If you’re living in Dubai and thinking about visiting India, chances are you’ve heard about the Indian e-Visa. It’s a lifesaver for many of us expats because it lets you skip the tedious embassy visits and get your visa online. But not everyone can apply, so here’s what I learned from my own experience and what you should know before starting.
Who Can Actually Apply for the Indian e-Visa from Dubai?
First off, your passport matters more than your residency. Just because you live in Dubai doesn’t mean you get the visa automatically. India allows people from many countries to apply online for the e-Visa. I checked my nationality, and luckily it was on the list — folks from the US, UK, Philippines, Germany, South Africa, and many others can do this.
If your passport is from countries like Pakistan or Syria, you’ll need to visit the Indian embassy instead.
Which Type of e-Visa Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all visa here. When I applied, I had to pick from a few types depending on why I was traveling:
Tourist e-Visa: For sightseeing or visiting friends and family.
Business e-Visa: If you’re attending meetings or conferences.
Medical e-Visa: For medical treatment in India.
Medical Attendant e-Visa: If you’re accompanying someone who needs medical help.
Conference e-Visa: For official conferences or seminars.
Make sure you’re clear on why you’re going before you apply — it affects the duration and permissions.
Getting Your Documents Ready — What You’ll Need
Here’s the list I checked twice:
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned trip.
A clear photo with a plain white background — I had mine taken at a studio in Dubai to avoid rejection.
A scanned copy of the personal info page of your passport.
An active email address where you’ll get the visa approval.
Payment card ready for the fee.
Some visa types might ask for extra docs — like a letter from the company or a hospital.
The Application Process — How I Did It Step by Step
I started on the official Indian e-Visa website — always make sure it’s official!
Selected the right visa category based on my trip purpose.
Filled in my details carefully — I triple-checked everything to avoid errors.
Uploaded my photo and passport scan in the formats they asked for.
Paid the fee online securely.
Waited about three days — then the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) landed in my inbox.
Printed out the ETA and kept it with me on the trip.
I’d advise you to start this at least 4 days before your travel date, just in case.
How Long Does It Take and How Much Will It Cost?
From my experience, the process took around three business days. Fees depend on your passport and visa type. For a tourist visa, it might be around $50, but for business or medical, it could be higher.
It’s a good idea to check the latest fees on the official site, as they change occasionally.
What You Need to Know About Visa Validity and Entry Points
Your e-Visa’s validity depends on the type:
Tourist visas can be for 30 days double-entry or up to 5 years multiple entries — I went for the 30-day double entry option.
Business visas usually last a year with multiple entries.
Medical visas are valid for 60 days, triple entry.
You must enter India through authorized airports or seaports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kochi. Unlike some countries, you can’t cross the border overland with an e-Visa.
At the Airport — What Happened When I Arrived in India
Once I landed, I headed straight to the e-Visa immigration counter. I handed over my passport and the printed ETA. They took my fingerprints and checked the documents. After a short wait, I got my stamp, and I was ready to explore India!
Note: They don’t accept digital copies on phones, so having a printout is essential.
A Few Handy Tips From My Dubai-to-India Visa Journey
Invest in a professional photo — it saved me a lot of trouble.
Be precise when filling out your personal info — a small typo can cause delays.
Don’t procrastinate! Apply a few days early.
Avoid third-party websites that look suspicious; always use the official government portal or trusted agents.
Keep an eye on all email folders — sometimes your approval ends up in spam.
FAQs I Had Before Applying
Can I apply for the e-Visa if I’m just a UAE resident but hold a foreign passport?
Yes! It’s your passport nationality that counts.
Is visa on arrival possible for Dubai residents visiting India?
No, India requires e-Visa approval before you board your flight.
Can I enter India by land with the e-Visa?
No, only via certain airports and seaports.
What happens if I stay longer than my visa allows?
You could face fines or trouble with immigration, so stay within your visa limits.
Do I really need to print the ETA?
Absolutely. Immigration officials won’t accept digital versions.
List of Countries Eligible for India e-Visa
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Cambodia, Cameroon Union Republic, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger Republic, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.