India Freedom Portal 2026
UAE 🇦🇪 India 🇮🇳
UAE to India Visa Guide
Official February 2026 entry protocols. UAE citizens enjoy Visa-on-Arrival (VoA), while residents benefit from the new ₹75,000 duty-free allowance and digital customs.
| Path Category | Stay Limit | Key Requirement | 2026 Fee Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Citizens (VoA) | 60 Days | Previous Visa record | ₹2,000 (~AED 90) |
| UAE Residents (Expats) | 90 Days / visit | e-Tourist Visa | $25 - $40 USD |
| Baggage (Residents) | Per Entry | Digital Declaration | ₹75k Duty-Free |
1. UAE Citizens: Visa-on-Arrival Fast Track
UAE nationals are eligible for VoA at 9 designated international airports.
- Eligibility: Only for those who have **previously obtained** an e-Visa or paper visa for India.
- First-Timers: If visiting India for the first time, you MUST apply for an e-Visa or regular visa before travel.
- Stay: Double-entry for up to **60 days** for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes.
- Cost: A fee of **₹2,000** (approx. AED 90) applies, payable at the airport counter.
2. Residents: India e-Visa Digital Permit
Expats in UAE (Indian, Pakistani, etc.) have different paths. For most, the e-Visa is best.
- Application: Use the official **Indian Visa Online** portal or "Indian Visa Su-Swagatam" mobile app.
- Timing: Apply at least **4 to 7 days** before travel. Approved e-Visas are typically valid for entry within 120 days.
- Cost: 30-day e-Tourist visa costs **$25 USD** (July-March). 1-year multiple entry is **$40 USD**.
- Pakistan Origin: UAE residents of Pakistani origin must apply for a regular paper visa at BLS centers; processing takes avg. **60 days**.
3. 2026 Baggage & Duty-Free New Allowance
Major relief! As of **2 February 2026**, duty-free limits have been raised significantly.
- Residents/Indian Origin: Your duty-free limit is now **₹75,000** (up from ₹50,000) for personal goods.
- Foreign Tourists: Limit has increased to **₹25,000** (up from ₹15,000).
- Gold Jewellery: Women resident abroad for >1 year get **40g** duty-free; others are capped at **20g** (weight-based, not value-based).
- Digital Declaration: Paper forms are abolished. You MUST submit a digital declaration via the **Air Suvidha** platform before landing.
- Laptops: One laptop is allowed duty-free for passengers aged 18+.
4. 2026 Customs Checklist Strict Enforcement
Customs officials at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are now using automated "Smart Gates".
- Alcohol & Tobacco: Limit remains at **2 litres** of alcohol and **100 cigarettes**.
- Currency: Cash exceeding **$5,000 USD** (or equivalent) or total currency exceeding **$10,000 USD** must be declared.
- Satellite Phones: Carrying satellite phones (Iridium, Thuraya) is **strictly banned** and will lead to arrest.
- Vapes: Importing e-cigarettes or vapes is strictly illegal in India.
© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Verified via Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi & Ministry of Finance, India.