UAE Now Grants Visa-on-Arrival to Six New Countries — Here's Everything You Need to Know
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
The announcement came on a Wednesday morning in late June — quiet, almost understated — but for millions of travellers from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, it changes everything. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nationals from these six countries can now receive a visa on arrival in the UAE, effective July 2026. No embassy appointment. No weeks of processing. You land at Dubai International Airport, present your valid passport and residence permit at the visa counter, and you are in the arrivals hall within the hour.
I have watched enough friends navigate the UAE visa system to know that this is genuinely significant. The old process required pre-arranged approval, documentation and waiting — sometimes weeks. The new visa-on-arrival scheme removes all of that friction. If you have been dreaming about Dubai's skyline, its restaurants, its beaches and sheer ambition, and the paperwork was the only thing holding you back, this is your green light.
Which Six Countries Now Qualify for UAE Visa on Arrival?
Announced by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 June 2026, the scheme covers nationals of:
Indonesia
Vietnam
Thailand
The Philippines
Kenya
South Africa
This is a meaningful expansion. The UAE already grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 50 nationalities. Adding these six — which collectively represent some of the UAE's largest expatriate communities and fastest-growing tourist source markets — reflects how seriously Dubai is pursuing its 2026 tourism growth targets.
Visa Durations and Fees — What You Pay at the Counter
The visa-on-arrival is issued on the spot at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International. Three stay durations are available:
14-day visa — AED 100 (approx. USD 27). Ideal for a short city break.
28-day visa — Available at port of entry. Good for a relaxed first exploration of Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
60-day visa — AED 250 (approx. USD 68). Best value for a longer stay covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Hatta.
The Burj Al Arab, viewed across the Madinat Jumeirah waterway — one of the first landmarks on every Dubai visitor's list. Photo: Unsplash.
The Critical Condition: You Must Hold a Residence Permit from a Third Country
This is the most important detail, and the one most likely to be misread on social media. The visa-on-arrival is not a general exemption for all citizens of the six countries. It applies only to nationals who are living outside their home country and who hold a valid residency permit or long-stay visa from one of the following:
United States of America
Any European Union member state
United Kingdom
Singapore
Japan
South Korea
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
In practical terms: a Filipino nurse working in London qualifies. An Indonesian engineer based in Singapore qualifies. A South African academic at a Canadian university qualifies. A national living in their home country still needs to arrange a standard UAE tourist visa through conventional channels before travel.
Angel's tip: Carry a printed copy of your residence permit — not just a digital version on your phone. UAE immigration officers at the visa-on-arrival counter will verify it physically, and some arrivals halls have limited mobile connectivity. Being prepared saves time and starts your Dubai trip on the right foot.
What Happens at Dubai Airport — Step by Step
When your flight lands at Dubai International Airport (DXB) — which handles around 90 million passengers a year — follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before reaching the main passport control lanes. Have ready:
Your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
Your foreign residence permit (printed copy; must be currently valid)
Payment method — credit and debit cards accepted at the counter
Return or onward flight ticket (immigration may ask to see this)
Hotel booking confirmation (useful as supporting documentation)
Representative view of contemporary Dubai hotel architecture — inspired by Zaha Hadid-designed spaces like ME Dubai by Meliá. Photo: Unsplash.
Making the Most of Your UAE Visit
Whether you have 14 days or 60, Dubai rewards even basic planning. For first-time visitors, the essential triangle is Downtown Dubai (the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall), the Dubai Marina waterfront, and Old Dubai — the Creek and Deira gold and spice souks.
Getting around is easier than most visitors expect. The Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines connect the airport directly to Downtown, the Marina and beyond. A rechargeable Nol Card from any Metro station gives access to the metro, buses and water taxis.
July 2026 — when the visa-on-arrival scheme launches — also coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026 running from 2 July with shopping discounts of up to 90%, concerts and prize draws. Emirates airline is simultaneously offering free hotel nights and My Emirates Pass discounts for summer travellers.
Expo City Dubai at night — the iconic canopy structures at the former Expo 2020 site, now a permanent hub for events, culture and dining. Representative photo. Photo: Unsplash.
More UAE Visa and Travel Guides on Angel In Dubai
Before booking, read my complete UAE visa rules guide for 2026, which covers long-stay tourist visas, the Golden Visa, work permits and overstay rules. For those considering a longer move, my first-timer's guide to renting in Dubai walks through districts, typical costs and how to set up an apartment. Dubai is one of the easiest global cities to arrive in — and as of July 2026, it is simpler than ever for six more nationalities.
— Angel Tyagi, Creator of Angel In Dubai
Visa fees, eligibility conditions and processing times are subject to change — always verify with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your airline directly before travelling. Prices cited were accurate at time of publication (June 2026). Not sponsored.
Photos: Burj Al Arab via Unsplash | ME Dubai by Meliá interior via Unsplash | Expo City Dubai via Unsplash.
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