ?
Can we mention that we have a return ticket from Dubai ?
Regards,
Just tell the airline and the immigration authorities in India that you plan to travel to Oman and UAE & return is via Dubai. Are you driving your own car or coming via a bus, if either, you may have to show some proof of booking for either the rental or the bus.
Hi Venkatesh,
We will travel by a taxi that will be arranged by my cousin, booking for that is not done yet.
Regards
Also, how to get VOA for Oman, we have US B1/B2 visa, what is the process ?
As an Indian citizen availing the UAE VoA facility at DXB, I am thinking about going to Khasab/Musandam in Oman from Dubai. Assuming my return flight to India is from DXB, will I need to get another UAE visa to come back from Khasab or does the visa issued at DXB allow for multiple entries? I presume I will also need an Omani visa. Is that available on arrival at the Khasab land border crossing?
Thanks
Yes, the UAE VoA is an one time entry visa. Even Oman provides VoA for Indians with US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and Japan, additional FYI – Oman Tourism has sent an email to travel agents mentioning “Oman visa on arrival can also be availed by the spouse (husband/wife) and children of the visa holder of any of these six mentioned c ountries as long as they are accompanying him/her, even if they do not hold a visa from these countries.”
Omani visa can be applied online – https://evisa.rop.gov.om/visa-eligibility – Select India & not a resident of GCC and then it shall list out various options, you can choose the one most appropriate to you.
Hi venkatesh, I m flying from India by fly Dubai to terminal 2..will i have the VOA there too coz I read some where that they will not be provided voa in terminal 2
Hi Venkatesh,
I have a question. I have B1/B2 visa on my indian passport. I’m travelling from Jaipur to Dubai on 15th December. I have return ticket from Dubai on 6th Jan (roughly 21 days from the date I land in Dubai). Although I will be travelling to Muscat by road on the 21st of December and returning back to Dubai by road on 26th December. So technically speaking my stay won’t cross 14 days for both periods.
My question is will this be a problem when I arrive at Dubai Airport on the 15th of December, as my return ticket will be 21 days later? (Even if i explain that I will be travelling by road to Oman and I have Oman visa)
Second question, do you need to show them a return ticket leaving dubai when applying for 14 day visa on arrival?
Really looking forward to your answer. Please advise.
1. No issues, you can do it.
2. The return ticket is important for the airlines & the immigration can also ask you for it.
Thanks mate!
Enjoy your stay!
Hi,
I have a valid US C1/D visa and i have been grated the 96hr transit visa of emirates many times in past for joining vessel. i intend to visit dubai for 3-4 days for personal reasons. am i eligible for VoA?
plz reply either here or to my email id. wd be much appreciated.
TIA
Cheers
You’re eligible for transit for a max of 96 hours.
Are there visa on arrival (Marhaba) counters in Terminal 1 and in Terminal 3 or does one need to go to Terminal 1 for it?
Available at T1, T2 & T3.
Great Job Venkatesh.
I have a query and wish you can help.
My Wife has Valid B1/B2. However, need to stay in DXB for more than 14 days (20 days to be specific). Will there be any penalties for overstay of 6 days? if yes, What?
In few posts above, it is mentioned that there is 10 days grace period for Indians. Wanted to understand if this grace period really exists ? And if there are any penalties for this?
Thanks
Hi Amit,
I have not used the extension much, but it is not quite a difficult procedure. What I would do is land in Dubai and at the counter inform the immigration office that you intend to stay in Dubai for 20 days and if there was a need to do an extension there, if the immigration officer confirms the 10 day grace period, as many have stated so, you’re safe.
Hope this helps.
If it’s leisure trip, use the entertainer app, quite good array of discounts and also take a look at the Dubai city pass.
Enjoy your trip!
Thank you for posting so many experiences about visa on arrival in UAE. Its really appreciative. Please help me out on this. I am travelling via a luxury cruise liner MSC cruises from Mumbai To Dubai. Its their first voyage on this route. Being the holder of valid US visa B1/B2 i wish to apply for visa on arrival at the cruise terminal in UAE. Is this facility available for entry through cruise ports also? As my MSC cruise agent is not aware and telling me to apply for multiple entry cruise visa worth Rs 7000 for my trip.
If anyone travelling through MSC or Celebrity cruise liner from india to uae this december holding valid US visa can also clarify. Please HELP
UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs circular was given to all UAE borders points, including airports and ports.
I don’t think it should be an issue at all to enter.
Source:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/58362265.cms
Do let us know about your experience via the MSC Cruise and how easy the immigration process was, thanks!
This answers my query . Indian national driving to Dubai by road from Muscat next week. Will get a VOA at the border with an US valid visa .
Super thanks
Hi ,This is very helpful information as I have to urgently travel to Dubai and do not have time for visa processing.The travel agents were not particularly helpful nor the airlines .
I have a valid B1.B2 US visa and plan to stay in Dubai for a week at a friends place . Is it necessary to provide any documents like invitation letter etc? Could you please confirm. TIA
There is no other requirement except passport with the US visa with both valid for more than 6 months.
if i have not been to USA with that b1/b2 visa. Will i still be allowed for VOA? I recently got a the B1/B2 USA tourist visa thats y
No issues, you don’t need to have visited US to be eligible for VoA.
HI,
I am an Indian national having valid US B1/B2 VISA(haven’t traveled to US yet). We are planning to visit Oman first and then enter Dubai via road from Oman.
Are we eligible for VOA in this case when we enter Dubai via road ?
Regards,
It’s valid for entry at all ports of entry including land.
Hi venkatesh
We are planing to do a cruise in dubai it sails to oman then back to dubai
we fly from the UK
But my wife has a indian passport with perment residency in the Uk will she need a multi Visa and is this avalable on arival and will she need a visa for oman
Indian passport holders with UK residency permit are allowed to enter the UAE under the VoA route. It’s a single entry, so she will have to take the visa twice, unless they have an exception for cruise passengers – the cruise office would be the best persons to answer that.
Can you get a visit visa if you’re an Indian passport holder with a valid F1 visa (student visa) ?
Thanks
Yes.
I will be traveling to Dubai via Emirates and would like stay in Dubai for a day before departure, I have an European visa and by this i am assuming i am applicable for visa on arrival.
Can you please let me know what documents do i need to carry with me for visa on arrival ??
Is it an EU residence visa, as only EU residence visa holders are allowed VoA.
Hi am traveling to Dubai from the 21st Dec 2018 to 8th January 2019 (18 DAYS). In the past I have used the VOA at both Dubai and Sharjah as they trips were less than 14 days (have a valid US VISA). This time round, can still opt for the VOA & then opt for an extension or get a VISA for 30 days before arrival from Delhi or VOA and 10 day grace for exit. Will appreciate any help on this. Is the extension fee AED 250?
Thank you
Vishal
You’re only over staying by 4 days, Indians are being given a grace period for free, you can confirm this at the immigration counter with the Immigration Officer.
I have a valid I 797 form valid for 18 months and expired GC and a valid indian passport, Does anyone have any experience getting Dubai VOA they were waiting for their 10 years GC to come? I will be travelling from USA to Dubai.
The guys here won’t accept I797, you need a valid GC.
I would like to address 2 questions found frequently on this blog post:
Q1 – Indian availing VOA at Sharjah
Q2 – can I get UAE VOA twice within a short time
Question 1 – How to get VOA at Sharjah airport:
I recently availed Visa on Arrival facility at Sharjah airport. I am an Indian citizen and USA Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder). I am sharing my Sharjah VOA experience below:
[1] Upon arrival at Sharjah airport, you will visit the SATA desk (Sharjah Airport Travel Agency) – https://www.sharjahairport.ae/en/traveller/visit-sharjah/sharjah-airport-travel-agency-sata/
[2] Though the VOA fees are 100 AED, SATA charges a total of 140 AED (Marhaba at Dubai airport charges 120 AED)
[3] I told the SATA help desk that I am a Indian citizen and USA green Card holder – I need UAE visa on arrival. Note: Sadly, many people at these agencies do NOT understand that a Green Card supersedes USA Visa stampings on the passport. The SATA person kept mentioning to me that my USA visa in my passport is not valid – I had to keep telling him that the Green Card details are not stamped on the passport. After 10 mins of explanation, the SATA official was still not convinced. However, he charged me 140 AED for VOA paperwork (I paid by credit card)
[4] The SATA official accompanied me to a Sharjah Government desk where the SATA agent gave his credit card and paid 100 AED and issued me a VOA receipt.
[5] With the SATA paper document (bullet 3) and the 100 AED VOA receipt (bullet 4), I stand in the immigration exit queue (where they take your photo and scan your passport).
[6] Sharjah Govt official looks at my passport and all the expired USA visa pages and tells me I am not eligible for VOA. I had to tell him that USA Green Card supersedes any visa stampings. The official keeps looking for GC details on my passport – he was expecting a passport page that had that information. Luckily, I was carrying this printout with me – https://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/visas-passports/non-us-citizens where it clearly states:
Indian citizens holding regular passports with U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits are allowed to receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days and can be extended only once for a similar period. The Indian Passport, U.S. visa, the green card,the U.K Resident Permit and the EU resident permit must be valid for at least six months.
[7] The Sharjah govt official was still not convinced – he kept saying that my USA visa is not valid. After seeing the above printout and me repeatedly explaining my side, the Sharjah Govt official seeks counsel from 2 other officials. At least one of those 2 officials was knowledgeable enough to understand what was going on and told the original officer to scan the Green Card and input Green Card expiry dates into the system.
[8] After about 20 mins at the counter, I was stamped VOA on my passport.
Question 2 – can I get VOA twice within a short time – In other words, if you leave UAE and reenter UAE within a short span will there be any issues?
In my case I came in to Dubai from ORD – availed VOA at Dubai and after 7 days stay in Dubai I went to Tbilisi, Georgia. I reentered UAE via Sharjah after 3 days and got my VOA at Sharjah airport (detailed above). I had absolutely no problems with VOA at Dubai airport – the Marhaba traveldesk (where you pay 120 AED to get VOA paperwork) as well as the Dubai Airport Immigration officials clearly understood what the Green Card is and why Green Card holders do not have any Green Card details stamped on the passport.
Important Notes:
[1] Many officials (be it airport staff or government) are completely ignorant about what the USA Green Card is and how it supersedes any USA visa stampings (or lack of it) on your passport. I think this is because of the fact that UAE residents have there “resident visa” information stamped on their passport and this information on the passport is the same information found on the Emirates ID. Most airline officials in UAE airports and the UAE govt officials are looking for a similar situation with USA Green Cards – they seem to think that the Green Card validity period or Green Card will be stamped in the passport – which unfortunately is not the case
[2] A bad experience with Air Arabia – information/details/rants here: https://twitter.com/thereismytweet/status/1065755384013512705
This is fantastic, thank you very much for sharing!
HI VENKATESH. IAM PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO DUBAI AROUND 2 ND WEEK OF JAN FROM INDIA. I HAVE VALID US B1/B2 VISA. THE VISA ON ARRIVAL IS APPLICABLE TO EMIRATES ONLY OR ALL AIRLINES? I WILL STAY FOR 48 HRS AND MY RETURN JOURNEY TO PHILIPPINES
Hi Vijaya,
It is on all airlines, don’t need to fly only Emirates.
Hello Folks,
I heard, this facility is also extended for Indian Passport Holders with EU Residence Permit. Did any one with EU Residence Permit manged to get on arrival visa?
Information will be highly appreciated and will ease the concern.
Regard’s
Deepak
Didn’t use it personally, but in October when I was using this, the gentleman in front of me, used his UK Residency to get it, no issues at all.
Thanks Venkatesh.
Your feedback helps. I am making it in next week. I keep my fingers crossed.
Regards
Deepak
Hello Deepak
How did it go with the VOI?. I too hold a EU residency.
Cheers
harish
Hello EU Residence Permit holders,
So i travelled to Dubai on 12th Dec and would Like to share my experience.
Indian passport holder with EU residence permit is eligible for VOA at Dubai Airport.
During check-in i showed my Aufenthaltitels (Residence permit) and they accepted it.
On arrival at DXB I headed directly towards immigration and right before immigration there is Marhaba counter where you receive VOA by paying 121€. Payment is accepted in AED cash or any credit card.
For immigration you have to go towards VOA immigration counter. Quite easy process and compared to normal visa fees you get it in 1/3 price.
Regards,
Deepak
Correction. Its 121 AED and not euro
Hello Deepak
Thanks for the reply. I am coming from Norway which is a Schengen country. Am i eligible for this VOA?
So In case you first need to get a VOA from Marhaba service before meeting the passport control?
Cheers
Harry
Hi ,
I have booked Vancouver to dubai flight then Dubai to Mumbai, same route while coming. So is it possible for me to get VoA twice? I have a valid B1/B2 visa valid till 2028 and I am an Indian citizen.
Yes you can. No issues. You’ll pay AED121 for each time you use the visa.
I am trying to get the 14 day visa extended for another 14 days. Any idea where i can get this done from and how much
I have C1 D valid visa till 2022 can i enter uae with VOA?
Hi, I am currently on a 14-day VoA (landed in Dubai on the 18th November) and I wish to opt for the 14-day one-time extension. Can I get this done online? or do I have to go back to the airport to pay for the extension?
There is no information available online.
Your help is appreciated!
Visa on arrival for Indian Passport Holders can be extended once for another 14 days by visiting the AMER Centres in the UAE or online at http://www.amer.ae. Good Luck!
Thank you, Friend.
It can be done from any of the AMER Center(s) or the General Directorate Of Residency and Foreign Affairs at Terminal 3. However, even though the official website states that the 14-day extension costs AED 250, by visiting both the aforementioned centers I was told AED 525.
Also, Indian Nationals have a ‘grace’ period of 10 days to exit the country after the VoA expires (as told by the Officer at General Directorate Of Residency and Foreign Affairs at Terminal 3) so If I entered Dubai in the 18th October I can leave by 11th December.
I meant 11th November*
I recently renewed my US visa on Indian passport and haven’t travelled to the US after renewing, will getting a Visa on arrival for UAE based on my renewed US visa be an issue ?
@Kushal, not at all.
Thanks
Hi…
I have a valid US visa and my son aged 15 yrs is travelling along with me. Will it suffice if I just take the visa for my son and I take VOA.
Thanks.
VS
Yes it does.
I have valid F1 USA visa. Can I get VoA in Dubai?
Yes. As long as minimum validity is 6 months.
Hi my wife & me are travelling to Dubai on 23 nov
We both have valid US visa
For On arrival visa do we need any documents required other than Valid passport & USA visa
How much time it takes at Marhabba counter to pay fees
Do they accept Indian credit card!
Will appreciate clarification on above
1. No other documents needed.
2. Time at Maraba counter varies as per traffic on the day. You can use their Meet & greet services (costs additional) which gives you fast track immigration if you’re not flying business/first.
3. Yes. They accept all Visa/Master/Amex/Diners. P.S: They’ll ask you INR or Dirhams, choose Dirhams, their currency rate sucks! Easily ~4% costlier.
Thank you for the info. Is the same process valid in Abu Dhabi also. Can I pay the visa fee in AED?
This is the same process at all ports of entry in UAE.
Thank you Do they accept cash in Abu Dhabi for visa fee
Kannan
Yeah they will accept
AED.
Thank you.
I PLAN TO VISIT UAE
I HAVE A VALID US B1/B2 VISA TILL 2025 ON MY OLD PASSPORT [EXPIRED] CAN I GET VOA ON MY NEW RENEWED PASSPORT
PLEASE CONFIRM
@Talib yes.
I am currently on a 14-day VoA (landed in Dubai on the 18th November) and I wish to opt for the 14-day one-time extension. Can I get this done online? or do I have to go back to the airport to pay for the extension? There is no information available online.
Your help is appreciated!
Thanks for the Info. Much appreciated
Hi. My mum is travelling from Bombay on Jet airways. She has a US B1/B2 visa valid till 2025 but has since renewed her passport which is now valid till 2026. Just wanted to know if its fine if visa is on your old passport and you are travelling on your new passport. Heard some mixed reviews on that. Appreciate your reply.
@Roxanna as long as she will present both her passports, she is good to travel
My daughter aged 28 holding UAE Tourist visa planning to go to Dubai from Kochi next week. She is a professional graduate. Hope there is no issues at Kochi Airport for travelling alone as she will be staying there in Dubai with her nephew. Request your kind guidance
No issues at all.
Can you get a visa on arrival at Sharjah international airport? – similar to Dubai international airport?
You can’t get VoA at any of the airports in UAE.
You can, if you have a valid US visa stamped on your passport.
Sorry that was an autocorrect. I meant to say you *can* get it at any UAE port of entry.
Please read this as – You *CAN* get VoA at any of the airports in UAE.
Hello,
Really valuable info. Highly appreciate it. How about EU resident visa holder ? I would like to stay Dubai for 4 nights . I confirmed with Emirates airline and they said that EU and UK Residence holders are able to apply VoA Dubai. Did any one already tried doing this with EU Residence permit.
Regards
Deepak
This is an additional comment on the subject and not related to your post. I am right now in Dubai, where I broke my journey to India from United States. After getting down from the Emirates aircraft, I had to get down to the ground floor and take a train to another terminal. There are frequent trains that are free and not crowded. We had to get down at the very next stop. After getting out of the train, first go to the right to a well marked current exchange count and get foreign exchange of 120 AED i.e. Dirhams per head. This is required for the visa processing. The Nathan’s counter DOES NOT ACCEPT DOLLARS OR ANY OTHER CURRENCY. Next go to the opposite side to the Marhaba counter i.e. on the left side after getting out of the train. Here, u can show your passport and US visa. After giving your flight number and posing the visa fee of 120 AED per head, a visa will be issued to you. After getting the visa go to the visa on arrival counters and join any queue to get your visa stamped.
On passing through the counter, you can proceed to collect your baggage. The baggage belt is shown on the TV display board against each flight number. So, retain your boarding pass just to remember your flight number.
Thank you for the information Arun.
Since you have alredy travelled recently, I’m asking my doubts again.
I’m travelling to Dubai this November. I’m holding a US B1/B2 visa and planning to get a VOA however my husband is getting a prior visa. Do you think I would be able to acquire my VOA smoothly???
Will they have any restrictions??
Another doubt… do I have to get any prior approvals for acquiring the VOA?
Thank you
No prior approval & your husband having a prior visa doesn’t create a problem
Hi
Thanks for the detailed post.
Couple of questions ( to all who have gotten VOA at Dubai):
1 Could you elaborate on Nathan’s Counter (couldn’t you have done it with Marhaba)
2 the original post says one can pay cash or card, but your post suggests one cannot do Card. Have things changed?
Thanks
1. You’ve to use Marhaba counter.
2. They accept AED and all major cards.
Hi,
i am travelling to Dubai in November’18 and am currently holding a US B1 B2 visa. Can i apply a visa on arrival. Do i need to make prior approvals for acquiring the visa on arrival?
You can apply on landing. No approvals.
Just want to thank you for making these clarifications.
im travelling with 2 other people and they don’t have US visa. They are applying online….so im a little petrified of what if i don’t get it on arrival. Do they give these VOAs for all or do they have some restrictions??
I don’t think there are any restrictions. We traveled last year. Just headed over to the Marhaba counter and they checked our passports and issued the visas on payment. That’s it. Nothing more to it. We were worried too. But, don’t worry. In case your US Visa is in an older passport, carry that along too.
Thank you so much
i am doing this as my routine travel to dubai bi-weekly.
So No worries, I am travelling today as well.
Will post you if they are not allowing me in
Thank you so much
Hi. I have a valid US visa on my Indian passport and have to enter Dubai twice in 2 days. Once for a 10 hour layover and then second time for a period of 5 days. Is it possible to do that on the basis of the US visa? I hope the second time entry will not be a problem. Please could you help respond swiftly?
Hi Sam,
Can you share your experience on getting the 2nd VOA within a period of 5 days? Did you face any issues/questions? Did you pa 120 AED each for the first and second VOA
Thanks,
As someone who has done this on multiple times there are no issues with this.
Thanks Venkatesh. In this situation (getting 2nd VOA within week’s time), do you pay 120 AED the second time or 250AED.
The reason I ask is this – the VOA for 14 days in 120 AED and the extension os 250 AED according to this page https://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/visas-passports/non-us-citizens
In my case, I will be entering Dubai on 15 Nov (the 1st VOA will be valid till 29th Nov), However, I am exitting UAE on 22nd Nov and re-entering UAE on 25th Nov. So I am not sure if my 1st VOA will be cancelled when I exit UAE on 22nd Nov
Thanks in advance
Hi Venkatesh
Is the fee of Rs.120 AED mandatory on Arrival in Dubai with a valid US Visa ?
@Geetha, yes there is.
Hello Venkateh,
My son is studying on H1B (study) visa in US and Indian passport holder. we planning a trip to Dubai during december 2018. Will my son be eligible for getting VOA at Dubai?? Thanks
Yes he is eligible for VoA.
You must need a confirmed outbound or return ticket to avail VoA ?
Yes. The airlines need it more than the immigration guys.
My VOA is taken by immigration officer hope I will not have an issue while return. Kindly suggest.
Shouldn’t be an issue at all.
Hello,
I have Indian Passport with b1/b2 US visa stamped. My wife and 3 year old kid also have b1/b2 us visa on their indian passport. I am going to avail VOA on 18 Oct for my travel from Kochi to Dubai. I will be going for 5 days with my family for tourism.
Is there a requirement to have USD1500 equivalent amount in bank?
I already have return tickets and hotel booking. What all will Indian immigration officer will check?
Thanks!
Shashank how was your expierence on VOA, my wife and 5 yr old have US B1 B2 visa on thier passports. Looking above all expierence planning for VOA for them, while I’m on evisa. Any worries or issues faced by you or for me to keep in mind
Hello,
I will be travelling to Mumbai via Dubai from US. I will need to pick up by baggage at Dubai and re checkin with the other airline as I have separate tickets.
My H1B US Visa got expired but, I have an approved I797 extension for the next 3 years and, will be getting it stamped this time in India. If I show my passport and, the approved I797 extension will I be able to get the Visa on arrival at Dubai for Indians. Please kindly let me now.
No, i797 does not work. (They don’t know what a i797 approval is)
Only a 6month+ valid US visa stamp in the passport is accepted.
Technically, if they don’t see a valid US visa stamp in your passport, they can deny you to board in the US if you’re getting off at Dubai.
If you’re flying through Emirates, you can apply for a 96 hour visa through Emirates under Manage Booking.
Can payment be done in USD?
Not USD in cash but I paid 121 AED with my US Credit card. (They accept AMEX as well)
Sir ,how about EU resident visa holder ? I would like to stay Dubai for 2 nights .VoA only US visa holder? I heard that EU and UK visa holders are able to apply VoA Dubai
Hi Sajeev,
Even i am in the same Situation.
Did you got any concrete answer on this. I cheked with emirates and they said yes you can get VoA. But still i want to confirm it. Lets keep updated if we find any concrete answers.
Regard’s
Deepak
Thanks so much for the info that Indians with u.s. visa can get dubai visa on arrival..it’s NOWHERE written or advertised otherwise..I hope the rule is still valid on October 2018? Pls. Confirm
Thanks
Hi,
Are there any conditions around getting the visa on arrival for Indians? For example, do you have to fly to Dubai via Emirates or fly directly from India?
I am currently on a work assignment in Addis and will be flying to Dubai from Addis via Ethiopian airlines in December, so want to know if it’s still possible to get the VoA. I have the relevant US Visas valid for 10 years.
Thank you!
There is no necessity you’ve to arrive in Dubai via Emirates.
Hi, I am living in Brasil and i have a B1/B2 visa for 10 years but i never entered in USA.
Now i am planing to go to india and on my return i would like to spend 3 days in Duabi.
Is there any issue to get VoA in Dubai even though i never entered in USA???
No issues.
Hi venkatesh,
Just a quick question, is the voa facility for Indian with (b1/b2) available if travel by road from Oman to UAE?
Regards,
Prafull
I think it shouldn’t be a problem. As the circular has gone to all border points as per this article – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visa-and-immigration/dubai-activates-visa-on-arrival-facility-for-indians-holding-a-valid-us-visa/articleshow/58482908.cms
Could anyone let me know what is the procedure to get VOA at Sharjah for Indians with US B1/B2 visa
Go via Hala in place of Marhaba.
hi Venkatesh, are you sure about this ?
have used Marhaba counter at Dubai, but couldnt find anything about VoA at Sharjah airport
hi can you elaborate on your experience if you already traveled through sharjah?
Hi Kaushik
Did you avail VOA at Sharjah – if so could you share your experience. Thanks
Hi
I have a question – can you get 2 different VOA in UAE.
To elaborate, I plan to visit Dubai between 15th Oct and 1st Nov with a short 4 day roundtrip (Dubai to Europe) in between. Can I get a VOA on 15th Oct and then one more VOA on 25th Oct
Are there any such restrictions.
Thanks in advance
Yeah you can do it. No issues.
Hi venkatesh,
Just a quick question, is the voa facility available if travel by road from Oman to UAE?
Hi AV. Were you able to get the VoA twice? I am in a similar situation with my travel starting tomorrow.
Sam
My travel got pushed back and I am travelling only by 20 Nov now – will update by then.
Hopefully you can update your experience as you would have completed your travel by then
Hi need a quick help.. can any category of US visa in an Indian passport get a Visa on Arrival in Dubai.
visa valid for 5 years and passport valid for 7 yrs,
If you’ve a B1 visa or a resident visa of any type, you’re eligible. Not sure about the C1 visa though.
Wanted to clarify something confusing… my old US visa has only my single name And then FNU. On my New passport I have my full name which is slightly different from the old passport name . Is the US visa valid and will I get VOA without any hassle ?
My Wife has US Visa issued on her maiden name and now she has new passport with post marriage name. Will she eligible for VoA, if we carry both original passport?
That isn’t a problem as long as you’re carrying both passport & also carry a copy of your marriage certificate if they ask.
Hi All
Does one have to have a hotel confirmation for VOA?
Thanks
No.
Hi, I am planning for a family holiday to Dubai and Abu dhabi in Dec 2018. I am booked on Oman Airways. Wife and Myself have a valid B1/B2 visa stamped on our passport, however, our infant baby do not have a US visa yet. Do I need to apply for her UAE visa before travel or, will they allow infant on VOA, in case both parents have valid US visas? Do you know where can I confirm this information. Thanks & regards,
There is an online chat facility for dnrd.ae – Dubai Naturalization & Residency Department, they can answer this query or you could call them during regular working hours in Dubai.
Thank you.
Hi Gaurav,
Were you able to get any information from the DNRD? The chat facility is not working for me, hence checking. I am also planning to travel with an infant, he doesnot have a US Visa yet while myself and my husband have a valid visa.
Hi, this facility isnt working for me. I tried calling the consulate in India but no luck. Did you, by any chance, get any further information on this? I am planning a vacation with my infant, and both parents have valid US visas but the infant doesnot have a US visa.
Try using the international toll free facility of Dubai Immigration called AMER – Toll Free (Int.): +971 4 313 9999
I’ve not used it so if this works, please update, so others can also be aware.
A suggestion would be to obtain a US Visa also for your child by way of drop box with the US Embassy. I just did the same for both my daughters and they got a 10 year visa. A US Visa generally helps at a lot of places.
hi, i am planning to travel to dubai for around 20 days. i have US visa with the validity of 10 yrs. i want to ask whether i have to come back after 14 days to airport to renew my uae visa or i can do that at the time of visa on arrival for 14 days?
thanks!
Hi,
I am told now they have changed the rules and only if you have resident US visa they allow VoA and B1 US Visa is not valid for it? ANy info you have on it?
Who told you this – a friend or an agent?
Is this really the case? Do we know this from somewhere else?
Don’t see any change in the policy on Emirates.com/in
I just confirmed from Emirates that a B1 visa is perfectly OK
I have my B1 in my old passport which is out of pages now and I am now travelling with a new passport. Do you think this would be a problem with the Visa on Arrival?
Do you know how many times a year we can get VoA based on the B1? Are there limitations?
If it’s in an another passport, both the passports are needed in original. There are no limitations on the number of times you enter UAE under the scheme.
Awesome, thanks.
Hi All ,
I have a vaild us visit visa of 10 yrs validity.
Can I get Visa on arrival for Dubai .
Kindly suggest
Yes US B1/B2 visa qualified for visa on arrival in UAE.
hi I am visting dubai next week with a valid us visa do i need ok to board for VOA.
Please help
No. There is no need for ok to board.
Hey, Thank you for the post. great article. Did they ask any other document besides ur passport
Nopes just passport with the visa on it. If it’s in an another passport, both the passports are needed in original.
I have a B1/B2 visa valid till 2020 but my passport is expired, is this valid for VoA. PS: will carry my renewed passport as well.
Yes that is not an issue at all. My US visa on an expired passport as well.
Your post was helpful, what about the baggage collection?
You collect baggage as normal after clearing immigration.
Hello guys..
Has someone availed the voa facility on the basis of having C1D category US visa on am Indian passport?
Does the VOA takes 2-3 hrs in Dubai Airport.. Does any one has any experience of that.
One of the Travel agent told me… it probably wrong information so want to confirm if anyone has experianced it.
@anil, it takes 20 minutes. Also, the travel agent was perhaps trying to get you to shell out 6500 rupees for their service vs 120 dirham which you pay for Visa on Arrival
Not at all. I’ve never seen huge queues at both Terminal 1 and 3. Don’t know about Terminal 2. Haven’t used it personally. Maybe he meant immigration queues which are long regardless of whether VoA or paper visa.
hi bro.i am transit in dubai.i have usa visa.my transit time if 6 hours. can i just go out ny getting visa on arrival?
Yes you can.
I am Indian Passport holder. I have valid B1/B2 USA visa. I am planning to stay in Dubai while coming back from USA to India (I am flying through Emirates and taken 7 days hault at Dubai).
I want to know if I can avail visa on arrival at Dubai while travelling from USA? Or Visa on arrival only from passengers coming from India to Dubai?
Also what is the current rate for on arrival Visa?
Thanks,
Saurabh
Any comments please?
You can VoA either route. That is halt 7 days on your onward leg & 7 days on your return leg.
It costs 121 AED incl of Marhaba service fee + 5% VAT.
Hi – Is this Visa on Arrival Single Entry or Multiple Entry ? I am there for 14 days but may need to go outside UAE for a few days during that time. Will I have to pay visa fee again when I return back to Dubai within the 14 day validity period ?
Single entry.
Hey the visa provided on VOA, Is it multiple entry or a single entry visa for 14 days?
What about without US visa? I have a student visa from Australia, does that count? I am an Indian. How does that work? I am going there for 10 days and staying with a friend. I am confused as to apply for a visa online or do VoA. I don’t want to get stuck there.
@Esha, it’s already written which Visa’s work. if you don’t have one of those you apply through standard channels
will this counter be open 24*7?
Yes it is open 24×7
@All – Please note post the introduction of 5% VAT, the Marhaba service fee is 21 so total cost is 121AED. Saw a lot of people struggle with having no change when handing over cash.
i am really very glad to know this information. just best of luck
what meharba has to do with it?do they ask you to pay extra for their meet and greet service?2 95.5 aed extra(minimum) mandatorily ?
poonam tiwari
The Meet & Greet service isn’t included in the 21 AED fee they charge alongwth 100 for the visa.
Hi, everyone talks about the extension, but I really want to know how the extension can be done.
I’ve used the 14 day VOA twice, but this time, I plan to stay for 24-28 days.
I tried looking up the information and I even asked the Marhaba counter last visit but they didn’t have the exact information. They just said it can be done, they didn’t know how.
1) Where do I file this extension? Which Office? Or Online?
2) Do I really get those 10 days grace period after 14 days, and then renew for 4 days (to make it a total of 28 days)? (this was told to me by a random guy at the visa office at the airport)
3) All the posts say AED 250 for extension, but when I asked the same visa office above, they said AED 500 to extend.
For extension, you can go to General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs office on Terminal 3, Arrivals section of the Dubai Airport. You can go on the second last or the last day of visa expiry i.e 13th or 14th day (That’s what the immigration officer told me while entering)
I went there for an extension but they advised me that there is a 10 day grace period post 14 days, so I would not need to extend or pay for extension, since I needed to stay for total 21 days.
Only if you need to stay more than 14+10 = 24 days, you need to pay for extension.
So if one were to enter dubai on the 4th of September on 14 day visa on arrival they would be able to leave dubai on the 27th without having to pay any extra fees or fines? Is this a firm rule or is this one of those things where it depends on the mood of the immigration officer.
Hi Sir,
Is the grace period of 10 days still available after 14 days?
My daughter got 14 days VOA on 09 Nov, but she is going back on 25 Nov after 17 days. Nobody is confirming it & it is causing us anxiety. Please share recent experience.
And how much would it cost for extension & where to go?
One can stay in UAE for 14+10 days on Visa on arrival – confirmed today from Passport Control Customer Care at Arrivals of Terminal 3 of Dubai Airport, without taking any extension.
This info is not available anywhere else, even on Tollfree number of Immigration Department.
i have a valid c1d US visa on my indian passport, am i eligible for visa on arrival in abudhabi?
and do i need to have a return ticket to show; just in case?
Hi,
Whats the Dubai VoA fees for 28 days. Is it 250 AED in total or 100 AED (14 days) + 250 AED (additional 14 days) = 350 AED.
Regards,
Sandeep
Sandeep – It’s a 100 + 250 = 350 deal. As you’ve to file for visa extension.
I have entered Abu Dhabi with visa on arrival which is valid for 14 days. Can I extend the days for another 10 days? When contacted the immigration, they say its automatically eligible for 10 days more stay after the 14 days. Can you please confirm this?
Yes, total permitted days is 28, so they give you 14 days initially and then another 14 days as an one time extension.
How much time it tool to avail the visa …Are there long queues.
For VOA eligibility, does it matter what type of US visa you have? DO they accept H1B US visa? Do you need to have return ticket or onward flight ticket for them to give you the entry to UAE based on VOA?
Yes to all 3 counts.
I got a C1D visa. Can I get a visa on arrival for dubai
I have a L2 visa and planning to travel to Dubai from India in July. Is L2 visa eligible for VOA ? I have a valid L2 visa for 4yrs more.
Yes it is valid.
Thanks. I have only one doubt if airlines will allow for visa on arrival from India or it is only for people entering UAE directly from US?
@Kunju visa on arrival from India
Hi Ajay,
I have a B1/ B2 Valid USA Visa, but I have not travelled as yet. Do I still get Dubai 14 day Visa.
I plan to go very soon to Dubai..
Do I need photos on Visa on arrival in UAE
@Amit, no. just your passport with a valid USA visa.
Yes you can. I came to Dubai from India on 15th July with a B1/B2 USA Visa
Hi Ajay,
This might sound a dumb Question . My B1/B2 is in my old passport. Which has expired. I have already got a new passport on which I have already travelled to US and Europe. So do they consider this . Also the fees in the pic was shown 100 Dh whereas u were charged 120.
@Abhi, carry both the passports and you are set. The 20 DHS is a service fee
No problem just Carry both passports,as long as Ur b1/b2 visa has 6 months validity,my parents had the same issue,visa on expired passport,no issues whatsoever
And the fee is 120dh,I was charged 121dh(with tax I guess)
yes they do carry both passports i have traveled
Is VoA for US B1/ B2 visa holders possible at Sharjah Airport – flying on Air Arabia?
I have a valid C1/D visa which is required for a crew of airlines or ship joining in US,am i eligible for VOA at UAE
Hello did u get through wit a c1d visa
Hi can you tell me that once I took this VOA after exit to other country,while return transit to Abudhabi is it possible to take this once again with 120aed.
I am an Indian having us visaB1 /B2 for 10 years.on my trip to US I want to avail voi on onward journey for 14 days and 14 days voi on my return after 15 days and how much I will have to pay for this
Hi,
I have a valid US visa but my wife/kid does not. Can we go for VOA?
@Aashish they won’t get VoA
Their website (UAE) states that the US visa must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter. That causes me to worry because I will be filing for an H1B extension by April 1 and while I enter Dubai, around April 20, my USA visa would only be valid for around 5 months. Will this cause an issue? That should have been specified in the website. I seem to have no other alternative as the UAE consulate in USA doesn’t accept the visa application as I am Indian and have VOA eligibility. Does anyone know what would happen in this case?
@Zimba you should get a Visa before arriving. You can apply online for a UAE visa and get it rather than a physical application.
You are not eligible for VOA. Your US visa affixed on passport should have min 6 months validity on the date of arrival no matter you have applied for renewal or filing for HIB extension etc.. These are not consideration for UAE Immigration people.
Thanks
Thank you for posting your experience online and it was helpful. Sharing my parents experience at Sharjah airport on 18 Mar 2018. Both are having vaid B1/B2 visas. Process was smooth process took only 10-15 min. Total cost for the two visas was 210 AED. Only passport required for the visa.
Did they need to submit any documents online (passport copy, photo etc.) before departure to be eligible for VoA? Or you don’t need any of this and you can simply land in Dubai and get the VoA as mentioned in this article without any initial online application?
@Sid, its Visa on Arrival, which means you arrive, you show your eligibility, you pay and you get your visa. as simple as that!
@Ganesh – Do your parents have ECNR or ECR on their passport?
Dear Ajay,
Thanks for sharing your experience, i would like to know, i am pakistani passport holder and currently carrying B1/B2 multiple visa for next 5yrs, so am i eligible for visa on arrival, as it is quite annoying to apply online and then wait for almost 2 to 3 days to get the visa. So my question is, is it applicable for pakistani passport holders or can you refer me to an appropriate place where i can find out the same.
Thanks once again.
@Rehman This is only applicable for Indian passport holders as you would have seen in the pictures above.
Quick question – is the VOA multi entry or single? I have to briefly travel to Kuwait in between my 2 days of stay in Dubai
I have a US visit visa and I got VOA at Dubai for 9 days visit in January 2018. A very hassle free experience indeed.
My wife and I are traveling on the same PNR to dubai. While I am eligible for VOA, she is not. Can I alone take VOA while she applied for a visa in Delhi before hand?
Yes I had the same situation,I took VOA ,where as she took visa beforehand,she waited for me near marhaba counter,and later we both went thru immigration together
This is experience from today
Hi Nikhilesh,
What is the cost of VOA? an agent tells me its 250AED whereas above its mentioned at 120AED.
Also, do they accept forex card for payment.
@Hilo, you shouldn’t trust an agent because they are trying to line up their pockets by getting you to apply for a Visa before departure. The visa costs 120 Dirham in Dubai, but I’ve heard only 100 Dirham if you arrive in Abu Dhabi
Thank you for the reply. We are arriving at Dubai so I guess its 120 AED only not 250 AED
What are the documents needed for visa on arrival, do we need to carry photographs?
@JL you just need an existing USA visa which is valid for the moment
Just the valid US visa, they will take your picture with the camera fixed at the immigration counter.
Enjoy Dubai!
It’s 121 AED I guess,3 of us were charged 363 AED,though I offered them cash,they had no change,so used my credit card,guess they allow forex card too,but cant confirm
1 AED for VAT
Thank you for the reply
Hi Ajay
Few queries in case you can help:
1> Me n wife already applied for visa online as a ‘family’. I have received my visa recently but my wife hasn’t. Our journey is 5 days away. So in case the visa does not arrive before travel date, can I go ahead and get her VOA done? Is it possible to get VOA when your application is still under process?
2> Will Indigo allow to board her without a valid visa? Although the ticket is under same PNR.
It has been 16 days now since we applied and still the visa is not yet done. I don’t know why people say that UAE visa gets done in 3-4 days.
Thanks in advance
Roy
@Roy Indigo should not have a problem as long as your wife holds a valid US Visa. As for VOA in Dubai, I didn’t notice Marhaba staff verify anything on their systems. All they wanted was a Green card or a valid US Visa. But best to double check.
Hi,
Can payment for visa be done in INR?
If no cash is allowed, will an Indian bank debit card work?
@Praful payment only in Dirhams. You can pay via your debit card as long as it is Internationally accepted.
Hi what abt this “ok to board approval” for visa on arrival travellers? Airlines used to ask for return tickets and visa copy earlier,that process is done with?
Did you get answer for ok to board in case of voa? I think it is not needed but I need to be sure before travelling.
Yes, ok to board is not needed for ppl planning to use the Voa facility,Emirates confirmed this
My wife has a valid B1/B2 visa but she has not travelled to the US. IS SHE ELIGIBLE FOR VISA ON ARRIVAL.
Most likely yes. I didn’t see them checking the US entry stamps.
@Ambuj, she indeed is.
hi ajay
my sister and niece are planning to visit Dubai next week (19 May – 27 May 2018). they both have a US visa (B1 / B2) issued two weeks ago. they have never travelled to the US. are they eligible to get a UAE visa on arrival?
Hi any problem,in case we have a valid US B1/B2 VISA on an older passport,and new passport with validity?
@nikhilesh same as me. No problem
Hi Ajay. Thanks for sharing your experience. Just a quick query, in my case i just have a valid USA visa, but have not actually travelled to USA. Does it make any difference for VOA, since it was mentioned on the pic of board that it is for USA entry visa etc.
Thanks in advance.
@Siddharth, you need to have a valid visa, not using it is not a problem
No. You need to carry both the original passports and submit it at the immigration counter.
Ajay, I had similar experience to yours. Got a quick Dubai VoA by paying AED 200 due to having a valid US visa on my passport.
I find the process in Qatar to be faster and cheaper. Just head on up to an immigration officer on arrival, present your Indian passport, get your photos and iris scan taken and you’re welcome to Qatar.
Oh, I didn’t forget to mention how much it costs, there is simply No charge. Yup, visa cost is 0.
I think, making passengers use marhaba is quite sneaky on the part of Dubai. For those who don’t know, Marhaba is an Emirates group company.
@Venkatesh but Qatar does not allow you to enter Dubai, right?
Qatar and UAE are two different countries, engaged in a silly dispute. I didn’t mean Qatar as in Qatar Airways (QR).
My point was that the process in the country of Qatar is much easier, simpler and faster than in UAE.
Another additional point I want to add is the usage of Marhaba, making the passenger pay 20Dhs extra to Emirates group, whereas in AUH you can make the payment directly at the immigration counter with a Visa/Master/Amex/JCB/CUP
@Venkatesh I don’t know why you are taking offence to that? If someone has to go to Dubai, that is their only option to pay 120 Dirham for VoA or 5K upwards for a pre-approved Visa. If you go to Abu Dhabi and then come to Dubai to save the 20 AUH you’d spend a lot more time and money travelling as well, right? No one is skimming you, that is just the way Dubai decided to do things.
I never said they were skimming, I just said this is the sneaky way Dubai is making money on top of a Federal administered fee, by packaging it as a service; despite the customer not having a choice, like you aptly pointed out.
And, this thing only applies to those who have an US visa, a majority of visitors to Dubai, do not have this. Thereby, this is a very limited service catering to a very small percentage of Indian population that visits Dubai.
Hello Venkatesh,
Have a B1/B2 USA visa , travelling from Canada to visit parents in Dubai arriving on 27th Nov and returning on 12th Dec, but days calculate to 15 will I have to pay fine and fee of one overstay or does it make sense to get an extension of 28 days or pay the 100 aed fine
Thanks
15 days shouldn’t be a problem.
I have personally traveled twice for 15 and 16 days with my VOA with no fine or issues at all.
The first time I was concerned and went to renew it right at the airport, and one of the guys explained to me that after the 14th day, there’s a grace period of 10 days for all VOA, and the renewal will give you 14-10=4 days (which is still 14+14=28 days).
Did you need to submit any documentation online to receive the VoA for Qatar? Or you simply landed there without any prior online documentation process and got the VoA on the spot?
I just showed up with my passport and no fees to be paid or anything, just they take your picture and stamp the visa and let you in, and for free. It’s visa free entry not visa on arrival for a fee.
@Venkatesh, were you there for less than 48 hours? This is new. Could you drop me an email on how this worked for you?
It’s actually a multiple entry visa. The visa is valid for total of 30 days, that is you can exit and come back on the same visa within the 30 day period. You can see this link:
https://www.qatarairways.com/en-ir/visa-free-arrival.html
I can explain in more detail via email, I don’t have your email address, can you drop me a mail to venkatesh.sridhar@gmail.com
I don’t have your email address, can you drop me a test mail – venkatesh.sridhar@gmail.com
@Venkatesh you have clearly confused Dubai (UAE) with Doha (Qatar). Doha has a visa free arrival. Dubai still needs a Visa, which is granted on Arrival.
@Ajay
Nopes, I’ve not confused DXB with DOH.
I was replying to Sid’s question about
Qatar.
@Venkatesh, my bad. I was looking at the moderation panel and did not spot the full thread
Similarly, Abu Dhabi Airport now provides 4 day visa on arrival to all nationalities for 300 AED, no other visa required.
http://gulfbusiness.com/abu-dhabi-launches-new-visa-arrival-process/
In fact, better to apply for US Visa than to take a paper visa to UAE now.
That’s what I did for my family for my upcoming trip to Abu Dhabi.
Cost for 3 US Visa was almost the same as cost for 4 paper visa to Abu Dhabi and you save on the hassles too.
Will also help that they now have US visa already for any future trip for us.
I used the US visa also to get in Singapore & Philippines and didn’t pay anything at all. These two along with Dubai visa cost has already more than paid for my US visa and this is ignoring my yearly USA trip.
Did you use a B1/B2 to enter Singapore or a US work visa (H1/L1)?
Hi Ajay,
I used the VoA service at Abu Dhabi airport. It was done at immigration desk itself and the official asked me to pay 100AED in card transaction (no cash allowed, as per him). It does take time though, similar to your experience but convenient for sure.
Cheers!
Happy to see its an easy process… going to try it myself dis wednesday…