UAE Visa on Arrival 2026 | Eligible Countries, Rules & How It Works
Planning a trip to the UAE and wondering if you need to apply for a visa in advance? You might not have to. The UAE offers a visa on arrival facility for millions of international travellers, and if you qualify, it means no applications, no waiting, and no stress before your trip.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who qualifies, how long you can stay, what documents to carry, and what to do if you don’t qualify.
June 2026 Update 6 New Nationalities Added
From 25 June 2026, the UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa. The change was announced by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Eligibility is conditional nationality alone is not enough. Passport holders from these six countries must also hold a valid residence permit from one of the nine approved countries listed in the Group 2 section below to qualify. Without a qualifying permit, a pre-arranged UAE visit visa is still required.
The six newly added nationalities (ordinary passport holders plus accompanying family members):
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa
India remains eligible under its existing facility. The qualifying permit list has also been expanded New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have been added alongside the existing US, UK, EU, Australia and Canada.
How long you can stay and whether you can extend
Travellers under this new scheme receive either a 14-day or a 60-day visa on arrival, depending on the visa type issued. The two behave differently:
- 14-day visa: may be extended once while you are still in the UAE.
- 60-day visa: issued for a single stay and cannot be extended.
When either visa expires you must leave the country. Staying beyond the permitted period incurs an overstay fine of AED 50 per day.
What Is a UAE Visa on Arrival?
A UAE visa on arrival means you arrive at a UAE airport and immigration grants you entry right there no prior application needed. You land, show your passport and documents, and you’re in.
This facility is available at all major UAE entry points including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ). It applies across all seven Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
It’s important to understand that the UAE visa on arrival is handled entirely by UAE immigration authorities. No third-party service or agency is involved in issuing it.
Who Qualifies for a UAE Visa on Arrival?
There are two main groups of travellers who qualify:
Group 1: Citizens of visa-exempt countries
Nationals of certain countries receive automatic entry into the UAE without needing any visa at all. This includes citizens of GCC countries, most Western nations, and several others. These travellers receive an entry stamp on arrival valid for 30 or 90 days depending on their nationality.
Group 2: Holders of valid residence visas or permits from specific countries
This applies to travellers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and other regions who hold a valid, unexpired visa or residence permit from one of the following countries:
- United States (any valid US visa or Green Card)
- United Kingdom (valid UK visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- European Union (valid Schengen visa or EU residence permit)
- Australia (valid Australian visa or permanent residency)
- Canada (valid Canadian visa or permanent residency)
- New Zealand (valid New Zealand visa or residence permit) (added June 2026)
- Japan (valid Japanese residence permit) (added June 2026)
- Singapore (valid Singapore residence permit) (added June 2026)
- South Korea (valid South Korean residence permit) (added June 2026)
The qualifying visa must be currently valid at the time of travel. An expired visa, even one that expired recently, does not qualify.
UAE Visa on Arrival: Duration by Nationality
The length of stay granted on arrival depends on your passport:
| Nationality Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| GCC nationals & visa-exempt countries | 30 or 90 days |
| Most eligible nationalities (with qualifying permit from US, UK, EU, AU, CA, NZ, JP, SG or KR) | 30 days |
| Indian passport holders (with a valid qualifying visa) | 14 days |
| Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa (with qualifying permit added June 2026) | 14 days or 60 days |
UAE Visa on Arrival for Indians
Indian passport holders qualify for a 14-day visa on arrival if they hold a valid US, UK, EU (Schengen), Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean or South Korean visa or residence permit.
Key conditions:
- The qualifying visa must be valid at the time of travel
- An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card alone does not qualify
If you are an Indian passport holder without a qualifying visa, you must apply for a UAE visa in advance see the section below.
Countries Eligible for UAE Visa on Arrival (Full List)
Visa-free entry 90 days (no application needed): Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City
Visa-free entry 30 days: All GCC nationals Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar
Visa on arrival 30 days (with a valid US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean or South Korean visa or residence permit): Bangladesh, Egypt, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and most other nationalities not listed above
Visa on arrival 14 or 60 days (with a qualifying residence permit added June 2026): Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, South Africa
Visa on arrival 14 days (with a valid qualifying visa): India
Note: Rules can change. Always verify your eligibility with the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) before travelling.
Don’t see your country on the list?
You’ll need a UAE visit visa before you travel and you can apply online in a few minutes. Choose from 14, 30 or 60-day options, single or multiple entry. We handle the typing, document check and submission, with approval usually in 36 hours.
Required Documents for UAE Visa on Arrival
Carry these with you when you travel immigration may ask for any of them:
- Passport: valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry
- Return or onward ticket: confirming you are leaving the UAE
- Hotel booking or confirmed UAE address: the name and address of where you are staying
- Proof of funds: a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay (may be checked at immigration’s discretion)
- Qualifying visa (if applicable): a printout or digital copy of your valid US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, Japanese, Singaporean or South Korean visa
Having all documents ready before you reach the immigration counter speeds up the process significantly.
How the Process Works at the Airport
The UAE visa on arrival process is straightforward:
- Land at any UAE international airport: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah
- Proceed to the immigration counters: follow signs for “Arrivals” and “Passport Control”
- Present your passport and documents: the officer will review your qualifying visa if applicable
- Wait for processing: typically takes between 15 and 60 minutes depending on queues
- Receive your entry stamp: you’re in. Your visa on arrival is stamped directly in your passport
No separate form to fill, and no fee to pay at the counter for most nationalities.
Important Rules of Overstay
The UAE takes overstaying seriously. If you stay beyond your visa on arrival duration:
- Fine: AED 50 per day starts immediately from the day after your visa expires
- No grace period the fine begins on day one of overstaying, with no buffer
- Applies across all Emirates there is no difference between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other Emirate
Always track your entry date and plan your departure accordingly. You are free to travel between all seven Emirates during your stay your visa on arrival covers the entire UAE, not just the Emirate you arrived in.
What If You Don’t Qualify for a Visa on Arrival?
If your passport does not qualify for automatic entry and you don’t hold a valid qualifying visa or residence permit, you need to apply for a UAE visa in advance.
Your options if you’re not eligible for visa on arrival
Pick the visa that matches your trip each one is applied for and submitted by our team.
| If youโฆ | You need |
|---|---|
| Are visiting for under 30 days | 30-Day Single Entry |
| Need a longer stay | 60-Day Single Entry |
| Will leave and re-enter the UAE | 30-Day or 60-Day Multiple Entry |
| Are only transiting through | 96-Hour Transit |
| Visit the UAE often | 5-Year Multiple Entry |
| Reside in Saudi, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain | 30-Day for GCC Residents |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians get UAE visa on arrival in 2026?
Yes. Indian passport holders with a valid US, UK, EU (Schengen), Australian, or Canadian visa or residence permit can get a 14-day UAE visa on arrival. Without a qualifying visa, Indians must apply in advance.
Is UAE visa on arrival free?
For most eligible nationalities, there is no fee for the visa on arrival itself. However, some nationalities may be charged a small processing fee at the counter, check with UAE immigration or your airline before travelling.
Does UAE visa on arrival cover all Emirates?
Yes. A UAE visa on arrival allows you to travel freely across all seven Emirates; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
What happens if I overstay my UAE visa on arrival?
You will be fined AED 50 for every day you overstay, starting from the day after your visa expires. There is no grace period. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Can I get UAE visa on arrival if my US visa has expired?
No. The qualifying visa must be valid at the time of your UAE travel. An expired US, UK, EU, Australian, or Canadian visa does not qualify.
Do GCC nationals need a visa to enter the UAE?
No. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar can enter the UAE without any visa and receive a 30-day entry stamp on arrival.
Is the UAE visa on arrival the same as a tourist visa?
They serve the same purpose, allowing you to visit the UAE, but they are different processes. A tourist visa is applied for in advance online. A visa on arrival is granted at the airport on the day of arrival without prior application.
Are Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa passport holders now eligible for UAE visa on arrival?
Yes, from 25 June 2026 but only if they also hold a valid residence permit from the US, UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea. Without a qualifying permit, a pre-arranged UAE visit visa is still required.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is a UAE Visa on Arrival?
- Who Qualifies for a UAE Visa on Arrival?
- UAE Visa on Arrival: Duration by Nationality
- Countries Eligible for UAE Visa on Arrival
- Required Documents for UAE Visa on Arrival
- How the Process Works at the Airport
- Important Rules of Overstay
- What If You Don't Qualify for a Visa on Arrival?
- FAQs
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