Do You Need Separate Visas For Dubai And Abu Dhabi? UAE Visa Rules, Costs & Application Guide

Planning a Dubai-Abu Dhabi holiday in 2025 and wondering whether each emirate has its own visa? The UAE’s visa system can feel confusing because airlines, travel agents, and online guides often give different answers. Here’s the good news: you do NOT need separate visas for Dubai and Abu Dhabi or for Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. A single UAE tourist visa lets you enjoy all seven emirates freely.

This guide is your one-stop resource with visa costs, accurate rules for Indian passport holders, step-by-step application routes via Emirates, Etihad, IndiGo, Air India, GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs), and ICP, plus document checklists, processing times, and 2025 updates (including the 5-year multiple-entry visa).

Do You Need Separate Visas for Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

No – One UAE Visa Covers All Emirates

The UAE issues visas at the country level, not at the emirate level.
That means:

• One tourist visa → Dubai + Abu Dhabi + the rest of the UAE
  
• No separate entry permit required when travelling between emirates
  
• Your visa is checked only when entering the UAE, not when crossing emirates internally

This applies to tourist visas, transit visas, visa-on-arrival permits, and the 5-year multi-entry visa.

Types of UAE Visas for Indian Passport Holders in 2025

Before you choose, understand the two basic terms:

Single Entry

You can enter the UAE once. If you exit and return, you need a new visa.

Multiple Entry

You can enter and exit repeatedly while the visa remains valid. The stay limit per visit still applies (e.g., max stay of 90 days at a time).

UAE Visa Prices for Indians 

A. 30-Day UAE Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

Official fee: AED 200
INR: ~₹4,828

B. 60-Day UAE Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

Official fee: AED 300
INR: ~₹7,242

C. 90-Day Long Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

Official fee: AED 400
INR: ~₹9,656

(Fees shown by GDRFA Dubai and ICP for standard visitor visas. Airline partners may add service charges.)

D. Visa-on-Arrival for Eligible Indians (14 Days, Single Entry)

Airline example: Emirates lists USD 63 for eligible Indian travellers using their channel.

Converted: INR: ~₹5,575
(USD 63 × ₹88.5)

Eligibility depends on holding a valid US/UK/EU residence permit or visa, or meeting other UAE criteria.

E. Transit Visas via Airlines (48h / 96h)

Etihad official transit visa fees:

These require:

• Confirmed onward ticket
  
• Airport-to-airport transit
  
• Issue via airline sponsor (Etihad, Emirates, sometimes IndiGo partners)

F. 5-Year Multiple Entry UAE Tourist Visa

This is the most flexible option for frequent travellers.

Requirements:

• Bank statement showing USD 4,000 minimum balance over last 6 months
  
  • Converted: ₹3.54 lakh minimum balance
    
• Valid health insurance for UAE
  
• Passport copy, photos, personal details

Fee

The fee structure includes file opening + issuance + service components, which vary by GDRFA/ICP channel. Exact INR varies, so always check the portal at the time of applying.

Where & How to Apply

Indians can apply through airlines, government portals, or authorised visa agencies.

Apply Through Airlines (Fast & Convenient)

Applying for a UAE visa through airlines is one of the safest, fastest, and most convenient methods for Indian travellers. Major carriers like Emirates, Etihad, IndiGo, and Air India work with official UAE immigration partners, ensuring secure processing, verified documentation, and reliable turnaround times.

Emirates

• Offers 48/96-hour transit visas, 30- and 60-day tourist visas.
  
• Applications are submitted through Dubai Immigration (GDRFA).
  
• You apply via the Emirates “Manage Booking” portal, upload documents, pay online, and receive the e-visa by email.
  
• Very reliable for families and first-time travellers.

Etihad Airways

• Provides 48/96-hour transit visas and short-term tourist visas.
  
• Applications are processed via ICP (Federal Authority).
  
• Ideal for travellers arriving or stopping over in Abu Dhabi, with predictable processing times.

IndiGo

• Doesn’t sponsor visas directly but offers official visa assistance via authorised UAE partners.
  
• Suitable for travellers who prefer simple, low-cost visa help while booking their IndiGo flight.

Air India

• Also works through UAE-approved partners to assist with tourist and transit visa applications.
  
• Helpful for families, senior travellers, and those needing document support.

Why Apply Through Airlines?

• Higher security: Only uses UAE-authorised visa providers.
  
• Fast processing: Usually 2–5 working days for tourist visas, 24–48 hours for transit visas.
  
• Easy tracking: Status updates via the airline’s portal/email.
  
• Smooth for groups: Family and group applications can be processed together.

When Not to Use Airline Visa Services

• When applying for the 5-year multiple-entry visa (must apply via GDRFA/ICP).
  
• When you are not flying with that airline.
  
• When you want the lowest fees and prefer applying directly on government portals.

Apply on Official Government Portals

1. GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs – Dubai)

Best for:

• Tourist visas issued under Dubai sponsorship
  
• 5-year multi-entry visa (Dubai route)
  
• Visa status checks

2. ICP UAE (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security)

Best for:

• Country-wide tourist visas
  
• 5-year multi-entry visa
  
• All emirates except Dubai
  

3. u.ae (Official UAE Government Portal)

Best for:

• Visa rules
  
• Eligibility
  
• Step-by-step official instructions

Documents Required for UAE Tourist Visa (Indians)

• Passport with 6+ months validity
  
• One passport-sized photo
  
• Confirmed return/round-trip ticket
  
• Hotel booking or stay details
  
• For 5-year visa:
  • Bank statement showing ₹3.54 lakh+ balance (USD 4,000)
    
  • Health insurance proof

Airlines or GDRFA may request additional details case-to-case.

UAE E-Visa Processing Time (2025)

• Airlines: 2–5 working days
  
• GDRFA / ICP: 2–7 working days (longer for the 5-year visa)
  
• Transit visas: often 24–48 hours if documents are complete

Always track your application on the same portal where you applied.

Can I Visit Sharjah & Ras Al Khaimah on One UAE Visa?

Yes. 100%.

Your single UAE visa allows free travel to:

• Sharjah
  
• Ras Al Khaimah
  
• Fujairah
  
• Ajman
  
• Umm Al Quwain
  
• Dubai
  
• Abu Dhabi

Internal travel doesn’t require additional checks.

Practical Tips for Indian Travellers

• Always apply through official or airline platforms.
  
• Avoid fake visa websites — UAE issues warnings regularly.
  
• Carry printouts or digital copies of your visa.
  
• Do not overstay — fines apply and are strictly enforced.
  
• Children need visas unless exempt under a specific holiday promotion (no permanent “free visa for children”).

Summing Up

Planning a UAE holiday in 2025 is simpler than ever — because whether you’re landing in glamorous Dubai, exploring Abu Dhabi’s museums, relaxing in Ras Al Khaimah, or dining in Sharjah, one single UAE visa opens the entire country. With tourist visas starting around INR 4,800, convenient airline sponsorships, quick e-visa processing, multiple transit options, and even a 5-year multi-entry visa for frequent travellers, the UAE is one of the easiest international destinations for Indian passport holders. Just apply through an official channel, keep your documents ready, and enjoy a seamless trip across all seven emirates — with no separate visas, no extra fees, and no complicated paperwork.