Easing Travel for UAE Tourists: India’s Expanded Visa-on-Arrival Scheme

Published on November 24, 2025

India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme for citizens of the UAE, making it easier than ever for travelers to visit the country. This initiative aims to streamline the process, providing added convenience for those arriving from the UAE. The expansion, which includes new entry points and more flexible travel options, comes at a time when tourism between the two nations is on the rise.

Streamlining the Journey for UAE Travelers

Tourists traveling from the UAE to India now enjoy more options than ever before when it comes to arrival points. With the addition of new airports to the list of eligible entry locations, visitors have greater flexibility in their travel plans. The expanded scheme not only simplifies the entry process but also encourages frequent trips, whether for leisure, business, or medical purposes.

For UAE nationals, the Visa-on-Arrival program is now available at nine major international airports in India. This includes well-established hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as newly added airports like Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad. This broadens the opportunities for travelers to select their preferred entry points based on convenience, flight availability, or regional preferences.

Benefits for Tourists and Travelers

The introduction of these additional airports is part of a broader effort to boost tourism and facilitate smoother travel between India and the UAE. The decision is also driven by the growing demand from UAE citizens who frequently visit India. Whether it’s for a quick business trip, a family visit, or a cultural exploration, tourists can now enter India with greater ease.

Previously, travelers may have been limited in their choice of arrival locations, but this expansion opens up more routes for UAE nationals. By increasing the number of entry points, the scheme supports easier connections for those traveling from various parts of the UAE, ensuring a more streamlined process when arriving in India. With the flexibility to choose from more airports, tourists are likely to find a convenient and efficient way to enter the country.

Simplified Travel Procedures

One of the key advantages of the Visa-on-Arrival scheme is its simplicity. Travelers who meet the eligibility criteria can avoid the lengthy visa application process. All they need is a valid passport and a previous Indian e-Visa or regular visa to qualify. Once granted, the VoA allows a stay of up to 60 days, making it ideal for short-term tourism and business trips.

The VoA facility is available year-round, providing continuous access for travelers, without restrictions on annual usage. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for repeat visitors, as it allows them to bypass some of the more tedious steps typically involved in securing a visa. With no limit on the number of times they can use the service, tourists can plan multiple trips to India throughout the year, whether for leisure or to attend conferences, medical appointments, or business meetings.

Key Eligibility Requirements

While the Visa-on-Arrival scheme offers numerous advantages, it does have specific eligibility criteria. Only UAE nationals who have previously held an Indian e-Visa or paper visa are eligible for the VoA. This ensures that travelers who have visited India before can benefit from the expedited entry process.

However, there are some limitations. UAE nationals with Pakistani ancestry through their parents or grandparents are not eligible for the VoA and must apply for a regular visa through Indian missions in the UAE. This restriction ensures compliance with immigration regulations while maintaining the simplicity of the VoA for eligible travelers.

First-time visitors to India are encouraged to apply for an e-Visa or regular visa before using the VoA on subsequent visits. This approach ensures that all travel records are properly updated and verified, making it easier for both the traveler and immigration authorities to manage entries.

Purpose of the Visa-on-Arrival Scheme

The Visa-on-Arrival facility is designed to support various types of travel, including tourism, business, medical visits, and participation in conferences. With such a wide array of eligible purposes, travelers from the UAE have many reasons to take advantage of the scheme. Whether it’s exploring India’s rich cultural heritage, attending business meetings, or seeking medical treatment, the VoA makes it easier for UAE citizens to enjoy all that India has to offer.

The maximum duration of stay granted under the Visa-on-Arrival is 60 days. Tourists can enter India twice within that period, provided they are granted a double-entry visa. However, travelers should note that the visa cannot be extended or converted to a different type of visa. This ensures a clear and defined entry process, keeping it simple for both tourists and immigration authorities.

Encouraging Frequent Travel

One of the main benefits of this expanded Visa-on-Arrival scheme is the encouragement of frequent travel. With unlimited annual usage, travelers can take multiple trips to India, whether for personal reasons like family visits or for business purposes. This flexibility fosters closer connections between the two nations and boosts the flow of tourism and trade.

Given the close ties between the UAE and India, the expansion of the VoA facility aligns well with the growing number of UAE nationals visiting India each year. The addition of new airports and the removal of restrictions on annual usage serve to enhance mobility, making travel between the two countries more seamless.

Overview

India’s expanded Visa-on-Arrival scheme for UAE nationals is a significant step toward making travel easier and more convenient. With more entry points, simplified procedures, and greater flexibility for repeat visitors, the initiative is expected to bolster tourism and business exchanges between the two countries. As the number of UAE tourists visiting India continues to rise, this move reflects India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral travel ties and supporting a smoother travel experience.

Image Source: AI