Planning a UAE visit from abroad? The UAE entry visa 2026 rules have expanded eligibility for nationals of six additional countries, creating a useful new route for eligible international residents travelling to the Emirates.
On 25 June 2026, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, known as ICP, announced that Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa had been added to the entry visa eligibility framework alongside India. The update is not an automatic visa entitlement for every passport holder. Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit from one of the jurisdictions specified by ICP.
The official update offers two possible visa categories, with stays of 14 days or 60 days. The right option, and whether an applicant qualifies, depends on the current ICP conditions at the time of application.
Who is covered by the UAE entry visa 2026 expansion?
The newly added nationalities are Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa. ICP lists these countries alongside India within the expanded eligibility announcement.
Nationality alone is not enough. To qualify, an applicant must also have a valid residence permit issued by the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
That detail matters for travel planning. A traveller who holds one of the listed passports but does not hold a valid residence permit from one of the named jurisdictions should not assume they are eligible through this route. ICP advises applicants to check the current conditions before applying.
Two stay options for eligible visitors
ICP has published two entry visa categories for eligible applicants. The first allows a stay of 14 days and carries a published fee of AED100. This visa may be extended once while the visitor is in the UAE.
The second option allows a stay of 60 days and has a published fee of AED250. ICP describes this category as single entry and non extendable. In practical terms, visitors considering a longer trip should be clear about their intended itinerary before choosing this option, as the authority has stated that it cannot be extended.
The two options give qualifying residents more flexibility for different kinds of visits, whether the purpose is tourism, time with family or a longer UAE break. But travellers should base their plans on the visa conditions that apply to their own application rather than on another visitor’s experience.
Fees, extensions and the overstay rule
The published fee for the 14 day visa is AED100. ICP says this visa can be extended once during the stay. The published fee for the 60 day visa is AED250, and that visa is single entry and non extendable.
Visitors should also take the departure date seriously. ICP states that the overstay fine is AED50 per day. Checking the permitted stay carefully, keeping travel documents current and allowing enough time for departure arrangements can help avoid unnecessary costs.
For the most reliable application guidance, travellers should consult the official ICP announcement on expanded UAE entry visa eligibility and verify the active requirements before submitting an application. Immigration conditions can be assessed against current documentation, so the official check remains essential even for applicants who appear to meet the nationality and residency criteria.
What travellers should check before applying
For anyone researching the UAE entry visa 2026 update, the key point is to confirm both parts of eligibility. First, check that your nationality is included. Second, confirm that your valid residence permit was issued by one of the nine jurisdictions listed by ICP.
Then choose the visa duration that suits your visit. A 14 day option may offer the benefit of one in country extension, while the 60 day option provides a longer single entry stay but cannot be extended according to ICP. Confirming these details before booking onward travel is the most sensible way to approach the new eligibility route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nationalities were newly added to the UAE entry visa eligibility?
Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa were added by ICP alongside India.
Do all citizens of the newly added countries qualify automatically?
No. Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, and should check current ICP conditions before applying.
How long can eligible visitors stay in the UAE?
ICP has published a 14 day visa category and a 60 day visa category for eligible applicants.
Can the UAE entry visa be extended?
The 14 day visa may be extended once during the stay. The 60 day visa is single entry and non extendable according to ICP.
What are the visa fees and overstay fine?
The published fee is AED100 for the 14 day visa and AED250 for the 60 day visa. ICP states that overstaying incurs a fine of AED50 per day.
