Major Travel Update: UAE Adds Six Countries To Visa-On-Arrival List

The United Arab Emirates has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to cover nationals of six additional countries, with Kenya and South Africa emerging as the only African countries included in the latest arrangement.

According to Bush Radio Academy, eligible travellers from the six countries can obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, depending on the nature and duration of their visit.

The countries included in the updated visa-on-arrival arrangement are Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa. The provision also extends to eligible accompanying family members.

However, travellers must meet an additional condition to benefit from the arrangement. Applicants are required to hold an ordinary passport as well as a valid residence permit issued by one of the qualifying countries.

The accepted residence permits may be issued by the United States, any European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

The UAE said the expansion forms part of its flexible entry and residency framework, which is designed to facilitate international travel and provide visitors with a smoother entry experience.

For African travellers, the development means eligible Kenyan and South African passport holders who are legally resident in any of the specified countries may qualify for a UAE visa on arrival rather than applying for a visa before travelling.

However, nationals of Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and other African countries not included in the latest announcement will continue to follow the UAE’s existing visa application procedures.

The new arrangement is therefore particularly significant for Kenyan and South African passport holders who meet both the passport and qualifying-residence requirements.