Kenya Joins South Africa, Vietnam and Three Other Nations as UAE Expands its New Visa-on-Arrival Programme in 2026

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Kenya Joins South Africa, Vietnam and Three Other Nations as UAE Expands its New Visa-on-Arrival Programme in 2026. Travelling to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah has become easier for a broader group of international visitors following a major expansion of the United Arab Emirates’ visa-on-arrival programme. Effective June 25, 2026, the updated policy adds six new nationalities to the scheme and expands eligibility criteria for Indian passport holders, strengthening the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most accessible tourism destinations.

The move is expected to support tourism flows from key Asian and African markets while making travel planning simpler for visitors who already hold visas, residence permits or green cards from a range of recognised countries.

UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility to Six New Nationalities

Under the revised regulations, passport holders from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa can now obtain a UAE visa upon arrival, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.

To qualify, travellers must possess a valid visa, residence permit or green card issued by one of 34 approved countries. The list includes major travel and immigration destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea.

The policy removes the need for many eligible travellers to secure a separate visa before departure, creating a smoother travel experience from booking to arrival.

Tourism Destinations Across the UAE Stand to Benefit

The expanded programme arrives at a time when the UAE continues to attract growing numbers of international visitors seeking leisure, shopping, culture, entertainment and business travel opportunities.

Dubai remains a leading global tourism destination known for its luxury hotels, beaches, shopping districts, theme parks and iconic skyline. Abu Dhabi continues to attract visitors through cultural institutions, heritage attractions, waterfront developments and major international events.

Sharjah has established itself as a centre for cultural tourism, museums and family-focused experiences, while Ras Al Khaimah has gained international attention through its mountain landscapes, adventure tourism offerings and expanding resort sector.

By simplifying entry procedures, the UAE is making it easier for eligible travellers to explore multiple emirates during a single visit.

Indian Travellers Receive Expanded Entry Benefits

The latest update also introduces important changes for Indian passport holders, one of the UAE’s largest and most significant visitor groups.

Previously, Indian nationals could access visa-on-arrival facilities if they held valid visas or residency permits from the United States, the United Kingdom or the European Union.

The expanded programme now recognises valid visas and residency permits issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea as qualifying documents.

This broader eligibility is expected to benefit a large number of Indian travellers who live, work or frequently travel through these countries and wish to visit the UAE for tourism, family visits or short business trips.

New Stay Options Introduced for Eligible Visitors

Alongside the expansion of eligible nationalities, the UAE has also introduced additional visa-on-arrival stay options.

Eligible travellers can receive:

• A 14-day visa-on-arrival for Dh100
• A non-extendable 60-day visa-on-arrival for Dh250

The longer stay option offers additional flexibility for visitors planning extended holidays, family visits or multi-destination trips across the Emirates.

For travellers interested in exploring several emirates rather than remaining in a single city, the 60-day option provides greater convenience and travel flexibility.

Growing Air Connectivity Supports Tourism Expansion

The success of the expanded visa-on-arrival programme is closely linked to the UAE’s extensive international air network.

Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s airports and Sharjah International Airport connect the country with hundreds of destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The addition of new eligible traveller groups aligns with the UAE’s role as a major aviation hub and transit gateway.

Many travellers from the newly included countries already use the UAE as a transit point for international journeys. The updated entry policy may encourage more stopover visits and longer stays, generating additional tourism activity across the country.

Simplified Entry Supports Travel Demand

Visa policies often play a key role in destination selection, particularly for leisure travellers looking for convenience and flexibility.

The ability to obtain a visa upon arrival can reduce travel preparation time and make spontaneous or short-notice trips easier to arrange. For tourism-dependent destinations, simplified entry procedures can support visitor growth by removing administrative barriers that may otherwise influence travel decisions.

The UAE’s latest changes reflect a broader focus on accessibility, allowing more internationally mobile travellers to visit without requiring a separate visa application process before departure.

Key Statistics

• Effective date: June 25, 2026
• Six new nationalities added
• 34 qualifying countries recognised
• 14-day visa-on-arrival fee: Dh100
• 60-day non-extendable visa-on-arrival fee: Dh250
• Expanded qualifying visa categories for Indian passport holders

Chronological Tracker

June 25, 2026 – UAE expansion of visa-on-arrival programme takes effect.

June 25, 2026 – Travellers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa become eligible under the new framework.

June 25, 2026 – Additional qualifying visa and residency categories introduced for Indian nationals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which new nationalities are now eligible for the UAE visa-on-arrival?

Passport holders from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa.

What documents are required to qualify?

Eligible travellers must hold a valid visa, residence permit or green card issued by one of the 34 approved countries.

What stay durations are available?

Travellers can obtain a 14-day visa-on-arrival for Dh100 or a non-extendable 60-day visa-on-arrival for Dh250.

Important Date

June 25, 2026 – UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival programme officially entered into force.

Conclusion

Kenya Joins South Africa, Vietnam and Three Other Nations as UAE Expands its New Visa-on-Arrival Programme in 2026. The UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival programme marks a significant travel facilitation update for visitors from six newly eligible countries while broadening opportunities for Indian nationals through additional recognised visas and residency permits. With simplified entry procedures, new stay options and access to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, the initiative strengthens the UAE’s accessibility for international travellers and supports tourism connectivity across the Emirates.