The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has expanded the UAE’s visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
Travellers from these countries – as well as Indian nationals who were already eligible – can now choose between a renewable 14-day visa or a single-entry, non-extendable 60-day visa.
Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit from one of 12 approved third-countries, a list that was broadened to add Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada alongside the US, EU and UK.
The fee structure remains modest by regional standards: Dh100 for the 14-day option and Dh250 for the 60-day stay, with overstay fines of Dh50 a day.
![UAE adds six new nationalities to 60-day visa-on-arrival in global wave of 2026 entry-rule changes]()
To streamline the application process, travellers can turn to specialised facilitators such as VisaHQ, whose online portal guides users through every UAE entry requirement and checks supporting documents before submission, reducing the risk of costly errors and delays (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/).
The ICP said the move is intended to “strengthen bilateral ties and create wider commercial and cultural bridges,” especially with fast-growing Asian and African markets.
Tourism analysts estimate the revision could add up to 1 million incremental visitors a year once connecting-flight marketing is in place.
For companies managing regional assignments, the longer 60-day window eases the administrative load of multiple-entry business trips, allows more time for deal-closing, and reduces dependency on standard 30-day visit visas that require frequent runs to immigration desks.
HR advisers are already updating global-mobility policies to reflect the new eligible nationalities and third-country residence “bridge” option.
The wider context is a year-long global realignment of entry rules: the US is piloting a US$750 fast-track interview programme, Japan has quintupled visa fees, and Australia has lifted salary thresholds for skilled migrants.
Against that backdrop, the UAE’s liberalisation stands out as a pro-growth signal.
International relocation firms say it reinforces the Emirates’ “open for business” brand at a time when several OECD economies are tightening.
Practical tip: Travellers should ensure that both their passport and the qualifying residence permit are valid for at least six months on the date of entry, and companies should budget two to three working days to obtain the pre-approved entry number issued by ICP’s e-channel before boarding.
Travellers from these countries – as well as Indian nationals who were already eligible – can now choose between a renewable 14-day visa or a single-entry, non-extendable 60-day visa.
Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit from one of 12 approved third-countries, a list that was broadened to add Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada alongside the US, EU and UK.
The fee structure remains modest by regional standards: Dh100 for the 14-day option and Dh250 for the 60-day stay, with overstay fines of Dh50 a day.
To streamline the application process, travellers can turn to specialised facilitators such as VisaHQ, whose online portal guides users through every UAE entry requirement and checks supporting documents before submission, reducing the risk of costly errors and delays (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/).
The ICP said the move is intended to “strengthen bilateral ties and create wider commercial and cultural bridges,” especially with fast-growing Asian and African markets.
Tourism analysts estimate the revision could add up to 1 million incremental visitors a year once connecting-flight marketing is in place.
For companies managing regional assignments, the longer 60-day window eases the administrative load of multiple-entry business trips, allows more time for deal-closing, and reduces dependency on standard 30-day visit visas that require frequent runs to immigration desks.
HR advisers are already updating global-mobility policies to reflect the new eligible nationalities and third-country residence “bridge” option.
The wider context is a year-long global realignment of entry rules: the US is piloting a US$750 fast-track interview programme, Japan has quintupled visa fees, and Australia has lifted salary thresholds for skilled migrants.
Against that backdrop, the UAE’s liberalisation stands out as a pro-growth signal.
International relocation firms say it reinforces the Emirates’ “open for business” brand at a time when several OECD economies are tightening.
Practical tip: Travellers should ensure that both their passport and the qualifying residence permit are valid for at least six months on the date of entry, and companies should budget two to three working days to obtain the pre-approved entry number issued by ICP’s e-channel before boarding.
