UAE expands visa-on-arrival scheme to six new nationalities
UAE rolls out visa-on-arrival for Filipino travellers from 25 June
UAE grants Filipinos visa-on-arrival from 25 June under new reciprocity scheme
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UAE widens speedy entry scheme to six more nationalities and six new residencies
The UAE has extended its visa-on-arrival programme to citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, South Africa and the Philippines, provided they also hold valid residence permits from an expanded list that now includes Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The move simplifies short-notice travel, boosts Southeast Asian and African visitor flows, and prepares the ground for the pan-GCC tourist visa later this year.
Philippine VFS passport centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to close on 30 June
VFS Global will stop processing Philippine passport renewals in the UAE on 30 June 2026. From 1 July, Filipinos must apply at the Philippine Embassy (Abu Dhabi) or Consulate General (Dubai). Unclaimed passports will be transferred to the missions, and stakeholders are advised to expect longer lead times during the switch-over.
Etihad Rail confirms 30 June launch of Abu Dhabi–Fujairah passenger services, slashing cross-Emirate travel time
Etihad Rail will open its first passenger route (Abu Dhabi–Fujairah) on 30 June, offering 1 h 45 m end-to-end journeys and fares from AED 55. Additional stations in Dubai, Al Dhaid and Sharjah roll out by March 2027, giving corporates and commuters a fast, sustainable cross-Emirate alternative to road travel.
Indian passport fees set to rise in UAE as Al Hind takes over consular services
From 1 July 2026, Indian passport fees worldwide—including at UAE missions—will jump by up to 75 per cent. The increase coincides with Al Hind Tours & Travels replacing BLS/SGIVS as the UAE’s outsourced provider for Indian passport, visa and attestation services, prompting a brief service suspension and the opening of 16 new centres.
India re-activates Air Suvidha health form for flights from UAE amid Ebola concerns
From 25 June, all passengers on UAE–India flights must fill out the resurrected Air Suvidha 2.0 health declaration before boarding, part of India’s Ebola surveillance strategy. The digital form is compulsory for business and leisure travellers alike, and airlines will enforce compliance at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports.
Philippine e-Passport renewal centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to shut on 30 June
VFS Global’s dedicated Philippine e-Passport Renewal Centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will close on 30 June 2026. From 1 July, all Filipino passport services move to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, potentially lengthening appointment queues and impacting visa renewals for the UAE’s large Filipino workforce.
UAE introduces visa-on-arrival for eligible Filipino travellers from 25 June
Effective 25 June 2026, the UAE will allow qualifying Philippine passport-holders to receive a visa on arrival, eliminating the need for a pre-arranged tourist or visit visa. Eligible Filipinos must hold a valid US, EU, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean or South Korean visa or residence permit. The move streamlines short-term business and family travel and underscores the UAE’s strategy of targeted visa facilitation for key labour-source countries.
Emirates issues peak-summer travel advisory for Dubai departures
On 24 June, Emirates warned that Dubai International Airport will experience heavy passenger traffic during the summer holiday rush. Travellers are advised to arrive three hours before departure, use online or city check-in services and allow extra time for immigration and security. The notice helps business-travel planners mitigate the risk of missed flights and schedule disruptions.
Etihad Rail opens passenger ticket sales, first Abu Dhabi–Fujairah service starts 30 June
Etihad Rail has launched passenger ticket sales for its inaugural Abu Dhabi–Fujairah route, with services beginning 30 June 2026 and promotional fares starting at AED 55. The new inter-Emirate rail option promises faster, greener travel and will expand to Dubai and Sharjah over the next 12 months, offering business travellers a viable alternative to driving or flying.