Asan Tata— October 26, 2026Planning a trip to the UAE just got easier for thousands of travellers. On 25 June 2026, the UAE widened its visa-on-arrival scheme to citizens of six more countries. If you hold an ordinary passport from one of those countries, and you also hold a valid residence permit from an approved country, you may now get your visa when you land, instead of applying in advance.
This change removes a whole step from trip planning. There is no embassy visit and no waiting for approval before you fly. You still need to meet both conditions, though. Nationality alone is not enough, and a residence permit alone is not enough either. This guide explains who qualifies, what the two visa options cost, and what to check before you travel.
Quick Answer
Since 25 June 2026, ordinary passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa can obtain a UAE visa on arrival, provided they hold a valid residence permit from the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Accompanying family members are included. Two stay lengths are offered: 14 days for AED 100, or 60 days for AED 250. The 14-day visa can be extended once while you are in the UAE. The 60-day visa is for a single stay and cannot be extended. If you overstay, a fine of AED 50 per day applies. Before this change, only Indian nationals were eligible for this route.
What Changed on 25 June 2026
The announcement came jointly from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, known as ICP. It expanded the scheme on two fronts at the same time. First, it added six new nationalities to the eligible list. Second, it added six new countries of residence to the qualifying list: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Before the change, the qualifying residence permits were limited to the United States, European Union member states, and the United Kingdom. The wider list means more travellers who live and work abroad can now use the route. For example, a Kenyan citizen living in Canada, or a Filipino citizen living in Singapore, may now qualify.
The Ministry said the move reflects the UAE’s commitment to stronger ties with friendly countries and to easier travel. ICP said the change is part of ongoing work to modernise the visa system and bring it in line with global travel practice.
Who Qualifies for the Visa on Arrival
Eligibility rests on two conditions, and both must be true at the time you travel. The first is your nationality. The second is the residence permit you hold. If either is missing, this route does not apply to you, and you will need a visa arranged before travel.
Condition 1: Your nationality
You must hold an ordinary passport from one of these seven countries:
- India (eligible before this change)
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa
The decision covers ordinary passports. If you travel on a different type of passport, such as a diplomatic passport, do not assume the same rules apply. Check with the UAE embassy or consulate for your case before you book.
Condition 2: Your residence permit
You must also hold a valid residence permit issued by one of these countries or blocs:
- The United States
- A European Union member state
- The United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
The word “valid” does a lot of work here. An expired permit will not help you, and a permit that expires during your trip could cause problems. Make sure your permit covers your whole stay, and carry the original document. Border officers may ask to see it, and airlines may check it before boarding.
Family members travelling with you
The decision also covers accompanying family members of eligible travellers. A spouse or children travelling with the main traveller may be issued a visa on the same basis. Family members should still carry their own passports and, where relevant, proof of the family link and of the main traveller’s qualifying residence permit. If family members travel separately, check their position in advance rather than assuming they are covered.
The Two Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa type | Fee | Extension | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa on arrival | AED 100 | Can be extended once while in the UAE | Short trips, family visits, and brief business travel |
| 60-day visa on arrival | AED 250 | Single stay, cannot be extended | Longer holidays, extended family visits, and unhurried travel |
The choice depends on how long you plan to stay and how firm your plans are. If your trip is short and fixed, the 14-day option costs less. If you want a longer stay, the 60-day option gives you more time, but you cannot stretch it further. Plan your departure date before you choose, because overstaying carries a daily fine.
How the 14-Day and 60-Day Visas Work
The 14-day visa is the cheaper option, and it can be extended once while you are in the UAE. That extra period can help if your plans change or a flight is delayed. Arrange the extension before your first 14 days run out, not after. Waiting until you have already overstayed means fines may already apply.
The 60-day visa works differently. It is issued for a single stay and cannot be extended. Once it ends, you must leave the UAE. Count your days carefully from the date of entry, not from the date you booked your flight. If you think you might need more than 60 days, a different visa category arranged in advance may suit you better.
In both cases, you must leave before your permitted stay expires. The overstay fine is AED 50 per day, according to ICP. That fine can add up quickly, and overstaying can also cause problems for future visa applications. Keep a clear record of your entry date and your last permitted day.
What to Prepare Before You Fly
The official announcement does not publish a step-by-step airport procedure, so treat the points below as practical preparation rather than an official checklist.
- Your ordinary passport. Carry the passport itself, not just a copy or a phone photo.
- Your valid residence permit. Carry the original, and check it covers your whole trip.
- Proof of return or onward travel. Airlines often ask for this.
- Where you will stay. Have your hotel booking or host address ready.
- Enough funds for the fee. Budget AED 100 or AED 250, plus a payment method accepted at the airport.
- Your family’s documents. Carry their passports and any proof of the family link.
It is also wise to confirm your eligibility with your airline before departure. Some travellers under earlier versions of this scheme reported mixed guidance at different counters, even when they met the published criteria. A quick check with the airline can save a stressful conversation at the airport.
What This Visa Does Not Cover
A visa on arrival is a visit visa. It lets you enter the UAE for tourism, family visits, and short business trips. It does not by itself give you the right to work for a UAE employer. If you plan to take a job in the UAE, you need a work permit and a residence visa arranged through an employer.
The visa also does not replace other documents you may need for specific activities, such as driving or opening a bank account. Each of those has its own rules.
Finally, this scheme is separate from the UAE’s visa-free entry for many other nationalities. Citizens of a large group of countries can already enter without a visa for up to 90 days. This conditional route is aimed at a different group: nationals of the seven listed countries who also hold residence in an approved country. If your passport already gives you visa-free entry, you do not need this route at all.
If You Do Not Qualify
Most citizens of the six newly added countries will not qualify under this scheme, because most do not hold a residence permit from an approved country. That is normal, and it does not mean you cannot visit the UAE. It simply means you need a visa arranged before you travel.
The usual route is a visit or tourist visa obtained in advance through an airline, a hotel, a licensed travel agency, or an authorised visa service. Apply early and use only official or well-known providers. Be wary of anyone who promises a guaranteed visa or asks for payment through informal channels. No legitimate provider can guarantee approval, and entry decisions always rest with UAE immigration authorities.
If you are unsure which category fits you, check with the nearest UAE embassy or consulate, or with ICP’s official channels, before booking a non-refundable ticket. A short check in advance is far cheaper than a refused boarding at the airport.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming nationality alone is enough. Without a valid residence permit from an approved country, the route does not apply.
- Travelling on an expiring permit. If your permit runs out during your trip, you may face questions at the border.
- Choosing the 60-day visa and then needing longer. It cannot be extended, so plan the full length of your stay in advance.
- Leaving the extension too late. Extend a 14-day visa before it expires, not after fines have started.
- Forgetting family documents. Accompanying family members need their own passports too.
- Trusting social media summaries alone. Some online lists omit countries or mix this up with visa-free entry. Check the official MoFA announcement.
Why This Change Matters for Travellers
For the travellers it covers, the change removes real friction. A Filipino nurse living in the UK, a Kenyan engineer living in Canada, or an Indonesian student living in Australia previously needed a UAE visa before travel, even though they already held residence in a country whose checks the UAE trusts. Now the border itself can issue the visa, which makes short, spontaneous trips realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries were added to the UAE visa-on-arrival scheme in 2026?
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa were added on 25 June 2026. India was already eligible, so seven nationalities are now covered under this conditional scheme.
Do I qualify if I only hold a passport from one of the six countries?
No. You must also hold a valid residence permit from the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Without that permit, you need a visa before travel.
How much does the visa on arrival cost?
The 14-day visa costs AED 100 and the 60-day visa costs AED 250, according to ICP. Fees can change, so confirm the current fee before you travel.
Can I extend my visa on arrival?
The 14-day visa can be extended once while you are in the UAE. The 60-day visa is for a single stay and cannot be extended. In both cases, leave before your permitted stay ends to avoid the AED 50 per day overstay fine.
Can my family travel with me on this visa?
Yes, accompanying family members are included under the decision. They should carry their own passports and supporting documents, and the main traveller’s qualifying residence permit should be available to show.
Can I work in the UAE on a visa on arrival?
No. This is a visit visa. Working in the UAE requires a separate work permit and residence visa arranged through an employer.
Disclaimer
This article is general information only and is not immigration advice. Visa rules can change, and individual cases can differ. Always confirm your eligibility, fees, and permitted stay with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ICP, or the nearest UAE embassy or consulate before you travel. Entry decisions are made by UAE immigration authorities at the border.
Last Updated: 26 October 2026
Asan Tata is an independent information platform providing simple, practical guides on UAE visas, banking, insurance, driving licences, and government-related services. Our team researches information from reliable and official sources to make complex topics easier to understand.