Indian Visa from UAE

Exploring the vibrant tapestry of India has become more convenient for UAE residents, thanks to initiatives like the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility and the streamlined electronic visa system. This comprehensive guide offers a detailed insight into the visa application procedures, eligibility requirements, and vital information tailored for individuals from the UAE planning their Indian adventures.

Visa-on-Arrival for UAE Nationals

Eligibility Criteria

The Visa-on-Arrival Scheme extends to UAE nationals who have previously obtained e-Visas or regular/paper visas for India.

UAE nationals can avail the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility provided they meet the following criteria:

• Duration of Stay: The visit should not exceed 60 days and can be for purposes such as tourism, business, conferences, or medical treatment.
• Residential Status: Applicants must not hold residency or occupation in India.
• Passport Validity: The passport should have a validity of at least six months.
• Financial Proof: Travelers must demonstrate sufficient funds and possess a return or onward journey ticket.
• Government Clearance: Applicants should not be considered persona non-grata by the Indian Government or be deemed undesirable individuals.

Non-Eligibility

• First-time visitors from the UAE are encouraged to apply for e-Visas or regular/paper visas.
• Diplomatic/Official Passports: Holders of Diplomatic/Official passports are ineligible for the VoA facility.
• Conversion and Extension: The VoA cannot be extended or converted into any other visa category.
• The VoA is not available for individuals or their parents/grandparents born in or permanent residents of Pakistan. Such individuals must obtain an appropriate visa from an Indian Mission/Post.

Validity and Entries for Visa-on-Arrival

• Validity: The VoA is valid for a maximum of 60 days.
• Entries: Double entry is allowed within the validity period.
• Processing Time: 1-3 hours 

Designated Entry Points: UAE nationals can avail the VoA at the following six international airports: Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai. 

Indian Visa-on-arrival Fees for UAE Nationals

A fee of INR 2,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) is charged per passenger, including children. It is recommended to have currency exchanged to Indian Rupee to facilitate payment.

Application Process for Visa-on-Arrival

• Application Form: UAE nationals must complete the VoA application form (Annexure I) before arrival by downloading and filling it out.
• Disembarkation Card: A duly filled disembarkation card is also required.
• Visa Counter: Upon arrival, present the completed forms to the Visa Officer at the designated counter.
• Eligibility Check: The Visa Officer will assess the application for eligibility, purpose of visit, and other details.
• Fee Payment: Upon confirmation of eligibility, travelers will pay the visa fee.
• Immigration Counter: Proceed to the immigration counter for biometrics and image capturing. The Immigration Officer will stamp the passport and collect the disembarkation card.

Note: The VoA application process may take one to two hours. Travelers should allocate sufficient time for outbound connections.

Electronic Tourist Visa Issuing System (e-Visa)

The Indian government introduced the electronic tourist visa issuing system, also known as Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), effective from November 27, 2014.

Visit Indian e-visa portal and register your application online. 

How to Apply Regular Visa from UAE

Process of Applying for an Indian Visa for UAE Nationals

Step 1: Submission of Application Online

• Visit the Indian visa website and register your application online. Here's a detailed instructions. For more information visit the official website. 
• Follow the step-by-step guide to fill the visa application form.
• Upload your photo as per these guidelines.

Step 2: Submit Documents at BLS Center

• Print the completed application form and gather all supporting documents.
• Submit the application form, supporting documents, and fees at a BLS Center.
• Visa applications are accepted at BLS Centers across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Here's the list of BLS centres in UAE
• For more information, visit the BLS India Visa UAE website or call the BLS helpline at 04-2555530.

Indian e-Visa Fees

• Tourist Visa:3 months: AED 150 - Single and Double Entry
• 6 months: AED 370 - Single and Double Entry
• 1 year: AED 240 - Single Entry
• 1 year: AED 370 - Multiple Entry
• 1 month: AED 370 - Multiple Entry

Visa fee and service charges are non-refundable, regardless of visa issuance.
BLS service charge: 54.62 AED in addition to the visa fee for all visa categories.
Effective from January 1, 2018, a 5% VAT will be levied on BLS fee, premium lounge fee, and value-added services (selected services).

Basic Requirements for Indian e-Visa Applications

Online Application Form: Properly filled online application form with the applicant's signature – available at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa. Form filling services are available at the BLS center.

Photographs: 2 recent passport size photos (51mm x 51mm) not older than three months.
No uniform, white background, dark dress, and frontal view.
Eyebrows, ears, forehead, and chin must be completely visible.
For locals wearing qandoura, the background should be light blue.
Clarity is crucial – edited, blurred, or unclear photos are not accepted.
Photo services are available at the BLS center.

Passport: Valid passport in original with a clear photocopy.
Carry the old passport if the valid UAE resident visa is on it, along with a photocopy.
Photocopy services are available at the BLS center

GCC Nationals: For all types of visas, a valid ID card copy (Emirates ID) issued by UAE is required.
Without a valid ID card copy, it is considered a reference category.

Passport Validity: Passport should have a minimum of 6 months validity.
Minimum 2 blank (visa pages only) should be present in the passport.

UAE Residence Visa: UAE residence visa should be valid at the time of applying.
Non-residents should have a valid tourist visa for UAE.

Minors (below 18 years): A NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required with proper content. The NOC must be signed by both parents. Parents' signatures should match those in their respective passports.

Note: BLS International offers "Other Services" for the convenience of applicants at centers.

Entry Points for e-Visa Holders

Authorized Airports
e-Visa holders can enter India exclusively through specific international airports, including: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trichy, Varanasi, Calicut, Mangalore, Pune, Nagpur, Coimbatore, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam.

Authorized Seaports for Cruise Tourists
Cruise tourists with an e-Visa can enter through designated seaports: Mumbai, Cochin, Mormugao, Chennai, New Mangalore.

Departure Points

e-Visa holders are permitted to depart from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP) in India.

Validity and Processing Time

• e-Tourist and e-Business Visa Validity: Up to 60 days with double entry.
• e-Medical Visa Validity: Up to 60 days with triple entry.

Extensions: Extensions of up to 6 months may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the FRRO/FRO concerned.
Frequency of Use : A foreign national can utilize the e-Visa facility a maximum of two times within a calendar year.

Processing Time: 3-5 Working Days

Conditions for e-Visa

Non-Extendable
The e-Visa is generally non-extendable, with the exception of the e-Medical Visa, which may be extended up to 6 months based on individual case merits by the FRRO/FRO concerned.
Non-Convertible
The e-Visa cannot be converted to other visa categories except under specific circumstances. For detailed conversion policies, refer to the general policy guidelines on the Indian visa website.

Tourist Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which is Better?

Choosing between an e-Visa and a Visa on Arrival (VoA) depends on various factors such as convenience, preparation time, and specific needs of the traveler. Below is a comparison to help determine which option might be better for you.

Tourist Visa

Advantages:

• Pre-approval: The e-Visa is approved before departure, reducing uncertainty upon arrival.
• Convenience: Apply from the comfort of your home via the Indian e-Visa Portal.
• Multiple Entry Points: Holders can enter through a wide range of designated international airports and seaports.
• Longer Preparation Window: Applications can be made up to 120 days in advance, allowing ample time for planning.
• Triple Entry for Medical: e-Medical Visa allows triple entry, which is beneficial for those needing multiple medical visits.

Disadvantages:

• Online Process: Requires access to the internet and ability to navigate the online application system.
• Approval Time: Although quick, it still requires waiting for approval (usually within 72 hours).

Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Advantages:

• Immediate Availability: Obtain the visa upon arrival without prior application.
• No Internet Required: Suitable for travelers who may have difficulty accessing the internet or prefer handling paperwork in person.
• Only for Specific Nationalities: Tailored for certain nationalities (e.g., Japanese, South Korean, and UAE nationals with prior visas).

Disadvantages:

• Limited Entry Points: Only available at six designated international airports.
• Longer Processing Time on Arrival: The application process at the airport can take one to two hours, which can be inconvenient after a long flight.
• Non-extendable and Non-convertible: Similar to the e-Visa, but with fewer exceptions for extensions and conversions.