Abu Dhabi opens next-generation US pre-clearance facility at Zayed International Airport
UAE, Iran hold rare ministerial call to safeguard Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes
UAE to enter preparatory talks for CPTPP membership, opening new mobility corridors
Latest News
False missile alert rattles Dubai and Abu Dhabi, sparks brief travel uncertainty
A mistaken missile warning sent to phones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on 26 June caused momentary operational jitters for airlines and highlighted corporate duty-of-care gaps. Although authorities quickly retracted the alert, mobility managers are urged to audit crisis-communication and shelter-in-place procedures.
UAE widens visa-on-arrival scheme: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya and South Africa added
The UAE has extended its visa-on-arrival facility to citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa who also hold valid residence permits or long-term visas from nine "trusted" countries. Travellers may obtain either a renewable 14-day visa or a single-entry 60-day visa at the airport, paying AED 100 or AED 250. The move slashes lead-time for business trips and underscores the Emirates’ push to attract talent and investment from fast-growing Asian and African markets.
Filipinos gain streamlined UAE entry with new on-arrival visa option
Effective 25 June 2026, eligible Filipino passport holders may now obtain a 14- or 60-day visa on arrival in the UAE, provided they hold a valid residence visa from the US, EU, UK or seven other developed economies. The change simplifies last-minute travel for the UAE’s large Filipino diaspora and for Philippine business visitors, but employment‐related entrants must still convert their status after arrival.
UAE expands visa-on-arrival scheme to six new nationalities
The UAE has added Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa to its visa-on-arrival roster, effective 25 June 2026. Eligible travellers with valid US, UK, EU or comparable residence permits can purchase 14- or 60-day visas at UAE borders, streamlining last-minute trips for tourism, trade and project work. The move significantly broadens the country’s mobility appeal to six high-growth markets.
Indian passport and visa services in UAE paused 26–30 June for service-provider hand-over
All routine Indian passport, visa and document-attestation services in the UAE are suspended from 26 to 30 June 2026 as the Indian missions switch from BLS International to Al Hind Tours and Travel LLC. Emergency services remain open, but new applications must wait until 1 July, potentially delaying travel and employment formalities for the UAE’s 3.5 million-strong Indian community.
Indian consular services in UAE to pause 26–30 June as Alhind replaces BLS and IVS
Routine Indian passport, visa and attestation services in the UAE will be unavailable from 26 to 30 June 2026 as outsourcing contracts shift from BLS/SGIVS to Alhind Tours & Travels. Sixteen new Indian Consular Application Centres open on 1 July with lower fees and unified processing, but employers and travellers should avoid scheduling applications during the five-day transition.
Indian passport, visa and attestation services in UAE suspended 26–30 June for provider switch
Indian consular centres in the UAE will stop accepting routine passport, visa and attestation applications from 26 to 30 June as services transition to a new outsource provider. Employers should postpone non-urgent travel paperwork and ensure passports already in process are collected before the shutdown.
Kenyan travellers can now secure UAE visa on arrival—if they hold third-country residency
From 25 June 2026, Kenyan passport holders with valid US, UK, EU, Australian, Japanese, Singaporean, South Korean, Canadian or New Zealand residence permits can obtain a 14- or 60-day UAE visa on arrival. The policy, confirmed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is expected to accelerate business and leisure traffic between Nairobi and the UAE’s commercial hubs.
Visa launches ‘Visa Destinations’ platform with Dubai among ten pilot cities
Visa has gone beyond payments with the 25 June launch of ‘Visa Destinations’, a travel-experience platform live in ten cities, Dubai included. The service promises card-linked perks and richer spend analytics for corporates, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premium, experience-led destination.
UAE adds Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya and South Africa to visa-on-arrival scheme
From 25 June 2026, citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa with qualifying US, UK, EU or other major residence permits can obtain a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival in the UAE. The move streamlines last-minute travel for businesses, is expected to inject up to AED 5 billion in additional visitor spending, and reinforces the UAE’s strategy of courting talent and investment from fast-growing emerging markets.
UAE broadens visa-on-arrival scheme to six emerging markets
From 25 June 2026, citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa who hold certain third-country residence permits can obtain 14- or 60-day visas on arrival in the UAE. The change slashes lead-times and costs for employers, underpins Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s events calendar, and signals a broader shift toward more liberal entry rules.