(Credit - MSN)
UAE Visa-on-Arrival Expansion: What You Need to Know
If you’re a national of Indonesia, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand, Kenya, or South Africa, and you’re planning to visit the UAE, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re now eligible for a visa-on-arrival. This new rule, effective June 25, 2026, allows you to enter the country with a valid ordinary passport and a qualifying residence permit.
To be eligible for the visa-on-arrival, you’ll need to meet certain conditions. First, you must hold an ordinary passport from one of the six newly eligible nationalities. Second, you must have a valid residence permit from a specified list of countries, including the USA, EU member states, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Canada, or New Zealand. If you meet these conditions, you can proceed to the immigration counter at the airport and apply for a visa-on-arrival.
The UAE visa-on-arrival options include a 14-day stay for AED 100 and a 60-day stay for AED 250. These fees are fixed and apply to all eligible travelers. To apply, you’ll need to present your ordinary passport and qualifying residence permit, along with standard entry requirements such as onward travel and accommodation details.
For travelers who do not meet the residence-permit condition, there are alternative UAE entry-visa pathways available. However, for those who qualify, the visa-on-arrival option can simplify the travel process and reduce pre-travel visa friction. It’s essential to note that airlines, travel managers, and hospitality operators may need to update their passenger and document verification workflows to accommodate the new visa-on-arrival rules.
Here’s a breakdown of the visa-on-arrival options and requirements:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| 14-day stay | AED 100 |
If you’re a national of one of the six newly eligible countries, you can take advantage of the visa-on-arrival option by following these steps:
- Check if you have a valid ordinary passport and a qualifying residence permit.
- Ensure you meet the standard entry requirements, such as onward travel and accommodation details.
- Proceed to the immigration counter at the airport and apply for a visa-on-arrival.
- Select the applicable visa duration (14 or 60 days) and pay the stated fee.
