The UAE has introduced an important update to its visa-on-arrival framework, expanding access for certain passport holders who are legally resident in approved countries outside their home jurisdiction.

This is a practical development for international mobility, family travel, business visits, short-term assignments, and transit planning. However, it should be read carefully: the facility is not granted on nationality alone.

Under the new framework, ordinary passport holders from the following countries may be eligible for a UAE visa on arrival:

Indonesia
Vietnam
Thailand
Philippines
Kenya
South Africa

The facility may also extend to accompanying family members, provided the relevant eligibility conditions are met.

The key requirement

To qualify, the traveller must hold a passport from one of the eligible countries and must also hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries or regions below:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
Singapore
South Korea
European Union member state

This residence-permit requirement is central. A traveller holding one of the listed passports, but without a valid residence permit from an approved country, should not assume they are eligible for visa on arrival.

Visa duration

Eligible travellers may be issued either:

14-day visa on arrival; or
60-day visa on arrival.

The 14-day visa may be extendable once, while the 60-day visa is generally issued for a single stay and is not extendable. The final visa category, duration, and approval remain subject to UAE immigration assessment at the time of application or arrival.

Documents travellers should prepare

Before travelling, eligible visitors should ensure they carry clear and valid copies of the following:

Valid passport with sufficient validity
Valid residence permit from one of the approved countries
Return or onward ticket
Hotel booking or UAE address
Travel insurance, where applicable
Family relationship documents, where travelling with dependents

Travellers should also ensure that their passport details, residence permit details, ticket information, and family documents are consistent and up to date.

Important point for travellers

Visa-on-arrival eligibility does not automatically guarantee entry into the UAE. Final entry approval remains with the UAE immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Travellers should also verify airline boarding requirements before departure, as airlines may request supporting documents before allowing passengers to board.

What this means

This update makes UAE travel more accessible for eligible visitors from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa who are already resident in approved jurisdictions such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, or the EU.

It is particularly relevant for:

Short-term visits
Business meetings
Family visits
Tourism
Events and conferences
Transit-related travel
Pre-relocation visits

For families, executives, investors, and internationally mobile professionals, the change offers a more flexible route into the UAE, provided the documentation is correct.

How Dawia Family Office can assist

Dawia Family Office can support clients with a pre-travel review, including:

Eligibility assessment
Passport and residence-permit review
Family member document review
Travel-readiness guidance
Visa-on-arrival advisory
Alternative UAE visit visa options where visa on arrival is not suitable

Clients are advised to complete a document review before making travel arrangements, to reduce the risk of airline boarding issues, document mismatch, or immigration delays.

For assistance, please contact Dawia Family Office before confirming your travel plans.