India has made travel even easier for visitors from the United Arab Emirates by extending its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility to three more airports. This move simplifies entry procedures for UAE nationals and allows smoother, quicker access for tourism, business, medical travel, or short-notice trips. As travel between India and the UAE continues to increase, this expansion is expected to boost spontaneous holidays, weekend plans, and cultural travel, further strengthening bilateral mobility.
The VoA network now includes Kochi, Calicut, and Ahmedabad, adding to the existing list of major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. With nine international airports now offering Visa-on-Arrival, travellers have greater flexibility in choosing their arrival destination, especially when visiting India’s frequently travelled regions and commercial hubs.
To avail the Visa-on-Arrival facility, UAE nationals must have held an Indian e-Visa or regular visa at least once in the past, regardless of whether they travelled using it. Their passport must be valid for a minimum of six months with two blank pages. The facility is available only for tourism, business, conferences, or medical visits, for stays of up to 60 days. Travellers with parents or grandparents born in Pakistan must apply through Indian diplomatic missions instead of using VoA.
First-time visitors to India are encouraged to apply for an e-Visa prior to travel. This ensures a smoother experience for those who have not held an Indian visa before. The Visa-on-Arrival system is designed to support repeat travellers by reducing steps at the airport and offering quicker access upon landing.
To apply for VoA, travellers must complete Annexure-A along with the standard disembarkation card. These forms can either be filled online through the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app or the official portal before arrival. They can also be completed at the airport if needed. Once submitted at the visa counter, travellers undergo the standard immigration process and receive their VoA stamp.
With more airports now offering this facility, UAE nationals can enjoy easier planning, wider city options, and a more streamlined entry experience, making India a more accessible destination for short trips, family visits, and business engagements.
