UAE Visa on Arrival 2026: Who Can Get It?
Complete Guide
SEO Title: UAE Visa on Arrival 2026: Eligible Countries, Requirements & Stay Duration
Meta Description: Find out who can get a UAE visa on arrival in 2026, eligible nationalities, passport requirements, stay duration and important travel information.
Labels: UAE Visa, Visa on Arrival, Dubai Travel, UAE Travel Guide, UAE Immigration, Tourist Visa 2026
What Is a UAE Visa on Arrival?
A UAE Visa on Arrival is an entry permission that eligible travellers can receive when they arrive at a UAE airport or approved entry point, without arranging a standard tourist visa in advance.
The availability and permitted stay depend on the traveller's nationality and applicable eligibility conditions.
Some nationalities receive 30-day entry permission, while others may qualify for 90-day entry permission. Certain special categories have different conditions.
1. Which Countries Can Get a UAE Visa on Arrival?
The UAE provides visa-on-arrival facilities to citizens of several countries.
The following are examples from the official GDRFA Dubai list:
Australia
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
Japan
New Zealand
Singapore
Malaysia
China
Hong Kong
Russia
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Switzerland
Austria
Belgium
Portugal
Sweden
Norway
Ireland
South Korea
This is a selection, not the complete list. Eligibility and permitted stay can differ by nationality.
2. Can Indian Passport Holders Get a UAE Visa on Arrival?
Yes. Certain Indian passport holders can qualify for a UAE Visa on Arrival.
For example, Indian citizens holding an ordinary passport may qualify if they also hold a valid:
US visit visa or US Green Card
UK residence visa
EU residence visa
Dubai's official guidance states that the qualifying visa or residence document must be valid for at least six months, and the eligible traveller may receive a 14-day visa on arrival.
Important 2026 update: The UAE expanded a special visa-on-arrival scheme to additional nationalities in June 2026.
3. Important UAE Visa on Arrival Update – June 2026
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an expansion covering nationals of six additional countries:
Indonesia
Vietnam
Thailand
Philippines
Kenya
South Africa
Under this special scheme, eligible nationals and accompanying family members must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of these places:
United States
United Kingdom
European Union member state
Singapore
Japan
South Korea
Australia
New Zealand
Canada
The scheme provides two options:
Visa category | Stay | Fee |
|---|---|---|
30-day visa | 30 days | AED 350 |
60-day visa | 60 days | AED 650 |
The 14-day visa can be extended once, while the 60-day visa is non-extendable. An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies after the permitted stay expires.
4. What Documents Are Required?
Travellers should prepare the following:
Valid passport.
Passport validity of at least six months from the date of entry.
Valid supporting residence permit or visa, if required for the applicable category.
Return or onward travel details, if requested.
Other supporting documents required by immigration authorities.
Requirements vary according to nationality and visa category.
5. How Long Can You Stay in the UAE?
The permitted stay depends on the entry category.
Some nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival.
Some nationalities receive a 90-day visa on arrival.
Certain eligible Indian travellers may receive 14 days.
Eligible nationals under the June 2026 special scheme may receive 14 or 60 days.
Always check the entry stamp or official immigration record for your actual permitted stay.
6. Can GCC Residents Get a UAE Visa on Arrival?
Being a resident of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain or Oman does not automatically give an expatriate visa-on-arrival eligibility.
GCC citizens can enter the UAE without a visa, but expatriate GCC residents generally need to apply for a UAE eVisa before travelling.
7. What If You Are Not Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
If your nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, you generally need to arrange a UAE tourist or visit visa before travelling.
You can explore application options through:
UAE-authorised travel agencies
Approved airlines
UAE hotels offering visa services
Official ICP or GDRFA channels, as applicable
Official information: UAE Government Visa Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is UAE Visa on Arrival free?
Many nationalities receive free visa-on-arrival permission, but special categories can have fees. For example, the June 2026 scheme has AED 100 and AED 250 options.
Q2. Can Pakistani citizens get a UAE Visa on Arrival?
Pakistani ordinary passport holders are not included in the standard GDRFA visa-on-arrival nationality list. They generally need to arrange a visa before travelling unless they qualify under another applicable entry arrangement.
Q3. Can I travel to Dubai without applying for a visa?
Yes, if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Check your eligibility before booking your flight.
Q4. Does a UAE Visa on Arrival allow me to work?
No. Tourist and visit entry permission does not automatically authorize employment in the UAE.
Q5. Can visa-on-arrival rules change?
Yes. The UAE may update its eligibility rules, so travellers should verify the latest information before departure.
Final Thoughts
The UAE Visa on Arrival facility makes travelling easier for eligible international visitors. However, eligibility depends on nationality, passport type and other applicable conditions.
Before travelling to Dubai or any other UAE emirate, check the latest official immigration requirements and make sure your travel documents are valid.
A little preparation can help make your UAE journey smoother and more comfortable.
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