More visitors can now land in the UAE without arranging a visa in advance. Under the expanded visa-on-arrival programme, holders of ordinary passports from six additional countries — Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa — can qualify, provided they hold a valid residence permit from one of ten listed countries. Previously, the arrangement covered eligible Indian nationals.

The qualifying residence countries are Australia, Canada, European Union member states, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States — and the list now also anchors the programme beyond its original base. Eligible travellers, along with accompanying family members, can stay for 14, 28 or 60 days. The expansion was announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), as summarised by Abu Dhabi News and in Time Out Dubai’s visa updates roundup.

Who qualifies for the expanded visa on arrival

  • Ordinary passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa — newly added — plus eligible Indian nationals under the original scheme
  • A valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, an EU member state, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UK or the USA
  • Stays of 14, 28 or 60 days, with accompanying family members covered

Eligibility is checked on arrival against the passport and residence permit, so both documents must be valid and carried in hand luggage, not checked baggage. If you do not qualify, the standard route still applies — see our Dubai tourist visa guide and the country list on UAE visa on arrival countries before you book.

Passengers walking through a bright arrivals hall at Dubai International Airport
The wider programme is part of Dubai’s push to make short trips easier to arrange.

48-hour tourist visas and the property visa change

Two related updates sit alongside the expansion. Dubai now typically processes single-entry tourist visas — 30 or 60 days — within 48 working hours, according to GDRFA reporting summarised in the same roundups; applications go through authorised travel agencies, UAE airlines and select hotel partners with just a passport and a personal photo. And the Dubai Land Department has scrapped the Dh750,000 minimum property value for the two-year property owner visa for sole owners, with joint owners needing a Dh400,000 share each.

Together the changes lower the friction at both ends of a trip: spontaneous short visits get easier, and property-based residency opens to smaller purchases. Travellers planning longer stays should compare the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, and anyone already in the country should know the rules in our overstay fines guide — fines were unified at Dh50 per day earlier this year.

Tourist photographing the Dubai skyline from a waterfront promenade
Single-entry tourist visas for 30 or 60 days are now typically processed within 48 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Which passports were added to UAE visa on arrival?

Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, for holders who also hold valid residence in one of the ten qualifying countries listed in the programme.

How long can eligible visitors stay?

14, 28 or 60 days under the expanded programme, with accompanying family members covered.

How fast are Dubai tourist visas processed now?

Typically within 48 working hours for single-entry 30- or 60-day visas, via authorised agencies, UAE airlines and select hotel partners.

What changed for the property owner visa?

The Dh750,000 minimum property value was scrapped for sole owners of the two-year visa; joint owners need a share of at least Dh400,000 each. All applications remain subject to approval.