Indian Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore Now Eligible for Hassle-Free Visa-on-Arrival at All UAE Entry Points

Monday, June 30, 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently expanded its visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals, offering greater ease of travel for Indian citizens wishing to visit the country. Under the latest regulation, Indian nationals who hold valid residence permits from six additional countries—Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore—are now eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at any entry point in the UAE. This significant change, which took effect on February 13, 2025, is expected to simplify travel for Indian nationals and increase their access to the UAE.

This expansion builds upon the previous visa-on-arrival system that allowed Indian citizens to benefit from this facility only if they held a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from select countries such as the United States, the European Union (EU), or the United Kingdom (UK). With the addition of six more nations to the list, travelers from these countries can now directly access this convenient service when arriving in the UAE. This update marks an expansion of the UAE’s visa regulations, making travel more accessible to a greater number of Indian nationals.

Broader Scope of Eligibility and Simplified Travel Access

Previously, the visa-on-arrival policy was relatively restrictive, with Indian travelers needing to meet certain criteria such as holding residence permits from major Western or developed nations like the US, EU member states, or the UK. However, the new changes include residents of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore in the list of eligible countries, providing additional options for Indian nationals.

The decision to include six more nations reflects the UAE’s commitment to further enhancing its relations with countries across the globe, particularly in terms of fostering tourism and easing travel logistics for international visitors. For Indian travelers, this expansion is a significant move, allowing for more flexibility when planning trips to the UAE. It eliminates the need for applying for a traditional visa, saving time and offering more convenience for both business and leisure travelers.

This development is expected to boost the UAE’s appeal as a tourist and business hub, attracting more visitors from India, a key partner in trade and diplomacy. With millions of Indians traveling abroad every year, the country remains one of the UAE’s largest and most important sources of tourism. This expansion of the visa-on-arrival facility aligns with the UAE’s broader goals of facilitating ease of travel and further improving the visitor experience.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations and International Cooperation

The UAE government has emphasized that the expansion of this visa facility is a key initiative to strengthen the relationship between India and the UAE. Both countries share long-standing economic, cultural, and strategic ties that have grown significantly over the years. The UAE is home to a large Indian expatriate population, with more than 3 million Indians residing and working in the country. The growing number of Indian tourists and business travelers has prompted the UAE government to adopt more inclusive and accessible travel policies, aimed at facilitating smooth entry for Indian nationals.

By offering a visa-on-arrival facility, the UAE is encouraging more Indian citizens to visit, whether for tourism, business, or family reasons. It is an acknowledgment of the close ties between the two nations, which continue to evolve and deepen. The decision is expected to be beneficial not only for individual travelers but also for the broader sectors of tourism and business that thrive on bilateral exchanges.

Moreover, the expansion is seen as a demonstration of the UAE’s commitment to improving the overall travel experience. In an increasingly globalized world, countries that prioritize seamless travel options create positive relationships and mutual trust among nations. The UAE’s move to ease entry requirements for Indian nationals is a step in this direction, highlighting the country’s focus on enhancing international cooperation.

Implications for Indian Travelers

For Indian citizens with valid residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore, this update provides added convenience when visiting the UAE. They will no longer need to apply for a traditional visa ahead of time, streamlining the process and making spontaneous travel more feasible. This change is expected to boost tourism between the UAE and India, as well as foster closer economic ties, particularly in sectors such as trade, technology, and education, where both nations have seen significant growth in recent years.

Additionally, travelers will benefit from the speed and efficiency of the visa-on-arrival process, which eliminates the need for lengthy paperwork and long processing times. Upon arrival at any UAE entry point, eligible travelers can expect a smoother and more efficient immigration experience, enhancing their overall travel satisfaction.

The UAE’s move to extend the visa-on-arrival facility to Indian nationals with residence permits from six additional countries signifies a progressive step towards more accessible travel policies. With this expansion, Indian citizens can enjoy greater ease when traveling to the UAE, whether for leisure or business purposes. This move also highlights the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with India and reinforcing its position as a leading global destination. As the ties between the two countries continue to grow, the expansion of travel facilities is likely to play a pivotal role in further enhancing cooperation and exchanges.

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