UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility has expanded. From 25 June 2026, qualifying nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa can obtain a 14-day or 60-day UAE entry visa, provided they also hold a valid residence permit from an approved country.
Published: 24 July 2026 | Last reviewed: 24 July 2026 | By Visagator Editorial
Key takeaway: nationality alone is not enough. Applicants must meet both the nationality requirement and the qualifying foreign-residence requirement announced by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
What changed in the UAE visa-on-arrival rules?
On 25 June 2026, the UAE ICP announced expanded eligibility for its Entry Visa for Nationals of Certain Countries. India was already included; the latest update adds six nationalities:
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa
The update covers the qualifying traveller and accompanying family members who satisfy the same official conditions. It provides two permitted-stay options: 14 days or 60 days.
Who is eligible?
To qualify under the expanded UAE entry-visa arrangement, a traveller must hold an ordinary passport from an eligible country and a valid residence permit issued by at least one of the following:
- United States
- European Union member state
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
Residence documents should remain valid when travelling. Airlines and immigration officers may also request standard supporting documents, so travellers should confirm the latest requirements before departure.
UAE entry-visa fees, validity and extensions
| Visa option | Official fee | Entry and extension rules |
|---|---|---|
| 14-day entry visa | AED 100 | May be extended once during the holder’s stay |
| 60-day entry visa | AED 250 | Single entry and non-extendable |
| Overstay penalty | AED 50 per day | Applies after the authorised stay expires |
Visa holders must leave the UAE before their authorised stay ends. Fees can change, and additional service or processing charges may apply depending on the approved booking channel.
How travellers should prepare
- Check both conditions. Confirm that your passport nationality and foreign residence permit are eligible.
- Check document validity. Review your passport and residence permit expiry dates before booking.
- Select the correct stay. Choose 14 days if you may need the one permitted extension; choose 60 days only if a non-extendable single entry suits your plans.
- Carry supporting evidence. Keep your residence permit, onward or return ticket, accommodation details and insurance available for carrier and immigration checks.
- Verify before travel. Confirm the current conditions with the UAE ICP, the airline or an authorised travel provider.
What if you do not meet the new eligibility rules?
Travellers who do not satisfy both requirements may still be able to apply for a standard UAE tourist visa. The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) currently lists single-entry tourist visas for 30 or 60 days through accredited tourism establishments.
| Standard Dubai tourist visa | Listed government fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days, single entry | AED 252 plus 5% VAT |
| 60 days, single entry | AED 352 plus 5% VAT |
For a broader comparison, see Visagator’s guide to UAE tourist visa types.
Summer visa-fee benefit for families
A separate UAE Cabinet measure exempts accompanying children under 18 from tourist entry-visa fees between 15 July and 15 September each year, provided they travel with a parent or both parents on tourist visas. The ICP advises applying through the family-tourism category using approved channels. Read the official ICP family-tourism guidance.
Families should confirm that the exemption appears in the current application system before relying on it in a travel budget.
Frequently asked questions
Which nationalities were added to the UAE visa-on-arrival scheme in 2026?
Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa were added on 25 June 2026. India was already eligible under this specific arrangement.
Can every citizen of the six countries get the visa?
No. The traveller must also hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU member state, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
How much does the 14-day UAE entry visa cost?
The official ICP fee is AED 100. The 14-day option may be extended once during the traveller’s stay.
Can the 60-day visa be extended?
No. The AED 250, 60-day option is single-entry and non-extendable under the announcement dated 25 June 2026.
What is the UAE visa overstay fine?
The ICP announcement states an overstay fine of AED 50 per day for holders who remain beyond their authorised stay.
Official sources and editorial note
- UAE ICP: Six New Nationalities and Six Additional Countries of Residence Added to Eligibility Criteria
- GDRFA Dubai: Issuance of a single-entry tourist visa
- UAE ICP: Visa-fee exemption for accompanying tourists under 18
Editorial note: Visagator reviewed the official government sources above on 24 July 2026. Immigration rules and fees can change without notice. This report is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of entry. Final admission decisions remain with the competent UAE authorities.
Need help choosing the right route? Review the available UAE visa types or contact Visagator for general application assistance.