The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival program to nationals of six countries — Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa — effective June 25, 2026.
The benefit also covers accompanying family members, but there’s one key condition: you qualify only if you already hold a valid residence permit from one of nine approved countries. If you’re heading to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, here’s exactly how it works.
Who qualifies for the UAE visa on arrival
Ordinary passport holders from these six countries are now eligible, along with their accompanying family members:
- Republic of Indonesia
- Socialist Republic of Vietnam
- Kingdom of Thailand
- Republic of the Philippines
- Republic of Kenya
- Republic of South Africa
The residence permit condition
Being a national of one of those six countries is not enough on its own. You must also hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the following:
- United States (a US Green Card counts)
- A European Union member state
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
You’ll need to present both your passport and your valid residence permit at the entry point. Without an approved residence permit, you still need to arrange a UAE visa before traveling.
Visa options and fees
You can choose between two visa lengths on arrival, with fees paid at the entry point.
| Visa option | Issuance fee | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa | AED 100 | Can be extended once while in the UAE |
| 60-day visa | AED 250 | Single stay, not extendable |
The 14-day visa suits short trips and can be extended once. The 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and cannot be extended under any circumstances.
Extension, validity and activation: the fine print
Three practical questions come up a lot. Here is what the official rules do — and do not — spell out.
| What you are checking | What ICP and UAE rules say |
|---|---|
| Extending the 14-day visa | It can be extended once while you are in the UAE. ICP has not published a fixed extension fee or the exact added length for this facility — check ICP smart services for the current fee before your visa expires. |
| Residence permit validity | Your qualifying residence permit (or visa or US green card) must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival, and your passport also needs 6 months of validity. |
| Activation window | None to plan around. The visa is issued at passport control on arrival, so your stay starts the day you are admitted — there is no pre-issue “use within X days” deadline like an e-visa. |
How to get your visa at the airport
There’s no online application to file first — the visa is issued at passport control when you land.
- Head to the arrivals and passport control lane at your UAE entry point.
- Present your ordinary passport along with your valid residence permit from an approved country.
- Tell the officer whether you want the 14-day or 60-day visa and pay the fee.
- The immigration officer issues the visa and stamps your entry after standard checks.
The facility applies at all UAE entry points, whether you land in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Why it matters and what to watch
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expansion reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer economic, cultural, and people-to-people links with the six nations.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) confirmed the new rules as part of wider efforts to broaden the scope of beneficiaries under its visa framework.
Plan around the residence permit rule
For frequent travelers from Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Nairobi, and beyond, this removes a major planning step — as long as you carry an eligible residence permit.
You can book flights to Dubai or flights to Abu Dhabi on carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai, then sort your hotels in Dubai or hotels in Abu Dhabi before you fly. For full entry rules, check the UAE government’s official visa on arrival page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which six countries are now eligible?
Ordinary passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa — plus their accompanying family members.
Do I automatically qualify because of my nationality?
No. You 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 visa cost and can I extend it?
A 14-day visa costs AED 100 and can be extended once while you’re in the UAE. A 60-day visa costs AED 250 and cannot be extended.
What happens if I overstay?
You must leave when your visa expires. An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies to anyone who stays beyond the permitted period.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) — UAE grants visa on arrival to nationals of six countries
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — Eligibility expanded for the UAE entry visa
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs — UAE grants visa on arrival to nationals of six countries
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government — Visa on arrival
- The National — Visa on arrival for travelers with US, EU and other residence documents
- Gulf News — UAE visa-on-arrival: who qualifies, how it works, costs
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
