Last updated: September 2026

The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival eligibility in 2026, making a specific UAE entry-visa category available to nationals of six additional countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.

However, there is an important condition that travellers should understand before booking a flight. Citizens of these countries do not automatically qualify simply because of their nationality. Under the June 2026 update, eligible ordinary passport holders and their accompanying family members must also hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

The applicable visa provides either a 14-day or 60-day stay, depending on the visa category issued. The 14-day visa can be extended once, while the 60-day visa is issued for a single entry and cannot be extended.

This guide explains exactly who qualifies for the UAE visa on arrival in 2026, what documents are required, which residence permits are accepted, how long you can stay, how much it costs, and what to check before travelling.

UAE Visa on Arrival 2026: What Changed?

On June 25, 2026, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced an expansion of the eligibility criteria for its entry visa for nationals of certain countries.

The update added six nationalities to the eligible category:

• Indonesia

• Vietnam

• Thailand

• Philippines

• Kenya

• South Africa

The UAE simultaneously expanded the list of countries whose valid residence permits can be used to meet the eligibility requirements. The qualifying countries now include:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• European Union member states

• Singapore

• Japan

• South Korea

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

The updated rules apply to both the 14-day and 60-day visa categories.

Why This Change Matters for Travellers

The important point is that the 2026 announcement is not a blanket visa-free policy for the six newly added nationalities.

For example, a Vietnamese citizen who has a qualifying residence permit from Canada may fall within this specific eligibility category, while another Vietnamese citizen without the required qualifying residence status may need to arrange a UAE visa before travelling.

In other words, eligibility depends on both nationality and the required residence/visa status.

Who Is Eligible for UAE Visa on Arrival Under the 2026 Update?

The updated category covers ordinary passport holders from the six newly added countries, along with their accompanying family members, provided they hold the required valid residence permit from one of the specified countries.

Newly Added Nationalities

The residence permit must be issued by the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

What Does "Qualifying Residence Permit" Mean?

This is one of the most important parts of the new rule.

It means that having an eligible passport alone is not sufficient for this particular route. The traveller must also have the relevant valid residence document issued by one of the countries listed by the UAE authorities.

For example:

Vietnamese passport + valid qualifying Canadian residence permit → may meet the stated eligibility conditions.

But:

Vietnamese passport + no qualifying residence permit → does not meet this particular condition.

The traveller must still satisfy the other applicable entry requirements.

UAE Visa on Arrival for Vietnamese Citizens

Vietnamese citizens are among the six nationalities added under the UAE's June 2026 expansion.

A Vietnamese ordinary passport holder can qualify under this specific category if they also hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the qualifying countries listed by the UAE authorities.

This includes residence permits issued by:

• USA

• UK

• EU member states

• Singapore

• Japan

• South Korea

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

If the eligibility conditions are met, the traveller may receive either the applicable 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival. The exact category depends on the visa issued.

What Vietnamese Travellers Should Check

Before travelling, check:

1. Your passport is an ordinary passport.

2. Your passport has at least six months' validity.

3. Your qualifying residence permit is valid.

4. Your residence permit was issued by one of the approved countries.

5. You have the relevant supporting documents available.

UAE Visa on Arrival for Indonesian Citizens

Indonesian ordinary passport holders are also included in the expanded 2026 category.

However, Indonesian nationality by itself does not establish eligibility for this specific route. The traveller must also satisfy the residence-permit requirement and the other applicable UAE entry conditions.

If the conditions are met, the traveller may be eligible for the 14-day or 60-day entry visa, depending on the applicable category.

Travellers should carry their Indonesian passport together with proof of the qualifying residence status when travelling.

UAE Visa on Arrival for Thai Citizens

Thailand was one of the six nationalities added to the UAE's expanded eligibility category in June 2026.

Thai ordinary passport holders can use this route when they meet the additional conditions, including holding a valid qualifying residence permit from one of the approved countries.

The qualifying countries include the USA, UK, EU member states, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Thai travellers should verify that their residence document is valid before departure and carry the supporting documentation with them.

UAE Visa on Arrival for Filipino Citizens

Filipino ordinary passport holders are included in the new UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility category announced in June 2026.

The important distinction is that a Philippine passport alone is not enough for this particular category. The traveller must also meet the qualifying residence or visa requirement specified by the UAE.

A qualifying residence document may be issued by the USA, UK, an EU member state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

Eligible travellers can receive either the applicable 14-day or 60-day visa, depending on the category issued.

UAE Visa on Arrival for Kenyan Citizens

Kenyan ordinary passport holders were added to the expanded UAE visa-on-arrival category in 2026.

To use this route, Kenyan travellers must meet the additional eligibility conditions, including holding a valid qualifying residence permit issued by one of the countries listed by the UAE authorities.

Travellers should also ensure that their passport meets the UAE's validity requirement and that they have the necessary supporting documents before travelling.

UAE Visa on Arrival for South African Citizens

South African ordinary passport holders are also covered by the June 2026 expansion.

A South African traveller may qualify under this category when they hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries and meet the other applicable requirements.

The qualifying countries include the USA, UK, EU member states, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The UAE's updated arrangement provides eligible travellers with access to either the 14-day or 60-day visa category, depending on the visa issued.

Which Residence Permits Qualify for UAE Visa on Arrival?

For travellers using this specific 2026 eligibility route, the qualifying residence permit must be issued by one of the countries recognised by the UAE.

Current qualifying countries

The ICP's service information refers to a valid visa, residence permit or US Green Card for the applicable category. Travellers should verify that their particular document meets the current requirements before departure.

Does a Residence Permit Need to Be Valid?

Yes. The official requirements refer to a valid residence permit or qualifying document.

This means travellers should not assume that an expired residence permit will qualify simply because it was previously issued by an approved country.

If your residence document is close to expiry, verify your eligibility before travelling.

UAE Visa on Arrival Requirements in 2026

If you believe you qualify, check all of the following before travelling.

1. Eligible nationality

You must hold an ordinary passport from one of the nationalities covered by the applicable category.

2. Valid qualifying residence status

You must hold the required valid visa, residence permit or qualifying Green Card issued by one of the approved countries.

3. Passport validity

The ICP states that the beneficiary's passport must be valid for at least six months.

4. Supporting documents

The ICP lists the following documents for the 60-day service:

• Passport

• Personal photograph

• Copy of the visa/residence permit

The same core documentation should be prepared for the applicable category, subject to the specific service requirements.

5. Family-member documentation

If travelling with family members, make sure each traveller has the documentation needed to demonstrate their eligibility.

The 2026 announcement specifically extends the arrangement to accompanying family members who meet the applicable requirements.

How Long Can You Stay in the UAE on Visa on Arrival?

The expanded category has two main stay options: 14 days and 60 days.

The 14-day visa can be extended once during the holder's stay. The 60-day visa is single-entry and non-extendable.

How Does the 14-Day Extension Work?

The ICP states that the 14-day visa can be extended once while the holder is in the UAE.

This means travellers who need additional time should not simply remain in the country after the original permission expires. They should follow the applicable extension procedure before their authorised stay ends.

Can the 60-Day Visa Be Extended?

No. The ICP states that the 60-day visa under this category is single-entry and non-extendable.

If you need a longer stay, you should consider the appropriate UAE visa option before travelling rather than assuming that the 60-day visa can be extended.

UAE Visa on Arrival Fees in 2026

According to the UAE's official June 2026 announcement:

• 14-day visa: AED 100

• 60-day visa: AED 250

The ICP describes these as the total issuance fees for the respective categories.

These are official government visa fees. If a traveller uses a travel agency or another service provider for assistance, an additional service charge may apply separately.

Because government fees and immigration procedures can change, check the latest official amount before making payment.

What Documents Should You Carry When Travelling?

Even when you qualify for visa on arrival, it is sensible to keep all supporting documents accessible during your journey.

Carry:

• Original passport

• Valid qualifying residence permit

• Copy of the residence permit or qualifying visa

• Recent passport photograph

• Any other documents relevant to your trip

The passport must have at least six months of validity according to the ICP service requirements.

A Useful Travel Tip

Keep digital copies of your passport and residence permit on your phone, but do not rely only on digital copies. Carry the original passport and relevant physical documentation required for your journey.

Can Family Members Get UAE Visa on Arrival?

Yes, the June 2026 UAE announcement specifically states that the expanded visa-on-arrival arrangement also applies to accompanying family members, provided the applicable requirements are met.

However, travellers should not assume that one family member's qualifying residence permit automatically removes the need for documentation for everyone else.

Before travelling as a family, check:

• Each traveller's passport validity

• Each traveller's nationality

• Relationship/family documentation where applicable

• The qualifying residence or visa documentation

• The applicable visa duration

This is particularly important when children are travelling with parents or when family members have different nationalities.

UAE Visa on Arrival vs. Pre-Arranged Tourist Visa: Which One Do You Need?

This is where many travellers make a mistake.

Visa on arrival does not mean that every traveller can simply arrive in the UAE and receive a visa at the airport.

The UAE has several different entry arrangements based on nationality, passport type and individual eligibility.

A traveller may fall into one of several situations:

Situation 1: You qualify for visa on arrival

You meet the nationality and additional eligibility conditions and can use the applicable arrival-visa route.

Situation 2: You qualify for another visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival arrangement

Some nationalities have separate UAE entry arrangements. The applicable rules depend on the passport and current UAE policy.

Situation 3: You need a pre-arranged UAE visa

If you do not qualify for an applicable visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt arrangement, you may need to obtain a UAE tourist or visit visa before travelling.

The UAE's entry requirements can vary by nationality and can change over time, so checking your specific status is important before bo

ooking travel.

What If You Do Not Meet the UAE Visa on Arrival Conditions?

Suppose you are a citizen of Vietnam, but you do not hold a qualifying residence permit from one of the approved countries.

In that situation, you should not assume that the June 2026 visa-on-arrival expansion applies to you.

The same principle applies to Indonesian, Thai, Filipino, Kenyan and South African passport holders.

If you do not satisfy the conditions for this specific category, you may need to arrange another UAE entry visa before travelling.

Why Check Before Booking Your Flight?

Airlines and immigration authorities may check travel documentation before or during the journey. Discovering that you do not qualify only after reaching the airport can create unnecessary disruption.

For that reason, travellers should confirm their eligibility before finalising their travel arrangements.

Common Mistakes Travellers Make With UAE Visa on Arrival

Mistake 1: Assuming nationality alone is enough

Being a citizen of one of the six newly added countries does not automatically establish eligibility for this specific visa category.

The qualifying residence or visa requirement also matters.

Mistake 2: Confusing visa on arrival with visa-free entry

A visa on arrival is still an entry-visa arrangement. It should not automatically be described as unrestricted visa-free travel.

Mistake 3: Travelling with an expired residence permit

The qualifying residence document must be valid.

Mistake 4: Ignoring passport validity

The ICP requires at least six months of passport validity for this service.

Mistake 5: Assuming the 60-day visa can be extended

The 60-day visa under this category is non-extendable.

Mistake 6: Waiting until the airport to understand the rules

Visa eligibility should be checked before travelling, particularly when it depends on both nationality and residence status.

UAE Visa on Arrival 2026: Quick Eligibility Checklist

Before you travel, ask yourself:

• Is my nationality included in this specific category?
• Do I hold an ordinary passport?
• Do I have a valid qualifying visa or residence permit?
• Was that document issued by an approved country?
• Is my passport valid for at least six months?
• Do I have the required supporting documents?
• Am I applying for the 14-day or 60-day category?
• If travelling with family, does each family member meet the requirements?
• Have I checked the latest UAE requirements before departure?

If the answer to any eligibility question is unclear, verify it before booking or travelling

Final Thoughts

The UAE's June 2026 visa update has expanded a specific visa-on-arrival eligibility category to nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.

But the most important detail is the condition attached to the change: eligible travellers must also hold the required valid visa or residence permit issued by one of the approved countries.

For eligible travellers, the available stay options are 14 days or 60 days, with the 14-day option eligible for one extension and the 60-day option issued as a single-entry, non-extendable visa. The official fees are AED 100 and AED 250 respectively.

Before travelling, check your nationality, residence status, passport validity, supporting documents and applicable visa category. UAE immigration requirements can change, so verify the latest information through official UAE channels before departure.

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