The United Arab Emirates has broadened its visa-on-arrival programme to include ordinary passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, effective 25 July 2026. The expansion, however, is conditional: travellers must also hold a valid residence permit from one of nine approved countries or blocs — the United States, any European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. Accompanying family members are also covered, making the policy particularly attractive for households with expatriate ties.
Targeting Globally Mobile Professionals
This is not a blanket visa waiver but a strategic move to capture a pool of internationally mobile residents. By linking eligibility to residency in major economies rather than solely to nationality, the UAE is effectively opening its doors to business travellers, investors, and skilled professionals who already hold long-term status in those markets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the initiative aims to deepen economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties while encouraging more visitors to experience the country's tourism offerings, business environment, and modern infrastructure.
The scheme offers two visa categories: a 14-day visa at AED 100, which can be extended once from within the UAE, and a 60-day visa at AED 250, issued for a single stay with no renewal option. Overstayers face a fine of AED 50 per day. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security confirmed that the changes are part of a broader effort to modernise the visa framework and align with international best practices.
Aviation and Tourism Boost
The six newly added countries represent some of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in Asia and Africa. Combined, they generate millions of international travellers annually, with expanding commercial and aviation links to the Gulf. For airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, the policy is expected to stimulate greater leisure travel, business visits, and transit traffic through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The move also complements recent reforms including long-term residency options, remote working visas, and more flexible entry policies designed to attract investors and global talent.
Tourism stakeholders, including hotel groups like Jumeirah and Emaar Hospitality, as well as destination management companies, are likely to see increased demand from these source markets. The expansion also aligns with the UAE's ambition to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for tourism, aviation, and business. For travel advisors and tour operators, the new rules simplify itinerary planning for clients who are residents of approved countries but hold passports from the six added nations.
Industry observers note that the policy could also boost MICE travel, as business events and conferences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi become more accessible to delegates from these markets. The UAE's continued investment in infrastructure, including the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, further supports this trajectory.
For travel-tech vendors, the change underscores the importance of integrating real-time visa eligibility data into booking platforms. GDS systems such as Sabre and Amadeus may need to update their travel document information modules to reflect the new rules, ensuring agents can accurately advise clients.
The expansion builds on a series of visa reforms introduced over recent years, including long-term residency options and remote working visas. As the UAE positions itself as one of the Middle East's most accessible destinations, the programme is expected to enhance its competitiveness in tourism, residency, and international mobility.
