UAE visa pre-approval simplified: Options for Indian travelers explained

If you're an Indian who has plans to travel to the UAE, having a permanent resident card (green card) from the US or a residence visa from the United Kingdom or any European Union country enables you to obtain a 14-day entry visa upon arrival in the UAE.

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), Dubai's immigration authority, offers a service that allows you to request pre-approval for this visa, facilitating your immigration procedures upon arrival in the UAE.

However, a few airlines, such as IndiGo and Oman Air, have advised that even with a valid USA visa, all Indians need to apply online for a UAE visa to enter, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism said in a statement.


It also added that this is not the case with Emirates, but a few other carriers.

Here’s how you can avail this service:
A 14-day visa on arrival is available to Indian citizens holding a normal passport and also one of the following:

• A visit visa issued by the US, a green card issued by the US
• A residence visa issued by the UK
• A residence visa issued by the EU, provided that the visa or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the UAE, says a Gulf News report.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.

How to apply for pre-approval of visa on arrival

Option 1: Do it yourself

1. Go to the GDRFAD website at gdrfad.gov.ae and sign in using your UAE Pass or online account details.
2. Click on "All services" and then choose "Port services".
3. Select "Issuing visa via land, seaport, or airport" and then choose "Visa on arrival for citizens of India residing in (America, Britain, and European Union countries)".
4. Complete the form with your personal information and trip details, such as your accommodation details.
5. Choose the type of visa you have, such as EU residency or US green card.
6. Attach the necessary documents to support your application, including copies of your passport and visa.
7. Pay the application fee and submit your request.

According to the GDRFAD website, the pre-approval process can take up to 48 hours, and when the visa is approved, you will receive an online copy on your registered email address.

Option 2: Applying through an agency
If you don't possess a UAE Pass or an online GDRFAD account, you have the option to engage a registered travel and tourism agency in the UAE to handle your visa application.

In these instances, you'll be required to furnish the necessary documents to the travel agent and cover the visa fees along with any service charges levied by the agency.

Option 3: Pre-approval for Emirates passengers
If you're travelling with Emirates Airlines, you have access to their pre-approved visa-on-arrival service, which was introduced earlier in the current year.

Documents needed:
1. A valid passport or travel document to enter the country
2. Permanent residence card (green card) issued by the US or a residence visa issued by UK or European Union countries.
3. Personal photo (white background).