Travel to India Made Easier for UAE Nationals with Expanded Access at Nine Airports

Published on November 24, 2025

In a move set to enhance travel convenience and business opportunities, India has expanded its visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision to extend VoA coverage will likely result in an uptick in both leisure and business travel from the UAE to India, benefiting the tourism sector and Indian businesses.

Simplifying the Visa Process for UAE Travellers

This move means that UAE citizens no longer need to go through the lengthy process of applying for a visa in advance for short stays. Instead, they can now complete the visa formalities upon arrival, provided they meet the necessary criteria. This shift aligns with India’s goal of promoting tourism and strengthening international relationships with countries like the UAE.

Impact on UAE Nationals and India’s Tourism Sector

For UAE nationals, the expansion of the VoA facility means more flexibility when planning trips to India. Tourists seeking to explore India’s rich cultural heritage or business professionals attending meetings or conferences will benefit from quicker, hassle-free entry. With the introduction of more airports facilitating VoA, visitors can access these destinations more easily, making India an even more attractive option for short getaways. With a simplified visa process, more UAE citizens will be able to enjoy India’s tourist offerings, whether it’s for a leisure trip or for exploring the burgeoning medical tourism sector.

Strengthening Business and Investment Opportunities

Apart from tourism, the visa-on-arrival expansion also has significant implications for business relations between India and the UAE. With shorter business trips and easier entry to the country, the VoA policy will facilitate more frequent business exchanges. The new VoA facility will reduce administrative delays for business travellers and executives, ensuring smoother operations for these companies as they continue to strengthen their presence in the Indian market.

India’s ease of access will also attract more investment from the UAE, encouraging further economic collaborations. By simplifying travel for professionals, India is positioning itself as a more accessible hub for business and innovation. This is particularly important as both nations seek to enhance bilateral economic growth, with the VoA facility contributing to a climate of business-friendly policies that benefit corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.

A Strategic Step in India-UAE Relations

The expansion of the visa-on-arrival facility for UAE nationals is also a reflection of the broader diplomatic and strategic relations between India and the UAE. By simplifying travel between the two countries, India and the UAE are not only boosting tourism and business but are also fostering deeper cultural understanding and collaboration.

With easier access, it is expected that more UAE citizens will travel to India for short trips, whether to explore the country’s diverse regions or to collaborate on business ventures. This will result in increased air traffic, greater tourism, and an overall positive economic impact. India’s tourism industry, which already attracts millions of visitors every year, is likely to see even higher numbers of tourists coming from the UAE, eager to experience India’s hospitality, culture, and rich heritage.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Both India and UAE
India’s expansion of the visa-on-arrival facility to UAE nationals is a positive step for both countries, simplifying travel processes and strengthening ties between them. For UAE nationals, it offers greater ease of access to one of the world’s most diverse and culturally rich countries. For India, it represents an opportunity to increase inbound travel and foreign investment, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.