New policy aims to boost tourism, business travel and international connectivity by making it easier for eligible visitors to enter the UAE.
The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include travellers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, in a move that is expected to support tourism, business travel and international investment.
The new policy, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), allows eligible ordinary passport holders from the six countries, along with accompanying family members, to obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, provided they meet specific residency requirements.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, travellers must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the following countries:
- United States
- A member state of the European Union
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
Eligible visitors can choose between a 14-day visa, which may be extended once while in the UAE, or a 60-day single-entry visa, which is not extendable.
The visa fees are AED100 for the 14-day option and AED250 for the 60-day visa. Visitors who overstay will incur a penalty of AED50 per day.
Supporting tourism and business growth
The expansion forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to simplify entry procedures and strengthen its position as a global destination for tourism, business and investment.
According to the ICP, the updated policy aligns with international best practices in travel and mobility while making it easier for visitors with established residency status in major global economies to enter the country.
The initiative also supports the UAE’s long-term economic diversification agenda by encouraging greater international travel, attracting talent and facilitating business opportunities.
Building on wider visa reforms
The latest changes are part of a series of visa reforms introduced in recent years to improve global mobility and attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and investors.
Alongside the expansion of visa-on-arrival eligibility, the UAE has introduced long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa and Green Visa, offering greater flexibility for investors, business owners, highly skilled professionals and exceptional students.
These initiatives have helped reinforce the UAE’s reputation as a regional hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa while supporting continued growth in tourism, trade and international business.
Key takeaways
- Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa are now eligible for the expanded visa-on-arrival programme.
- Applicants must hold a valid residence permit from the US, UK, EU, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
- Visitors can obtain either a 14-day extendable visa (AED100) or a 60-day non-extendable visa (AED250) upon arrival.
- The move is part of the UAE’s wider efforts to boost tourism, business travel and global connectivity while supporting its long-term economic diversification strategy.
