UAE expands visa-on-arrival programme to six more nationalities
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
ABU DHABI, June 26 — The United Arab Emirates has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.
The decision, effective from July 25, applies to nationals of Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa who hold ordinary passports.
Eligible travellers must also hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
Under the new rules, applicants and their accompanying family members may obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, depending on the type of visa issued.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expansion reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and supporting closer economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.
The ministry said the initiative would also create greater opportunities for nationals of the six countries to experience the UAE’s tourism offering, business environment, infrastructure and wider economic landscape.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security said the amendments are part of efforts to enhance the UAE’s visa framework, expand the scope of beneficiaries and align services with global best practices in travel, tourism and mobility.
The authority said the 14-day visa may be extended once while the holder is in the UAE. The 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and is not extendable.
Travellers must leave the country when their visa expires. An overstay fine of AED50 per day will apply to those who remain beyond the permitted period.
The total issuance fee is AED100 for the 14-day visa and AED250 for the 60-day visa.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
