The United Arab Emirates will expand its visa-on-arrival program to nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members, effective July 25, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to facilitating travel through a flexible entry and residency framework while enhancing the visitor experience.
Under the new decision, nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa holding ordinary passports can obtain a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival if they hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expansion of visa-on-arrival scheme underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The ministry added that the move will create greater opportunities for eligible nationals to experience the UAE’s tourism offerings, business environment, economy and infrastructure.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant authorities to facilitate travel, streamline consular procedures and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global destination for business, investment, entrepreneurship and talent.
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said the amendments to visa-on-arrival support ongoing efforts to enhance the UAE’s visa framework, expand eligibility and align services with global best practices in travel, tourism and mobility. The authority added that the decision strengthens cooperation with partner countries and supports the UAE’s competitiveness in residency, tourism and travel indicators.
According to the ICP, applicants and their accompanying family members must be nationals of one of the six eligible countries and hold a valid residence permit from the approved countries to qualify for the visa-on-arrival program. Eligible visitors may receive either a 14-day or 60-day visa, depending on the type issued.
The authority noted that the 14-day visa can be extended once while the holder remains in the UAE. The 60-day visa is valid for a single stay and cannot be extended. Holders of both visa types must leave the country upon expiry.
An overstay fine of $13.61 (AED 50) per day will apply to visitors who remain beyond the permitted period. The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is $27.23 (AED 100), while the fee for the 60-day visa is $68.06 (AED 250).
