UAE expands visa-on-arrival scheme to six new nationalities with 60-day option
Applicants can access short stays with revised fees and conditions
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals of six additional countries and their accompanying family members, widening access to short-term entry options for eligible travellers.
The updated rules, effective from 25th July, allow holders of ordinary passports from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa to obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival. The move forms part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its entry framework and provide smoother travel opportunities for visitors.
Under the revised criteria, eligible nationals must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries, including the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. The same eligibility conditions apply to accompanying family members travelling with the applicant.
Eligibility
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) confirmed that the expanded visa categories apply to citizens of the six newly added countries holding qualifying residence permits abroad.
UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Residing Outside Their Home Countrieshttps://t.co/wSBV7UwoD9 pic.twitter.com/YxxSaaz0Uq
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 25, 2026
The updated list means nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa can now benefit from the programme, alongside existing eligible categories. Applicants and their family members must meet both requirements: nationality from one of the approved countries and a valid residence permit from one of the recognised jurisdictions.
The available visa duration depends on the category issued. Eligible travellers may receive either a 14-day visa or a 60-day visa on arrival, allowing them to visit the UAE for tourism, business, family visits and other permitted purposes.
Visa details
The ICP stated that the 14-day visa can be extended once while the holder remains in the UAE. In comparison, the 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and cannot be extended. Travellers must leave the country before their authorised stay expires, with an overstay fine of Dh50 per day applicable to those who exceed the permitted period.
The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is Dh100, while the fee for the 60-day visa is Dh250.
The authority said the amendments reflect efforts to modernise the UAE’s visa system, expand the number of beneficiaries and align services with international standards in travel, tourism and mobility. The changes also support stronger cooperation with partner countries and contribute to the UAE’s position in global travel and residency competitiveness.
UAE travel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expanded visa eligibility reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening relations with friendly nations and encouraging closer economic, cultural and people-to-people connections.
The ministry highlighted that the initiative provides more opportunities for visitors from the newly included countries to explore the UAE’s cultural attractions, tourism sector, business environment and internationally recognised infrastructure.
It added that continued coordination with relevant national authorities will help facilitate traveller movement, streamline procedures and reinforce the UAE’s role as a global destination for business, investment, entrepreneurship and skilled professionals.