UAE Visa-on-Arrival Rules: What Travelers Need to Know in 2026

The United Arab Emirates offers a visa-on-arrival facility that allows eligible travelers to receive an entry permit directly at the airport, without any prior application, embassy visit, or waiting period. More than 80 nationalities currently qualify for either visa-free access or visa-on-arrival, and 2026 has brought some of the most significant expansions to the program in years.

How Visa-on-Arrival Works

Eligible travelers can arrive at any major UAE entry point, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), or Sharjah International Airport (SHJ), and be granted entry on the spot after presenting the required documents. The facility applies across all seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. It is handled entirely by UAE immigration authorities, with no third-party agency involved in issuance.

The June 2026 Expansion

Effective June 25, 2026, the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility to nationals of six additional countries: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. However, eligibility for this group is conditional — passport holders from these countries must also hold a valid residence permit from one of nine approved jurisdictions: the United States, United Kingdom, any European Union member state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

The scheme mirrors an arrangement that has applied to Indian passport holders since February 2025, and India's own eligibility was broadened in 2026 as well, adding Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to the list of qualifying residence permits, alongside the existing US, UK, and EU routes.

Visa Options and Fees

14-day visa: Can be extended once while the holder is in the UAE. Total issuance fee: AED 100.

60-day visa: Issued for a single stay and is not extendable. Total issuance fee: AED 250.

Upon expiry of either visa, holders are required to depart the country. An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies to those who remain beyond the permitted period, and repeated overstays can be flagged in the UAE's immigration database, potentially resulting in an entry ban affecting future visa applications.

What to Bring to the Airport

Travelers should carry a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, a return or onward ticket confirming their departure from the UAE, a hotel booking or confirmed UAE address, proof of funds such as a bank statement or credit card (which may be checked at immigration's discretion), and, for those relying on the conditional visa-on-arrival scheme, a printout or digital copy of their qualifying US, UK, EU, or other approved country's visa or residence permit.

Other 2026 Visa Changes to Note

Alongside the visa-on-arrival expansion, the UAE introduced several other changes this year: tourist visa approvals can now be processed within 48 hours through authorized channels; four new purpose-built visit visa categories have been created for AI specialists, entertainment, events, and maritime tourism; and most 30-day and 60-day tourist and business visas can now be extended entirely online through the ICP portal without needing to exit and re-enter the country.

As a precautionary public health measure, the UAE also temporarily suspended new visa issuance for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan starting June 6, 2026, in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. The suspension may be extended depending on how the health situation develops.

Checking Your Eligibility

Because visa rules, fees, and eligibility criteria can change at short notice, travelers are advised to verify their specific status using the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official visa exemption tool before booking travel, rather than relying solely on general guides. Those who do not qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival can apply in advance for a standard visit visa through a licensed UAE travel agency, tour operator, or airline.