India Visa for UAE Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to India from the UAE? This guide covers everything you need for the e-Tourist Visa application: required documents, current fees starting from $10, processing times of 72 hours, and what to expect. With an approval rate exceeding 95% for UAE applicants, the India e-visa process is streamlined and straightforward.

Visa Application process

The India e-Tourist Visa application is entirely online through the official government portal.1 The process is straightforward and can be completed in about 15-20 minutes.

Complete Online Application

Visit the official e-visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “e-Tourist Visa.”1 Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.1

Upload Required Documents

Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photograph.1 Both documents must meet the specified format and size requirements. Poor quality uploads are a common cause of rejection.3

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the applicable fee using a credit or debit card.1 Fees range from $10 to $80 depending on visa duration and season. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies.1

Receive Your ETA

Within 72 hours, you will receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.12 Print the ETA and carry it when traveling to India. Present it at immigration upon arrival along with your passport.1

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete Online Application
2. Upload Required Documents
3. Pay the Visa Fee
4. Receive Your ETA

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Duration	30-Day e-Tourist Visa: 30 days, double entry	1-Year e-Tourist Visa: 365 days, multiple entry	5-Year e-Tourist Visa: 5 years, multiple entry	All fees are subject to a 2.5% bank transaction charge.1 Fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.

What you need to prove

The e-Tourist Visa is intended for:

Tourism and sightseeing
Visiting friends and relatives
Short-term yoga programs
Short-duration medical treatment (separate e-Medical Visa also available)
Casual business visits

Required documents

Valid Passport
Passport Bio Page Scan
Digital Photograph
Valid Email Address
Payment Method
Travel Information
Reference in India

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India • At least two blank pages for visa stamp; • Must be an ordinary passport (diplomatic passports not eligible for e-visa); • Passport must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Ensure passport validity extends well beyond your intended stayKeep a scanned copy of your passport bio page ready for the online application)

Passport Bio Page Scan

Clear scanned image of your passport's biographical page • Format: PDF or JPEG; • File size: 10KB to 300KB; • All text must be clearly readable; • Photo on passport must be visible] (Tip: Use good lighting when scanning to ensure clarityAvoid shadows or glare on the passport page)

Digital Photograph

Recent passport-style photograph with white background • Format: JPEG; • Size: 10KB to 1MB; • Dimensions: Minimum 350x350 pixels; • White or light-colored background; • Face must occupy 50-60% of the photo; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: Remove glasses and head coverings unless for religious purposesEnsure neutral expression with mouth closed)

Valid Email Address

Active email address to receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) • Must be a valid, accessible email address; • ETA will be sent to this email; • Check spam folder if not received] (Tip: Use an email you check regularlyAdd indianvisaonline.gov.in to your safe senders list)

Payment Method

Credit or debit card for online fee payment • Visa, MasterCard, or other major cards accepted; • Payment wallets may also be available; • Additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies] (Tip: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactionsKeep payment confirmation for your records)

Travel Information

Details about your planned trip to India • Expected date of arrival in India; • Port of entry (must be one of 16 designated airports or 5 seaports); • Address of accommodation in India; • Return flight details (optional but recommended)] (Tip: You can enter India through any of the 16 designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and KolkataIf staying with friends or family, use their address)

Reference in India

Contact details of a reference person or hotel in India • Name and address of reference; • Can be a hotel, friend, or family member; • Phone number of reference] (Tip: If booking a hotel, use the hotel's contact detailsFor business visits, use your business contact in India)

Optional documents

UAE Residence Proof

Proof of legal residence in the UAE for non-UAE nationals • Valid UAE residence visa; • Emirates ID] (Tip: UAE nationals do not need additional residence documentsEnsure residence visa is valid for the duration of travel)

Border entry information

The e-Tourist Visa is valid for entry through specific ports only.15
Designated Airports (16):
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa (Dabolim), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi.1
Designated Seaports (5):
Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao (Goa), Chennai, and New Mangalore.1
You can exit India from any authorized Immigration Check Post.1

Alternative visa options

If you prefer or need a regular visa, you can apply through BLS International in the UAE.4

Comparison

Visa Type	Duration	Fee (July-March)	Fee (April-June)
30-Day e-Tourist Visa	30 days, double entry	$25	$10
1-Year e-Tourist Visa	365 days, multiple entry	$40	$40
5-Year e-Tourist Visa	5 years, multiple entry	$80	$80

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incorrect or Incomplete Information
25%	Poor Quality Document Uploads
20%	Passport Validity Issues
12%	Ineligible Passport Type
8%	Previous Immigration Violations

35% - Incorrect or Incomplete Information

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Ensure names, dates, and passport numbers are entered correctly without typos.

25% - Poor Quality Document Uploads

How to avoid: Use good lighting when scanning documents. Ensure the file meets size requirements (10KB-300KB for passport scan, 10KB-1MB for photo). Test readability before uploading.

20% - Passport Validity Issues

How to avoid: Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date and has at least 2 blank pages.

12% - Ineligible Passport Type

How to avoid: If you hold a non-ordinary passport, apply for a regular visa through the Indian Embassy or BLS International instead of the e-visa.

8% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: If you have previous violations, consider applying for a regular visa through the embassy where you can explain circumstances and provide additional documentation.

Frequently asked questions

How long does India e-visa processing take from the UAE?

The India e-visa is typically processed within 72 hours. Applications should be submitted at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. In rare cases, processing may take up to 5 working days.

What is the India e-visa fee for UAE residents in 2026?

The fee varies by visa duration: $10 for 30-day visa (April-June), $25 for 30-day visa (July-March), $40 for 1-year visa, and $80 for 5-year visa. An additional 2.5% bank transaction fee applies.

Can I apply for India visa on arrival from the UAE?

No, there is no visa on arrival for UAE residents traveling to India. You must apply for an e-visa online before travel. The e-visa process is straightforward and takes only 72 hours.

How long can I stay in India with a tourist e-visa?

The 30-day e-visa allows stays up to 30 days with double entry. The 1-year and 5-year e-visas allow multiple entries with a maximum continuous stay of 90 days per visit for most nationalities, and up to 180 days total in a calendar year.

Which airports in India accept e-visa entry?

You can enter through 16 designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Tiruchirapalli, and Varanasi. Five seaports also accept e-visa entry.

Do UAE nationals need a visa for India?

Yes, UAE nationals require a visa to visit India. The e-Tourist Visa is the most convenient option, available online with a high approval rate of over 95% for UAE applicants.

Can I extend my India e-visa?

No, the e-Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need to stay longer, you must exit India and apply for a new visa.

What if my India e-visa application is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues. Common rejection reasons include incorrect information, poor quality documents, or incomplete applications. Alternatively, you can apply for a regular visa through BLS International in the UAE.

Apply for India tourist visa online

Sources

Indian e-Visa Portal

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

https://www.indembassyuae.gov.in/e-tourist-visa.php

Consulate General of India, Dubai

https://www.cgidubai.gov.in/page/etourist-visa/

BLS International India Visa Services UAE

https://www.blsinternational.com/india/uae/visa/

Ministry of Home Affairs, India - e-Visa

https://www.mha.gov.in/en/commoncontent/e-visa

At a glance