UAE Visa Policy Changes 2026: What Travellers Need to Know
The confirmed 2026 change expands a residence-based UAE entry-visa route to more passport holders and more countries of residence. It does not give every foreign resident visa-free entry, and it does not replace the normal tourist-visa route for travellers who do not meet the stated conditions.
Direct answer
What Changed in the New UAE Visa Rules for 2026?
On 25 June 2026, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security expanded eligibility for its 14-day and 60-day entry visas for nationals of certain countries. Six nationalities and six qualifying countries of residence were added.
Last checked: 22 September 2026. Official source: ICP eligibility announcement dated 25 June 2026.
Eligibility test
Who Can Use the Expanded Residence-Based Route?
A traveller must meet both parts of the test: an eligible passport nationality and a valid residence permit from an eligible country or region. Meeting only one part is not enough.
| Check | Eligible under the June 2026 update | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Passport nationality | India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya or South Africa | The route is limited to the nationalities named by ICP. |
| Valid residence permit | United States, EU member state, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada | The residence permission must be valid and issued by a listed country or region. |
| Visa category | 14-day or 60-day entry visa | The 14-day visa may be extended once; the 60-day visa is single-entry and non-extendable under this route. |
What remains the same
What This UAE Entry Visa Update Does Not Change
Passport Still Matters
Residence abroad does not change a traveller’s nationality. The passport used for travel remains central to UAE entry eligibility.
No Blanket Exemption
The update is a conditional entry-visa route, not automatic visa-free access for every UK, EU, US, Canadian or Australian resident.
Approval Is Not Guaranteed
Eligibility allows a traveller to use the relevant route. The competent UAE authority still reviews the application and makes the final decision.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates are within the UAE. Travellers do not need a different tourist visa for each emirate, although the application channel and issuing authority may differ.
Before travel
UAE Visa Requirements 2026: What to Check
The policy update changes eligibility for a specific route; it does not remove ordinary document and entry checks. Prepare the documents that match your visa type and personal circumstances.
Check that the passport used for the application is normally valid for at least six months.
If relying on the expanded route, keep a clear copy of the valid qualifying residence permit.
Prepare a return or onward ticket and accommodation or host details when requested.
Use valid UAE health insurance when it is required for the selected entry category.
Names, passport numbers and dates must match across the application and supporting files.
Before departure, read the entry-validity date, permitted stay and number of entries on the issued visa.
For a complete document checklist, see the Dubai visa requirements guide.
Choose the correct route
Do You Need to Apply Before Travelling?
Check the rule for the exact passport you will use. If you qualify for the residence-based 14 or 60-day route, follow its conditions. If you do not qualify for visa-free entry, visa on arrival or another stated exception, arrange the appropriate UAE visit visa before departure.
- Confirm the passport nationality and travel-document type.
- Check whether a valid foreign residence permit affects eligibility.
- Select the correct stay duration and number of entries.
- Submit accurate documents through the appropriate application route.
- Wait for issuance before treating the trip as visa-approved.
Traveller questions
Dubai Tourist Visa Rules: FAQs
Did the UAE make visa-free entry available to all foreign residents in 2026?
No. The June 2026 change expanded a conditional 14-day and 60-day entry-visa route for named nationalities holding valid residence permits from named countries or regions.
Which nationalities were added in June 2026?
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa were added. India was already included in this residence-based eligibility route.
Which countries of residence were added?
Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada were added. The United States, EU member states and the United Kingdom were already qualifying residence locations.
Can the 14-day and 60-day visas be extended?
ICP states that the 14-day visa may be extended once during the holder’s UAE stay. The 60-day visa under this route is single-entry and non-extendable.
Does eligibility guarantee that a UAE visa will be issued?
No. Eligibility does not guarantee approval or entry. The relevant UAE authority reviews the application and border officials make the final entry decision.
Are Dubai and Abu Dhabi visa rules separate?
A UAE visit visa is not limited to one emirate. The application channel or issuing authority may differ, but a traveller does not obtain a separate tourist visa for each emirate.
Check the Visa Route for Your Passport
Select the passport nationality you will travel with and provide accurate residence and trip details. Available options depend on the traveller’s eligibility and the current application route.
Check Available Visa OptionsDubaiVisa.com is a private visa assistance service operated by Al Hadaf Tourism LLC, DTCM Licence 589515. It is not ICP, GDRFA or the UAE government. Visa approval and admission remain subject to the relevant UAE authorities.
