UAE Visa on Arrival Expanded to 6 Countries: 2026 Update
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa.
This update allows qualifying travellers to obtain either a 14-day or
60-day visa on arrival when entering the UAE.
Important Notice from DubaiVisa.com
DubaiVisa.com does not provide, issue, sell, or process UAE visa-on-arrival services.
Visa on arrival is issued directly at the UAE port of entry by the relevant immigration authority,
subject to eligibility checks and final approval.
This guide is for information only, so travellers can understand the new rule before travelling.
If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, DubaiVisa.com may assist with a regular UAE tourist visa
application where applicable.
Who is eligible under the new UAE visa-on-arrival rule?
Ordinary passport holders from the following six countries may qualify for the new UAE visa-on-arrival facility:
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa
Accompanying family members may also be eligible, provided they meet the required conditions.
Visa on arrival is not automatic
Travellers from the above countries must also hold a valid visa, residence permit, Green Card,
or approved immigration document issued by one of the following countries or regions:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- European Union member states
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
For example, a Filipino, South African, Kenyan, Thai, Vietnamese, or Indonesian passport holder
may qualify if they hold a valid UK residence permit, US visa, EU residence permit, Canadian residence
permit, Australian residence permit, or another accepted document.
Important 6-month validity requirement
Before travelling, make sure your passport and qualifying visa or residence permit are valid.
As a safe travel requirement, your qualifying visa or residence permit should have
at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in the UAE.
This is an important point because airlines may check your documents before boarding.
If your UK residence permit, US visa, EU residence permit, Canadian permit, or other qualifying document
is close to expiry, you may face boarding or entry issues.
UAE visa-on-arrival options and fees
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Fee | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | 14 days | Dh100 | Extendable once |
| Visa on arrival | 60 days | Dh250 | Not extendable |
The 14-day visa may be extended once while the traveller is inside the UAE.
The 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and is not extendable.
Overstay fine
Travellers must leave the UAE before their visa expires. If a traveller overstays,
an overstay fine of Dh50 per day may apply.
Documents to carry when travelling
- Original passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid residence permit, visa, Green Card, or approved immigration document
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel booking or UAE address
- Travel insurance, if required by airline or travel provider
- Copies of important travel documents
When should you apply for a UAE tourist visa instead?
Visa on arrival may not be suitable for every traveller. You may need to apply for a UAE tourist visa
in advance if:
- Your qualifying residence permit or visa has less than 6 months validity
- You are not sure whether your document is accepted
- You are travelling with family and want to avoid airport confusion
- You need approval before confirming your travel plan
- You do not hold a valid visa or residence permit from an approved country
DubaiVisa.com Reminder
DubaiVisa.com does not process UAE visa-on-arrival applications because this facility is handled directly
at the UAE airport or port of entry. If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, you can check your
regular UAE tourist visa options before travelling.
Final advice
The UAEâs expanded visa-on-arrival rule is good news for eligible travellers from Indonesia, Vietnam,
Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. However, eligibility depends on more than nationality.
Before booking your flight, check your passport, your qualifying visa or residence permit, the issuing country,
and the 6-month validity requirement. If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, apply for a UAE tourist visa
in advance to avoid last-minute travel issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DubaiVisa.com provide UAE visa on arrival?
No. DubaiVisa.com does not issue or process UAE visa-on-arrival services. Visa on arrival is issued directly
at the UAE port of entry by immigration authorities.
Which countries are included in the new UAE visa-on-arrival update?
The update includes eligible citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa.
Do I need a UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia, or similar visa to qualify?
Yes. Travellers must hold a valid visa, residence permit, Green Card, or approved immigration document from
one of the accepted countries or regions.
Should my residence permit or visa be valid for 6 months?
Yes. Travellers should make sure their qualifying visa or residence permit has at least 6 months validity
from the date of arrival in the UAE.
Can the 60-day visa on arrival be extended?
No. The 60-day visa on arrival is not extendable.
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