Quick answer: The UAE has expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility to ordinary passport holders from Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa — including eligible accompanying family members — if they also hold a valid residence permit from one of the approved countries or regions listed below.
This guide summarizes the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement published on 25 June 2026 and includes a practical checklist you can use before travelling.
UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility checklist
- You are a national of Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya or South Africa.
- You hold an ordinary passport.
- You hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
- Your accompanying family members meet the same eligibility conditions, where applicable.
- You choose/receive either a 14-day visa or a 60-day visa on arrival.
- You leave or regularize your stay before expiry to avoid overstay fines.
Which nationalities are included?
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the expanded visa-on-arrival decision applies to nationals holding ordinary passports from these six countries:
| Country | Included in the new UAE visa-on-arrival decision? |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | Yes |
| Viet Nam | Yes |
| Thailand | Yes |
| Philippines | Yes |
| Kenya | Yes |
| South Africa | Yes |
Approved residence permits
The traveler must also hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the following:
- United States
- European Union member state
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
Visa duration, fees and extension rule
| Visa on arrival option | Fee | Extension rule |
|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa | AED 100 | May be extended once while in the UAE |
| 60-day visa | AED 250 | Single stay only; not extendable |
The MOFA announcement says an AED 50 per day overstay fine applies to people who remain beyond the permitted period. The ICP’s visa extension service page also lists AED 50 per day as the fine for expiry of the permitted stay period or entry visa. Always confirm your specific case through official UAE channels before travel.
Copy-paste travel checklist
Before flying to the UAE: [ ] Passport nationality is Indonesia / Viet Nam / Thailand / Philippines / Kenya / South Africa [ ] Passport is an ordinary passport [ ] Residence permit is valid and issued by US / EU / UK / Singapore / Japan / South Korea / Australia / New Zealand / Canada [ ] Family members, if travelling, meet the same conditions [ ] I know whether I need 14 days or 60 days [ ] I understand the 14-day visa may be extended once, while the 60-day visa is not extendable [ ] I have checked my airline and official UAE channels before departure
What this means for travellers
The update is especially useful for eligible residents of the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada who hold one of the six listed nationalities. Instead of applying in advance in every case, eligible travellers may be able to get a visa on arrival, subject to the official conditions and border procedures.
Because visa rules can change and individual cases can differ, treat this article as a source-backed summary, not legal advice. Check the official MOFA/ICP pages or contact UAE authorities before booking non-refundable travel.
Official sources
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: UAE grants visa on arrival to nationals of six countries residing outside their home countries
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security: Visa Extension service page
FAQ
Which six countries were added to the UAE visa-on-arrival program?
The six countries named by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs are Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
Do all citizens of those countries automatically qualify?
No. The official announcement says eligible travellers must hold ordinary passports and valid residence permits from specific countries or regions, such as the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
How much does the UAE visa on arrival cost under this update?
The MOFA announcement lists AED 100 for the 14-day visa and AED 250 for the 60-day visa.
Can the visa on arrival be extended?
The 14-day visa may be extended once while the holder is in the UAE. The 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and is not extendable, according to the MOFA announcement.
What is the overstay fine?
The MOFA announcement states that an AED 50 per day overstay fine applies to those who remain beyond the permitted period.