Most foreign nationals travelling to India must obtain a visa before departure. However, India offers a limited Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility to eligible citizens of Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Instead of completing a visa application through an Indian Mission or the online eVisa system, eligible travellers can apply for this facility at a designated Indian airport after landing.
India’s Visa on Arrival is subject to strict nationality, passport, travel-purpose and background conditions. UAE nationals also have an additional requirement: they must have previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa. This guide explains who qualifies, which airports offer the facility, the fee, required documents and the procedure at the airport.
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival in India?
According to the Bureau of Immigration’s official Visa on Arrival guidelines, the facility is available to nationals of these three countries:
- Japan: Japanese passport holders may apply for Visa on Arrival, subject to the prescribed conditions.
- South Korea: Citizens of the Republic of Korea are eligible to use the facility, subject to the applicable requirements.
- United Arab Emirates: UAE nationals can use the facility only if they have previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa.
The previous Indian visa requirement for UAE nationals is important. A UAE citizen who has never obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa should apply for an appropriate Indian eVisa or Regular Visa before travelling.
However, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi clarifies that a UAE national may qualify even if they obtained an earlier Indian visa but never travelled to India using it. The previous visa must have been obtained; actual travel to India is not necessary.
You can check the latest nationality-specific conditions on the official Indian Visa on Arrival page.
Who Is Not Eligible for India’s Visa on Arrival?
Being a citizen of Japan, South Korea or the UAE does not automatically guarantee a Visa on Arrival. The Government of India has specified additional restrictions.
- Persons with a Pakistan connection: The facility is not available if the applicant, either parent or any grandparent (paternal or maternal) was born in Pakistan or was a permanent resident of Pakistan.
- Diplomatic passport holders: The Visa on Arrival facility is not available to holders of Diplomatic passports.
- Official passport holders: Holders of Official passports are also excluded from this facility.
- UAE nationals without a previous Indian visa: UAE citizens who have not previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa cannot use this facility.
People covered by the Pakistan-related restriction must obtain an appropriate visa through the concerned Indian Mission or Post. They should not assume that their Japanese, South Korean or UAE nationality makes them eligible for Visa on Arrival.
Which Airports Offer Visa on Arrival in India?
The airport list requires special attention because the official Indian Visa portal and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi currently publish different lists for UAE nationals.
Airports Listed on the Central Indian Visa Portal
The Bureau of Immigration’s central Visa on Arrival page lists these six designated international airports:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
- Chennai International Airport, Chennai
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Additional Airports Listed for UAE Nationals
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi publishes a UAE-specific Visa on Arrival list containing nine airports. In addition to the six airports above, its guidance also includes:
- Cochin International Airport, Kochi
- Calicut International Airport, Kozhikode
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
Important: The central Indian Visa portal continues to show six airports, while the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi lists nine for UAE nationals. Do not assume that the additional three airports apply to Japanese or South Korean nationals. UAE travellers should check the latest instructions with the Indian Embassy or Consulate and their airline before booking a route through one of these additional airports.
Official references: Central Indian Visa portal and Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi’s UAE Visa on Arrival guidelines.
Eligibility Conditions for Visa on Arrival
Eligible nationality is only the first requirement. Travellers must also satisfy the following conditions:
- Purpose of visit: The journey must be for tourism, business, attending a conference or medical treatment.
- Maximum permitted period: The intended visit must not exceed 60 days.
- No employment or residence: The traveller must not intend to take up employment or establish residence in India.
- Passport validity: The passport must have at least six months of validity.
- Return or onward ticket: The traveller must have a return ticket or an onward journey ticket.
- Sufficient funds: The traveller must have enough money to meet the expenses of the stay in India.
- Immigration clearance: The applicant must not be a persona non grata or otherwise considered an undesirable person by the Government of India.
Meeting these conditions does not mean that the visa will be issued automatically. The Immigration Officer examines the application and decides whether to grant the facility.
Documents Required for India Visa on Arrival
Prepare the required documents before travelling so that you can complete the airport application without unnecessary difficulty.
- Valid passport: Carry your original passport with at least six months of remaining validity.
- Previous Indian visa for UAE nationals: UAE citizens must have previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa. Keep the previous visa details or available evidence ready.
- Visa on Arrival application form: Complete the prescribed VoA application form, known as Annexure I or Annexure A in the relevant official instructions.
- e-Arrival Card: Complete the separate online arrival information form if it applies to your nationality and travel circumstances.
- Return or onward ticket: Carry evidence of your planned departure from India.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Be prepared to demonstrate that you can meet the expenses of your stay.
The Indian Visa portal advises travellers to download, print and complete the VoA application form in advance. The form may also be available during the flight or at the airport.
You can access the official Visa on Arrival application form (PDF) before departure.
The e-Arrival Card is a separate arrival information form, not a visa application. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders can submit it within 72 hours before arrival through the official e-Arrival Card portal. Follow the latest instructions displayed on the portal.
How to Apply for Visa on Arrival at an Indian Airport
Unlike an eVisa or Regular Visa, the Visa on Arrival application is submitted at the designated airport after reaching India. Eligible travellers should follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility before departure: Confirm that your nationality, passport, travel purpose and previous visa history meet the conditions. UAE nationals should also check the Pakistan-related restriction.
- Choose an eligible arrival airport: Check the designated airport list applicable to your nationality. Do not book a route through an airport merely because it appears on a list intended for another nationality.
- Download and complete the application form: Get the official VoA form, print it and fill in the requested information. You may also complete the form during your flight or at the airport if the facility is available.
- Complete the e-Arrival Card: If you are covered by the e-Arrival Card requirement, submit the online form within the permitted 72-hour window before arrival.
- Visit the Visa on Arrival counter: After landing, go to the designated visa counter and present your completed VoA application form, passport and supporting documents.
- Complete immigration verification: The Visa Officer checks your eligibility, travel purpose and supporting information. The officer may ask additional questions or request further evidence.
- Pay the applicable fee: Pay the Visa on Arrival fee through the payment arrangement specified at the airport. The fee must be paid before the visa is granted.
- Receive the visa decision: If the application is approved, the Immigration Officer issues the Visa on Arrival. Check the permitted stay and entry conditions recorded with the visa before leaving the counter.
Visa on Arrival is subject to approval by the Immigration Officer. Carrying the application form and other documents does not guarantee that the visa will be granted.
Visa on Arrival Fee in India
The published fee for India’s Visa on Arrival is ₹2,000 per passenger, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency.
The fee applies to each eligible traveller, including children. For example, a family of four using this facility would have to pay ₹8,000 in total, subject to the applicable payment arrangements.
The fee must be paid before the Visa on Arrival is issued. Check the latest official instructions before departure in case the fee or payment arrangements change.
Validity and Number of Entries Allowed
India’s Visa on Arrival is not a long-term visa. The Immigration Officer may grant a double-entry Visa on Arrival valid for up to 60 days, subject to the applicable conditions.
This means the visa may allow two entries within its validity period. However, the actual validity and entry permission granted to an individual traveller are determined by the Immigration Officer.
The Visa on Arrival facility is:
- Non-extendable: The visa cannot be extended beyond its permitted validity under the published VoA conditions.
- Non-convertible: It cannot be converted into another visa category.
- Limited to the permitted purpose: It is intended for tourism, business, conferences and medical visits, not employment or residence.
Always check the visa issued in your passport for the exact permitted stay and entry conditions. Do not assume that every applicant will automatically receive the maximum 60-day validity.
Visa on Arrival vs Indian eVisa vs Regular Visa
India provides different visa routes for foreign nationals. The right option depends on nationality, purpose of travel, visa eligibility and the planned duration of stay.
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa | Regular Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application route | At a designated airport after arrival | Online before travelling | Online form followed by submission through the concerned Indian Mission or authorised service provider |
| Who can apply | Eligible nationals of Japan, South Korea and qualifying UAE nationals | Eligible nationals travelling for permitted eVisa purposes | Foreign nationals who meet the conditions for the relevant Regular Visa category |
| Approval process | Immigration Officer at the designated airport | Bureau of Immigration through the online application system | Concerned Indian Mission or Post |
| Travel preparation | Complete the VoA application and carry supporting documents | Obtain the approved Electronic Travel Authorization before travelling | Complete the application and follow the Mission’s document submission process |
| Validity | Double entry, up to 60 days, if granted | Depends on the eVisa category | Depends on the visa category and approval |
| Extension or conversion | Non-extendable and non-convertible | Generally non-extendable and non-convertible under the published eVisa conditions | Depends on the applicable visa rules |
If you are not eligible for Visa on Arrival, check whether you can apply for an Indian eVisa. Travellers who need a different visa category may have to use the Regular Visa route.
Read our detailed guides before choosing your application route:
- Indian Visa Guide: Types, eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Entry Rules
- Regular Indian Visa: Application Process, Fees and Documents
- India e-Arrival Card: Online Form and 72-Hour Submission Rule
Important Things to Check Before Travelling
Visa on Arrival is a convenient option for eligible travellers, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed entry facility. Check these points before booking your journey:
- Confirm that your passport nationality qualifies for Visa on Arrival.
- If you are a UAE national, verify that you previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa.
- Check whether you or your parents or grandparents fall under the Pakistan-related restriction.
- Confirm that your passport has at least six months of validity.
- Check that your arrival airport is designated for your nationality.
- Carry your completed VoA application form, return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds.
- Complete the e-Arrival Card if it applies to your travel circumstances.
- Keep the applicable fee ready and follow the payment instructions at the airport.
For the latest instructions, always consult the Bureau of Immigration’s Visa on Arrival page before departure.
Official Website and Important Links
| Service | Official Link |
|---|---|
| India Visa on Arrival Guidelines | Open Official VoA Page |
| Visa on Arrival Application Form | Download VoA Form (PDF) |
| Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi: UAE VoA Guidelines | View UAE-Specific Rules |
| Indian eVisa Application | Apply for eVisa |
| Regular Indian Visa Application | Apply for Regular Visa |
| India e-Arrival Card | Submit e-Arrival Card |
| Indian Visa Guide | Read Complete Indian Visa Guide |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. India provides Visa on Arrival to nationals of Japan and South Korea, and to UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa. All applicants must also meet the applicable eligibility conditions.
Ans. No. UAE nationals must have previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa to qualify. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi clarifies that the earlier visa can qualify even if the person did not actually travel to India using it.
Ans. The central Indian Visa portal lists New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi separately lists three additional airports for UAE nationals: Kochi, Calicut and Ahmedabad. Check the latest nationality-specific instructions before booking your arrival airport.
Ans. The published Visa on Arrival facility is for designated international airports. Do not assume that it is available at a seaport or land border. Arrange the appropriate visa in advance if your intended entry point is not covered.
Ans. The published fee is ₹2,000 per passenger or the equivalent amount in foreign currency. The charge applies to children as well as adults.
Ans. The Immigration Officer may grant a double-entry Visa on Arrival valid for up to 60 days. The actual validity and permitted stay are determined when the visa is issued.
Ans. No. The Visa on Arrival facility is non-extendable and non-convertible under the published conditions.
Ans. There is no advance online visa application for this facility. Eligible travellers complete the prescribed Visa on Arrival application form and submit it at the designated airport after arrival. However, UAE nationals must already have obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa in the past to qualify.
Ans. The permitted purposes include tourism, business, attending a conference and medical treatment. The visit must not exceed 60 days.
Ans. No. The facility is not intended for people who plan to take up employment or establish residence in India. A suitable visa category must be obtained for employment-related travel.
Ans. No. The facility is not available to a person if they, either parent or any grandparent was born in Pakistan or was a permanent resident of Pakistan. This restriction is not limited to UAE nationals.
Ans. No. The Bureau of Immigration’s published guidelines exclude holders of Diplomatic and Official passports from this facility.
Ans. Carry your original passport, completed Visa on Arrival application form, return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds. UAE nationals should also be able to establish that they previously obtained an Indian eVisa or Regular Visa. Complete the separate e-Arrival Card if it applies to your journey.
Ans. Your passport must have at least six months of validity. Check the additional passport requirements in the official instructions applicable to your nationality.
Ans. Yes. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi states that a UAE national may still qualify if the earlier Indian eVisa or Regular Visa was obtained before the passport was renewed. Keep the previous visa details or available evidence ready.
Ans. A return or onward journey ticket is one of the published eligibility conditions. You should arrange the required travel evidence before departure.
Ans. No. The Immigration Officer checks the applicant’s eligibility and supporting documents and decides whether to grant the visa. Meeting the general conditions does not guarantee approval.
Ans. You can download the prescribed form from the official Indian Visa portal. The form may also be available during the flight or at the airport.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.