UAE Expands Visa-On-Arrival Scheme To Indonesia, Thailand And 4 More Countries; List Inside

Planning a trip to the UAE just became a bit easier for some travellers. UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include passport holders from six more countries, opening the door for more visitors to enter without arranging a visa in advance. Travellers also need to hold a valid residency permit from a select group of countries to be eligible.

UAE Expands Visa-On-Arrival Rules; These Six Nationalities Are Now Included

The new rules apply to ordinary passport holders from: 

• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• The Philippines
• Kenya
• South Africa

Also covered are accompanying family members travelling with eligible applicants. That means families heading to the UAE together may be able to complete the process on arrival instead of dealing with paperwork before departure.

Your Residency Permit Matters Just As Much As Your Passport

Holding one of the six passports isn’t enough on its own.

Travellers must also have a valid residence permit issued by one of the following countries:

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

If you meet both conditions, you can apply for a visa when you land in the UAE. If not, the normal visa process still applies.

Also Read: Visitors From 70 Countries Can Get UAE Visa On Arrival For 180 Days

There Are Two Visa Options Available

Eligible travellers can receive either a 14-day visa or a 60-day visa on arrival.

The shorter visa costs AED100 and can be extended once while you’re already in the country.

The 60-day option costs AED250.

Unlike the 14-day permit, the 60-day visa cannot be extended. Once the stay period ends, visitors must leave the UAE.

Also Read: Visa-On-Arrival Now Available To UAE Travellers At These Additional Indian Airports

Overstaying Could Become Expensive Quite Quickly

Authorities have also confirmed that visitors who remain beyond their approved stay will face fines.

The overstay charge is AED50 for every extra day spent in the country after the visa expires.

The UAE says the move is part of wider efforts to make travel easier, strengthen ties with partner countries and attract more tourists, businesses and skilled professionals.

For travellers who already live in countries like the UK, Canada or Australia, visiting the UAE may now involve a lot less planning than before.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ MarekKijevsky from Getty Images Pro