(Credit - UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.ae))
UAE Visa on Arrival: 6 New Nationalities Eligible
The UAE has expanded its visa on arrival program to include nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa who hold a qualifying residence permit, effective June 25, 2026, confirmed directly by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This update also extends to eligible family members.
This change affects individuals who hold passports from these six countries and also hold a valid residence permit from one of nine recognised countries: the US, an EU member state, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. They can now receive a visa on arrival when entering the UAE, rather than having to apply for a visa in advance.
Two options are available: a 14-day visa for AED 100 (extendable once for AED 25 more), or a non-extendable 60-day visa for AED 250. Overstaying either carries a fine of AED 50 per day. For the full breakdown of eligibility and the complete residence-permit list, see our UAE visa on arrival expansion guide.
To be eligible, travelers must present a valid passport and proof of lawful residence in the country of residence, such as a residence permit or ID. They may also be required to provide onward travel details or accommodation information. The process typically involves arriving at a UAE airport or port of entry, presenting the required documents, and completing immigration processing.
Steps to follow
- Arrive at a UAE airport or port of entry.
- Present a valid passport and proof of a qualifying residence permit.
- Complete immigration processing, where eligibility is verified.
- Choose the 14-day or 60-day option and pay the applicable fee.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa |
| Residency Requirement | Valid residence permit from one of 9 recognised countries |
| Family Members | Eligible family members also qualify |
MOFA’s own announcement confirms this is a genuine fast-track: six nationalities, nine recognised residence-permit sources, and no advance visa application needed if both conditions are met. Confirm your eligibility against both lists before booking.
