United Arab Emirates Expands Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility for Nationals of Six Countries

Key Point  

• The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival program to eligible nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa who hold qualifying residence permits from certain countries.  

Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility Expanded  

The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival program to include nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, as well as their accompanying family members. 

 The change is intended to facilitate travel and support the UAE’s broader efforts to enhance mobility, tourism and business travel.  

Who Is Eligible? 

To qualify for the visa-on-arrival program, travelers must: 

• Be a national of one of the six eligible countries; 
• Hold an ordinary passport; and 
• Possess a valid residence permit issued by:  
  • The U.S.; 
  • A European Union member state; 
  • The United Kingdom; 
  • Singapore; 
  • Japan; 
  • South Korea; 
  • Australia; 
  • New Zealand; or 
  • Canada.  

The policy also applies to accompanying family members who meet the applicable requirements.  

Visa Options 

Eligible travelers may obtain one of the following visas upon arrival in the UAE: 

14-Day Visa on Arrival 

• Valid for a stay of up to 14 days; 
• May be extended once while the holder remains in the UAE; and 
• Carries a total issuance fee of AED 100.  

60-Day Visa on Arrival 

• Valid for a stay of up to 60 days; 
• Issued for a single stay; 
• Cannot be extended; and 
• Carries a total issuance fee of AED 250.  

Compliance Reminder 

Travelers must depart the UAE before the expiration of their permitted stay. Individuals who overstay will be subject to a fine of AED 50 per day. 

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