United Arab Emirates
2 city guides — for Indian travellersCity guides
Before you go
Visa & entry
- Type
- e-Visa
- Fee
- ₹6,500
- Validity days
- 60
- Processing days
- 3–5
Documents
- Passport (6 months validity)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel booking confirmation
Steps
- Apply via your airline (Emirates/Etihad/IndiGo) or dubai.vfs.com
- Upload documents and pay online
- Receive e-Visa PDF by email in 3–5 working days
Alternatives
- Visa on arrival (for select visa-holders/residents) — ₹9,000 · Longer queues; not for first-time Indian tourists
Money
- Currency
- AED (Dirham)
Forex cards
- Niyo Global — Zero forex markup; good ATM access
- Fi / Federal Debit — Low markup, instant UPI top-up
- Scapia — No forex markup, travel rewards
- Upi supported
- No
- Upi note
- No live UPI acceptance for Indians in 2026; some malls piloting. Carry a forex card.
- Cash vs card
- Cards accepted almost everywhere; keep ~AED 200 cash for taxis and souks.
Customs
Into india
- Duty-free allowance ₹50,000 (returning resident)
- Gold: up to 20g (male)/40g (female) within limits, with conditions
- 1L alcohol duty-free
Into destination
- 4L alcohol allowed into UAE
- No e-cigarettes/vape restrictions but respect public-use rules
- Prescription medicines: carry prescription
Language
Official
- Arabic
- English prevalence
- Very high — English works everywhere
Key phrases
- Shukran — Thank you
- Marhaba — Hello