If you're an Indian citizen living in the UK, you may have flown to Dubai before on nothing more than your passport and your UK residence card. That shortcut is going away.
What changed: in mid-2026 the UAE's immigration authority (ICP) updated its visa-on-arrival rules. Indians holding only a UK residence visa no longer qualify for the 14-day visa on arrival. Those with a valid US visa or green card, or an EU visa or residence permit, still do.
Reports in July 2026 said the change was announced before a firm start date was published, and several travel firms now treat it as already in force. The safe approach for any trip: apply for a UAE visa before you fly.
Do you still qualify? A quick check
| What you hold (with an Indian passport) | UAE visa on arrival? |
|---|---|
| UK ILR or other UK residence permit only | No: apply in advance |
| UK residence + valid US visa or green card | Yes, through the US document |
| UK residence + valid Schengen visa or EU residence permit | Yes, through the EU document |
| British passport (you've naturalised) | Follows the rules for British citizens |
Remember the passport vs residency rule: your nationality decides, and residence permits help only where a country says they do.
Your UK paperwork has changed too
Even before this, many UK-based Indians had a second headache: BRP cards have been replaced by eVisas. Airlines now check your UK status digitally when you fly back.
- Log in to your UKVI account and check your current passport is linked to your eVisa.
- Generate a share code (valid for 90 days) and keep it on your phone in case the airline asks.
- Keep your old BRP safe, but don't rely on it to prove your right to return.
How to get a UAE visa from the UK
- Choose the visa: a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa covers most holidays and family visits.
- Get your documents: passport (6+ months valid), a white-background photo, a return ticket and a hotel booking or your host's details.
- Apply online before you book non-refundable plans; most tourist visas are issued within a few working days.
- Print or save the e-visa and carry it with your passport.
If you're staying with family in the UAE, have their Emirates ID and address ready: it's often asked for.
Get your UAE visa with Krosz in 5 steps
- Pick the UAE and your trip type. Open UAE visa on Krosz and choose tourist, business or family visit. You see the full price before you start: ₹1,999 Krosz service fee + GST, plus the government fee.
- Sign in with a one-time code. No password to remember: enter your email and type the OTP we send.
- Upload your passport and photo. Krosz reads your passport page and pre-fills your details, so you only check them.
- Add your trip details and pay securely. Dates, entry point and where you're staying, then pay by UPI, card or net banking.
- A Krosz visa expert checks everything, then submits. A trained expert reviews every document one-to-one before it reaches the government, and you track the status until your visa arrives by email.
Start your UAE visa with Krosz →
Rules and fees last checked on 11 October 2026. Visa rules change often: always confirm on the official government website or with your airline before you fly.