Direct answer: From 25 June 2026, UAE entry-visa eligibility expanded to ordinary-passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa—but nationality alone is not enough. The traveler must also hold a valid residence permit from an approved country. Eligible applicants can obtain either a 14-day visa for AED 100 or a 60-day single-entry visa for AED 250, according to the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Who is newly eligible?
The six newly added nationalities are:
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa
India was already included under this visa framework. The ICP says accompanying family members must also meet the nationality and qualifying-residence requirements.
The residence-permit requirement
You must hold a valid residence permit issued by at least one of these jurisdictions:
- United States
- A European Union member state
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
This is the key condition that short summaries can miss: a passport from one of the six newly eligible countries does not qualify by itself.
14-day vs 60-day UAE visa
| Option | Fee | Extension | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa | AED 100 | May be extended once during the stay | Check the issued visa |
| 60-day visa | AED 250 | Not extendable | Single entry |
The ICP states that an overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies and travelers must leave before their authorized stay expires.
Pre-travel eligibility checklist
- Check your passport: Confirm it is an ordinary passport from an eligible country and remains valid for your journey.
- Check your residence permit: It must be valid and issued by one of the approved jurisdictions listed above.
- Check every family member separately: Do not assume one traveler’s status automatically covers companions.
- Choose the right stay: Compare the 14-day extendable option with the 60-day non-extendable, single-entry option.
- Confirm before departure: Use the official ICP portal and verify document/boarding requirements with the operating airline.
- Keep proof accessible: Carry your passport, valid residence permit, travel booking, accommodation details and any issued entry document.
- Record your exit deadline: Avoid the AED 50-per-day overstay fine.
How to verify through the official channel
- Open the ICP Smart Services portal.
- Review the available entry-visa service and current requirements.
- If the correct service or your exact case is unclear, contact ICP support before buying a non-refundable ticket.
- Ask your airline to confirm its boarding-document requirements, which may be checked separately from immigration eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can Philippine passport holders now get a UAE visa on arrival?
Eligible Philippine ordinary-passport holders are included in the expanded framework, provided they also hold a valid residence permit from an approved jurisdiction such as the US, UK, an EU member state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Confirm your individual case with ICP and the airline before travel.
Is this available to everyone from the six countries?
No. The official announcement requires both an eligible nationality and a valid residence permit from one of the specified jurisdictions.
How much do the visas cost?
The ICP announcement lists AED 100 for the 14-day visa and AED 250 for the 60-day visa.
Can the visa be extended?
The 14-day visa may be extended once during the stay. The 60-day single-entry visa is not extendable.
When did the expanded eligibility take effect?
The ICP published the change on 25 June 2026. EY also reports 25 June 2026 as the effective date.
Official sources
- UAE ICP: Six New Nationalities and Six Additional Countries of Residence Added to Eligibility Criteria (25 June 2026)
- EY: UAE expands visa-on-arrival facility to nationals of six countries (6 July 2026)
Last checked: 12 July 2026. Immigration requirements can change; always verify with ICP and your airline.