India Unveils Major Expansion Of Visa-on-Arrival Program For UAE Nationals, Now Accessible At Cochin, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, And Other Key Airports

Published on November 20, 2025

India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) program for UAE nationals, now available at nine major airports including Cochin, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, to simplify travel and enhance bilateral ties. This expansion comes in response to the growing number of UAE visitors and aims to make travel between the two countries more seamless by allowing unlimited visits each year. By broadening access to key airports, India seeks to facilitate easier and more frequent travel for UAE nationals, aligning with its efforts to streamline entry processes and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations.

India has recently expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) program for citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), now allowing travelers from the UAE to use the facility at nine international airports. This development enables UAE nationals to make unlimited visits to India each year, simplifying the process for frequent travelers while enhancing the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

The updated VoA system is now available at several major airports across India, including Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad, in addition to the existing airports in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Kochi. By expanding the number of locations where the VoA can be accessed, the Indian government aims to better serve the increasing number of visitors from the UAE. This move is part of India’s broader effort to streamline its visa application process, making travel easier and more convenient for foreign nationals, especially those coming from neighboring regions like the UAE.

Under the revised program, the VoA remains accessible only to UAE passport holders who have previously obtained an Indian e-Visa or a regular visa. This update ensures that UAE nationals who already have experience traveling to India can take advantage of the VoA for subsequent visits. However, the facility is not available to those UAE nationals—or their parents or grandparents—who were born in Pakistan or have permanent residency there. For these travelers, the standard visa application process through India’s diplomatic missions in the UAE remains the only option.

The change is designed to meet the needs of a growing number of tourists and business travelers from the UAE, who have shown increasing interest in visiting India in recent years. With the UAE being one of India’s key trading and diplomatic partners, this expansion of the VoA service is expected to further boost tourism and foster stronger economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries. By removing the need for travelers to apply for a traditional visa for each visit, India aims to enhance accessibility and encourage repeat visits from UAE citizens.

First-time visitors from the UAE, however, are advised to apply for an e-Visa or a regular visa before utilizing the VoA on future trips. The e-Visa or regular visa will serve as the initial entry document, after which travelers can apply for the VoA for subsequent visits. This policy ensures that travelers are familiar with India’s immigration system before taking advantage of the streamlined VoA process.

The VoA facility permits visitors to stay in India for up to 60 days, with the possibility of entering the country twice within that period if granted a double-entry visa. The visa applies to various purposes of travel, including tourism, business, medical treatment, and attending conferences. However, once issued, the VoA cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa, such as a long-term employment or student visa. This limitation ensures that travelers comply with India’s immigration laws and regulations while making the most of their stay.

To use the VoA, travelers need to meet certain requirements. They must present a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages for stamping. Additionally, they need to complete an application form, submit a disembarkation card, and provide recent passport-sized photographs. At the time of arrival, immigration officers may ask for proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and return or onward flight tickets. These measures are in place to ensure that visitors have a clear travel plan and sufficient resources to support themselves during their stay.

Applicants can submit their VoA application online in advance or complete the process upon arrival at the airport. The application process is designed to be efficient, with travelers able to complete most of the necessary steps before reaching their destination. The government charges a fee of ₹2,000 (or an equivalent amount in foreign currency) per traveler, including children. This fee is payable upon arrival at the airport or online when submitting the application.

With the expansion of the VoA program, India continues to prioritize ease of access for foreign visitors, particularly those from neighboring countries like the UAE. The expansion aligns with India’s larger tourism strategy, which aims to attract more international tourists while making travel to the country as convenient as possible. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the speed and efficiency of the visa application process, India seeks to become a more attractive destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

This move not only benefits the tourism sector but also strengthens India’s relationship with the UAE. As both countries continue to deepen their economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties, the expansion of the VoA program represents a significant step forward in making travel between the two nations more seamless and accessible. It reflects India’s commitment to fostering greater mobility, mutual understanding, and cooperation with one of its most important partners in the Gulf region.

India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) program for UAE nationals to nine major airports, including Cochin, Calicut, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, to simplify travel and strengthen bilateral ties. This move aims to accommodate the growing number of UAE visitors and make entry procedures more efficient.

In conclusion, the expansion of the Visa-on-Arrival program for UAE citizens marks a major advancement in simplifying travel between India and the UAE. With its wide accessibility at major airports across India and the flexibility it offers to frequent travelers, this initiative is set to bolster tourism, strengthen bilateral relations, and enhance the overall travel experience for UAE nationals visiting India.