India Expands Visa‑on‑Arrival for UAE Nationals to Cochin, Calicut, Ahmedabad

In a move aimed at deepening bilateral ties and simplifying travel procedures, India has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility for UAE nationals. Effective November 2025, UAE citizens can now access VoA services at Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad international airports, in addition to the existing six international airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This brings the total number of entry points offering this facility to nine major airports across India.

Key Features of the Visa-on-Arrival Scheme

The expanded VoA facility enhances accessibility for UAE nationals who have previously held an Indian e-visa or a regular paper visa. The key provisions of this scheme include,

• Stay Duration: Up to 60 days, with the option of double entry within that period.
• Purpose of Visit: Valid for tourism, business, medical treatment, and participation in conferences.
• Documentation: Applicants must present a passport with at least six months’ validity, along with proof of sufficient funds, confirmed accommodation, and onward or return travel arrangements.
• Fee Structure: A fee of ₹2,000 per person, including children, applies and must be paid in Indian rupees or its equivalent in foreign currency.
• Reusability: UAE nationals may use the facility multiple times in a calendar year, with no restrictions on frequency.

Eligibility and Exclusion

The VoA facility is exclusive to UAE nationals who have previously held an Indian visa. However, it does not apply to any UAE citizen whose parents or grandparents were born in, or are permanent residents of Pakistan. These individuals must continue to apply for visas through the regular embassy or consulate channels.

Significance of the Policy Expansion

India’s decision to expand this facility highlights several strategic goals,

• Enhancing People-to-People Ties: With a significant Indian diaspora in the UAE and growing travel between the two nations, easing entry helps strengthen cultural and familial bonds.
• Boosting Regional Connectivity: The inclusion of Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad improves access to key regional hubs, making travel more convenient for visitors from the UAE.
• Supporting Tourism and Trade: Easier access facilitates increased inflow of tourists and business delegates, contributing to local economies and strengthening bilateral commerce.
• Promoting Medical and Conference Tourism: Many UAE nationals visit India for medical treatment and international conferences, both of which will benefit from simplified visa access.

Operational Considerations

While the expanded access is beneficial, ensuring efficient implementation will be key. Immigration desks at the new airports must be equipped to handle the influx under the new policy. Clear public communication is essential to avoid confusion among first-time applicants and to ensure that the eligibility criteria are well understood.

Static Facts

• Total Airports Offering VoA: 9 (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Calicut, Ahmedabad)
• Stay Duration: 60 days, with double entry
• Fee: ₹2,000 per person (including children)
• Eligibility: UAE nationals with prior Indian visa (e-visa or regular)
• Exclusion: Not available to UAE citizens with Pakistani lineage (parents/grandparents born in or residents of Pakistan)
• Purpose: Tourism, business, conferences, medical
• Announcement: November 2025