Good news for travellers to UAE: an e-Visa lets you apply online without visiting an embassy. This guide walks through the online application step by step in 2026 — fees, documents, processing and common mistakes.
UAE visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Visa on arrival (visa-free entry) |
| Government fee | AED 100 (approx), extendable |
| Processing time | On arrival |
| Validity | Issued at UAE airport on arrival |
| Permitted stay | 14 days |
| Where to apply | https://icp.gov.ae |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
UAE e-Visa at a glance
- Fee: AED 100 (approx), extendable
- Processing: On arrival
- Validity: Issued at UAE airport on arrival
- Permitted stay: 14 days
- Where to apply: https://icp.gov.ae
Indians MUST get a UAE e-visa online before flying (via ICP/GDRFA or an airline/hotel sponsor) UNLESS they hold a valid US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia visa or residence, which grants a 14-day visa on arrival. Singapore passport holders get 90 days visa-free — no e-visa needed.
How to apply for the UAE e-Visa online
- Open the official e-Visa portal (https://icp.gov.ae) and start a new application.
- Fill in your passport and travel details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Upload a scan of your passport bio page and a compliant photo.
- Pay the fee (AED 100 (approx), extendable) by card.
- Wait for the emailed approval (On arrival), then print or save it to show on arrival.
Documents you upload
- Indian passport valid 6+ months
- Valid US visa / UK-EU residence or visa (min 6 months validity)
- Return ticket
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling UAE visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for UAE.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Before you travel to UAE
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some AED (UAE Dirham)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Official sources
- UAE ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security) — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.
