The UAE will broaden its visa-on-arrival regime next month to include holders of ordinary passports from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, provided they possess a valid residence permit from select developed economies (US, UK, EU, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada). Eligible travellers may choose a 14-day visa costing AED 100—extendable once—or a single-entry, non-extendable 60-day visa for AED 250. Overstays attract fines of AED 50 per day. Authorities say the expansion supports the UAE’s goal of becoming “a leading global destination for business, investment and exceptional talent”.
![UAE adds six nations to visa-on-arrival list, effective 25 July 2026]()
Travel planners looking for a one-stop platform to confirm eligibility or secure any necessary documentation can turn to VisaHQ, which provides real-time visa information and online application management for the UAE and other destinations (see https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/).
The move is especially significant for the MICE sector: Dubai’s ICCA-ranked convention calendar shows 18 regional events in August featuring delegates from Southeast Asia and Africa. Mobility managers should update invitation letters and flight bookings to leverage the on-arrival option, which removes the current 7-to-10-day e-visa lead time. Airlines stand to benefit too—Emirates has already flagged capacity increases on Manila, Jakarta and Nairobi routes during Q3. Meanwhile, hotel groups expect stronger summer occupancy as the policy takes effect in the traditionally soft season. Practically, sponsors must verify that travellers’ third-country residence permits have at least six months’ validity. Those without qualifying residency will still need pre-arranged visas through ICP or GDRFA channels.
Travel planners looking for a one-stop platform to confirm eligibility or secure any necessary documentation can turn to VisaHQ, which provides real-time visa information and online application management for the UAE and other destinations (see https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/).
The move is especially significant for the MICE sector: Dubai’s ICCA-ranked convention calendar shows 18 regional events in August featuring delegates from Southeast Asia and Africa. Mobility managers should update invitation letters and flight bookings to leverage the on-arrival option, which removes the current 7-to-10-day e-visa lead time. Airlines stand to benefit too—Emirates has already flagged capacity increases on Manila, Jakarta and Nairobi routes during Q3. Meanwhile, hotel groups expect stronger summer occupancy as the policy takes effect in the traditionally soft season. Practically, sponsors must verify that travellers’ third-country residence permits have at least six months’ validity. Those without qualifying residency will still need pre-arranged visas through ICP or GDRFA channels.
