UAE Expands Visa-On-Arrival Eligibility to Six New Nations

The Bottom Line

•Travelers from the six eligible countries can now secure visas upon arrival if they hold specific Western residency permits.
•Check that your residency permit from nations like the UK or USA is valid before booking your flight.

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[Visa-on-Arrival Policy Expansion]:

The United Arab Emirates has officially expanded its visa-on-arrival program on June 25, 2026, extending the facility to ordinary passport holders from six additional countries. Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, along with their accompanying family members, are now eligible to obtain entry visas upon arrival. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the move aims to strengthen bilateral relations and streamline entry procedures.

[Eligibility Criteria and Fees]:

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) clarified that this facility is strictly conditional. To qualify, travelers from the six nations must hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, or Singapore. Eligible visitors can choose between a 14-day visa for an issuance fee of AED 100, which can be extended once, or a single-entry, non-extendable 60-day visa for AED 250.

[Regional Travel Significance]:

This policy shift is expected to significantly increase tourism and business travel from Southeast Asia and Africa to the UAE. By leveraging existing residency status in developed economies, the UAE creates a streamlined corridor for global travelers. Frequent flyers from these nations should monitor official ICP portals to ensure their Western or East Asian residency documents remain valid for the duration of their planned entry into the Emirates.

Pulse Intelligence

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Context & Background

The UAE has been steadily updating its residency and visa policies to attract global talent and tourism.
Previous updates to the UAE visa system focused on Golden Visas and long-term residency for expatriates.

Key Consequences

Increased footfall of tourists and business professionals from the listed nations is expected at UAE airports.
Travel demand between Southeast Asia, Africa, and the UAE will likely see a surge in the coming months.
Increased administrative load on immigration authorities to verify third-country residency permits upon arrival.

Market & Economic Impact

Positive impact on the UAE aviation and tourism sectors.