The UAE’s 2026 entry-visa update expands eligibility for certain visitors, but it is not a blanket visa-on-arrival rule for every passport holder. The change concerns nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, in addition to India, where the traveller and accompanying family members meet the residence-permit conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
For eligible travellers, the available entry-visa categories are 14 days and 60 days. The practical lesson is not to assume eligibility based on nationality alone. You must also meet the residence-status requirements and travel with the correct supporting documents. Airlines and immigration authorities make the final decision at travel time.
Who the update is for
ICP says the relevant nationals and accompanying family members must hold a valid residence permit, visa or Green Card connected to an approved country or region. These include the United States, European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
A traveller should read the official terms carefully. A passport from one of the listed countries is only one part of the check. The validity and type of the residence document, passport validity and supporting papers all matter.
| Check before travel | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Passport validity | ICP specifies a minimum validity requirement | Check that the passport has at least six months’ validity |
| Nationality | Eligibility is limited to listed nationalities | Match your passport to the official list |
| Residence document | The update depends on an eligible country of residence | Carry the original valid permit, visa or Green Card evidence |
| Intended stay | 14-day and 60-day terms differ | Choose the route that fits your actual trip |
| Airline requirements | Airlines check travel documents before boarding | Reconfirm with the carrier before departure |
The 14-day and 60-day options
The 14-day option may be extended once for the same duration, subject to the official conditions. The 60-day option is single entry and cannot be extended under the published update. ICP’s announcement lists issuance fees of AED100 for 14 days and AED250 for 60 days, while its service page also lists applicable smart-service fees. Always check the final amount shown through the official channel before paying.
The most important deadline is the end of the authorised stay. ICP states that an overstay fine of AED50 per day applies. Build your departure plan around the date immigration grants, rather than assuming the calendar dates of a flight booking are enough.
A sensible travel-document folder
Prepare digital and printed copies before leaving for the airport:
- Passport with the required validity
- Valid residence permit, visa or Green Card from an eligible location
- Return or onward booking
- Hotel booking or UAE address
- Travel-insurance details if your airline requests them
- Contact details for your host, employer or travel organiser where relevant
Keep the original documents accessible in your carry-on bag rather than packed in checked luggage. If your itinerary includes a Dubai event, save the registration confirmation separately; this is especially useful when travelling for GITEX GLOBAL or another conference.
Planning a Dubai stay after arrival
A well-prepared arrival makes the first day easier. Decide in advance whether you will use a hotel transfer, taxi, ride-hailing service or public transport. Visitors attending Expo City can use our Dubai Metro to Expo City guide. Sports visitors can also see our Emirates Dubai 7s guide, while family planners may find the Dubai private education institutions guide useful when comparing a longer relocation-related visit.
For leisure time, combine your trip with carefully confirmed activities rather than building a schedule around unverified social-media listings. Our Dubai District Games guide and UAE ecotourism guide are useful starting points for planning.
Questions people often ask
Does the 2026 change apply to every nationality?
No. It applies only to the nationalities and residence-status combinations listed by ICP.
Is visa on arrival guaranteed once I book a flight?
No. You must meet the official terms and satisfy airline and immigration checks at the time of travel.
Can a 14-day entry visa be extended?
ICP states that the 14-day option may be extended once for the same duration, subject to the applicable rules.
Can a 60-day entry visa be extended?
ICP describes the 60-day visa as single entry and non-extendable.
What is the safest place to verify eligibility?
Use the ICP announcement and service page shortly before travel, then confirm with your airline.
Official links: ICP eligibility announcement and ICP 14-day service details.
