Consular Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Visitors,

On behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in New Delhi, I have the pleasure to welcome you to the Embassy’s website, which has been designed to provide the users an access to the Embassy, and its links with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE and the Government Institutions.

Q1.

I am a citizen of India travelling to the UAE on holidays. Do I need a Visa?

Ans.

Yes, you do need a visa. You should have a passport valid for minimum 6 months.

Q2.

I want to work in the UAE, how can I obtain a work permit?

Ans.

You will need to be sponsored by an employer. The employer will send the work permit to you directly. The Embassy does not provide any work permit.

Q3.

Can the Embassy cancel my UAE residency / employment visa?

Ans.

UAE residency or employment visa can be cancelled only by the employer or the sponsor in the UAE. It is recommended that these procedures are undertaken during the termination of the employment contract. Please see the Consular Section link on this website.

Q4.

I am a citizen of India travelling to UAE on a business trip. Do I need a Visa?

Ans.

Yes, you do need a visa.

Q5.

I am not a citizen of India but I live in India. Do I need a Visa to travel to the UAE?

Ans.

It depends on your nationality. Please see the Consular Section on this website.

Q6.

Is it acceptable to obtain an entry visit visa or a tourist visa if the validity of the visitor's passport is less than six months?

Ans.

The passport's expiry date should not be less than six months. As for those transiting or coming on the basis of special permits / visits or for an assignment, the period of validity of their passports should not be less than three months.

Q7.

Can a visitor travel to UAE by one-way airline ticket?

Ans.

One of the conditions of the Entry Visit Visa to UAE is to have a return ticket, or at least a ticket which shows that he/she is continuing the travel to an onward destination.

Q8.

Can I leave the airport and go out in the city while transiting through Dubai?

Ans.

This depends on your nationality and on the length of your stop- over in Dubai. Most travellers require visas to enter Dubai. However, regulations frequently change, so if you wish to leave the airport while in transit through Dubai, please check your visa requirements with this website, before you start your journey. Travellers of certain nationalities may obtain visas at the airport on arrival.

Q9.

I have lost my Indian passport which had a valid UAE visa. What should I do?

Ans.

Please visit the Consular Section, Loss of Passport link on this website.

Q10.

I want to check if there is any ban on my passport or not.

Ans.

Please contact your sponsor in UAE. The sponsor can tell you about the ban.

Q11.

My sponsor had put a ban on my passport. How do I get it removed?

Ans.

Only your sponsor in UAE can remove the ban, so please contact him directly.

Q12.

I am an Indian national with a valid UAE residence visa. I have stayed in India for more than 6 months. Can I travel to UAE?

Ans.

Ideally, you have to get your visa cancelled first and then apply for a new visa. Please contact your sponsor in UAE; he might be able to do something for you.

Q13.

My employer wants me to get my educational documents attested? What am I supposed to do?

Ans.

Please check with your employer about the documents required by him. The Embassy does not decide which all documents need to be attested. For the procedure of the attestation by the Embassy, please see the Consular Section, Attestation link.

Q14.

I want to get some commercial documents attested. What is the fee?

Ans.

The fee of the commercial documents depends on the matter / content. Please show the documents at the counter to know the fees. For the rest of the procedure, please see the attestation link on this website.

Q15.

My degree is laminated and I want to get it attested. What should I do?

Ans.

Before coming to the Embassy, you need to get the lamination removed (if not completely, then a part of it).

Q16.

I want to go to study in UAE; how can I obtain a student visa?

Ans.

Contact the Institute in UAE directly.

Q17.

I wish to study at one of the universities in the UAE. Is my degree going to be recognized when I return to live in India?

Ans.

Yes, the degree will be recognized, if it is from one of the recognized universities of the UAE.

Q18.

I am a qualified teacher in India; can I apply for a job in UAE's educational institutions?

Ans.

This will depend on the institution and your qualifications. Contact the concerned institution.

Q19.

Will my marriage certificate be valid in India, if I get married in the UAE?

Ans.

Yes, if it is properly legalized. Check with the Embassy/Consulate of India in UAE.

Q20.

I am a citizen of India and living in India, Can I get married in the UAE?

Ans.

Yes, but you should contact the Indian Embassy or the Consulate in the UAE.

Q21.

Can I enter the UAE with my stepchildren without their biological parent?

Ans.

Yes, with the written proof of parental responsibility.

Q22.

Can I enter the UAE with my grand children?

Ans.

Yes, with the written approval from the parent or the guardian.

Q23.

My children have a different surname to mine; do I need a proof of parental responsibility in order to enter UAE?

Ans.

It would be advisable. Please contact the Visa processing authority.

Q24.

What is legalization?

Ans.

Legalization is same as attestation. Please see the legalization section on this website.

Q25.

Is it safe for a single woman to travel to UAE?

Ans.

Yes, UAE is one of the safest countries in the world.

Q26.

I am a non-Muslim, but wish to visit some mosques in the UAE. Is it possible?

Ans.

Visits to mosques can be easily arranged through your tour operator or hotel. Just make sure you are appropriately dressed.

Q27.

I am a non- Muslim and visiting UAE during the month of Ramadan; is it ok for me to eat and drink in public places?

Ans.

During Ramadan, all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public areas during daylight hours should be avoided. However, hotels provide meals at restaurants that are not exposed to the public view in the fasting hours.

Q28.

What medication am I allowed to bring into UAE?

Ans.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in India are controlled substances in UAE. Such medication is not allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. Check the list of prohibited medication via http://www.moh.gov.ae/en/.

Q29.

What happens if I am found in possession of illegal drugs?

Ans.

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, are severe.

Q30.

Do I have to pay income tax in UAE?

Ans.

No, you do not. UAE does not have any federal income tax on salaries.

Q31.

My company is sending me to do some commercial filming in UAE, where can I find out about a filming permit and obtain press credentials?

Ans.

You should contact: National Media Council, P.O.Box 3790, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 2 4044333, Fax: +971 2 4044368, email: [email protected]

Q32.

I have an Indian Driving License; Can I drive in UAE?

Ans.

No, you should apply for International Driving License or UAE License.

Q33.

Can I drive a private vehicle on my Indian driving License in UAE?

Ans.

No, but you can obtain a temporary UAE driving license for 6 months even if you are not a resident. This can be arranged at the Traffic Police Department in each Emirate.

Q34.

What are the restrictions on drunk driving in the UAE?

Ans.

There is a zero tolerance approach to drunk driving. Convictions will lead to fines and stiff penalties. Being drunk in public is also a punishable offence.

Q35.

Is healthcare free for foreigners in UAE?

Ans.

No. If you require a medical treatment, you or your travel insurance company will need to cover the costs.

Q36.

What is the most appropriate dress code in public for UAE?

Ans.

A modest dress code should be followed in public places.

Q37.

How do I set up a business in UAE?

Ans.

See the Commercial section of this website for general information. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce in the relevant Emirate for specific information.

Q38.

What are the business working hours in UAE?

Ans.

Many offices work on a two shift system, for example (8am- 1pm) and (4pm-7pm). Working days are 5 days, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced by two to three hours per day.