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The United Arab Emirates has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme by adding Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa to its list of eligible countries, marking another major step in the country’s strategy to strengthen international tourism, business travel and global connectivity. Under the revised policy, ordinary passport holders from these six countries, along with their accompanying family members, can now receive either a 14-day or a 60-day 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. The latest reform is expected to make travel to the UAE significantly easier for millions of internationally mobile residents while supporting the country’s rapidly expanding tourism and aviation sectors.

The new visa policy reflects the UAE’s long-term ambition to become one of the world’s most accessible travel destinations by simplifying entry procedures for qualified international visitors. Authorities believe the move will encourage higher visitor arrivals, increase business travel, attract investors and skilled professionals, and strengthen the country’s position as a global gateway connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. The expansion also complements the UAE’s broader visa reforms, including long-term residency initiatives such as the Golden Visa and Green Visa programmes, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to economic diversification, tourism growth and international mobility.

United Arab Emirates Expands Visa-on-Arrival Programme for Six Countries

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced that nationals from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa are now eligible for the UAE’s expanded visa-on-arrival programme.

The initiative applies to ordinary passport holders and their accompanying family members who possess valid residence permits issued by the United States, European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

Officials said the expansion aligns with the UAE’s vision of creating a more efficient, internationally competitive and visitor-friendly immigration framework.

Eligible Countries Under the New Visa-on-Arrival Policy

Visa Options Available for Eligible Travellers

Travellers meeting the eligibility requirements can select between two visa-on-arrival options depending on their travel plans.

The 14-day visa allows visitors to extend their stay once while remaining inside the UAE. The 60-day visa permits a single stay and cannot be extended.

UAE Visa-on-Arrival Structure

Visitors who remain beyond the authorised stay will be subject to an overstay fine of AED50 per day.

UAE Strengthens Tourism and Global Mobility

The visa expansion forms part of the UAE’s broader tourism and economic strategy designed to increase international arrivals while strengthening its reputation as one of the world’s leading aviation and business hubs.

Government officials noted that easier travel procedures improve accessibility for leisure travellers, entrepreneurs, investors and corporate visitors while supporting airlines, hotels, retail businesses and the wider tourism economy.

The UAE continues investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, smart border technologies, world-class airports and international partnerships to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Approved Residence Permit Issuing Countries

Part of a Broader UAE Visa Reform Strategy

The latest policy builds upon several years of progressive immigration reforms introduced by the UAE.

Alongside expanding visa-on-arrival access, the country has introduced the Golden Visa, Green Visa and other long-term residency programmes aimed at attracting entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, highly skilled professionals and outstanding students.

These reforms have significantly improved the UAE’s competitiveness as an international destination for tourism, remote work, innovation and foreign investment.

Expected Travel and Economic Benefits

What the New Policy Means for International Travellers

For eligible residents living in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and European Union member states, travelling to the UAE will become considerably more convenient.

The simplified arrival process reduces administrative requirements while encouraging more short-term leisure trips, family visits, exhibitions, conferences and business meetings.

Industry experts expect the updated visa policy to further strengthen Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s positions as leading international travel hubs connecting Europe, Asia and Africa.

FAQs

1. Which countries were newly added to the UAE visa-on-arrival programme?

Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa have been added.

2. Who is eligible for the new visa-on-arrival facility?

Ordinary passport holders from the six eligible countries who possess valid residence permits from approved nations.

3. Which residence permits are accepted?

Residence permits issued by the United States, EU member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

4. What visa options are available on arrival?

Travellers can receive either a 14-day visa or a 60-day visa on arrival.

5. Can the 14-day visa be extended?

Yes. It may be extended once while the traveller remains in the UAE.

6. Can the 60-day visa be extended?

No. The 60-day visa is issued for a single non-extendable stay.

7. How much does the 14-day visa cost?

The issuance fee is AED100.

8. What is the fee for the 60-day visa?

The issuance fee is AED250.

9. What is the penalty for overstaying the visa?

Travellers who overstay are fined AED50 per day beyond the authorised stay.

10. Why has the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme?

The expansion aims to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, strengthen international connectivity, attract investment and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global travel and economic hub.