UAE Visa on Arrival Rules Expanded Today for 6 Countries: Requirements, Costs, and Crucial Foreign Residence Permit Rules

The UAE has announced a big extension of its Visa on Arrival (VoA) program, aimed at making it simpler for guests from 6 more nations to enter the nation without having to apply for a visa beforehand. The move is part of UAE’s resolve to further streamline visa procedures for easier international travel, cooperation, and tourism and investment mobility.

The new visa category will allow nationals from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa to receive a 14-day Visa on Arrival or a 60-day Visa on Arrival, as long as they meet certain requirements.

Who Is Eligible for the UAE Visa on Arrival?

The increased Visa on Arrival scheme benefits regular passports from the following countries:

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

Other family members traveling with the principal, who also meet the same criteria, can avail the same benefit.

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Most Important Requirement: A Valid Foreign Residence Permit

The UAE has set one rule for those who wish to take part in this program. Applicants shall not be criminals or those who are subject to any restrictions on issuing residence permits in the countries listed in the annex prior to their travel to the UAE.

Residence permits accepted are those issued by:

• United States
• Any EU Member State
• United Kingdom
• Singapore
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada

Under this new policy, non-possessor of one of the above valid residence permits will not receive the Visa on Arrival.

Visa Types, Validity and Fees

UAE Immigration authorities may issue a 14 days or a 60 day visa on arrival to the travelers according to eligibility. Check the table tabulated below for the visa type and validity.

Visa Type	Validity	Fee	Extension
14-Day Visa on Arrival	14 Days	AED 100	Can be extended once
60-Day Visa on Arrival	60 Days	AED 250	Not extendable

The 14 day visa provides flexibility for those who have plans to stay on the Ganga to just a short visit while the 60 day visa is recommended for those who wish to stay on the Ganga for a longer duration.

Extension and Overstay Rules

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) stated that the 14-day Visa on Arrival could be applied once during the duration of the tourist’s stay in the UAE.

Note that the 60-day Visa on Arrival is given for one visit only, however. The visitors shall be deported prior to the date of expiry of visa.

Those who have exceeded the allowed period will be slapped with an AED 50 per day penalty until they leave the UAE or regularise their immigration status.

Why Has the UAE Expanded Its Visa Policy?

The expansion reflects the UAE’s efforts in enhancing bilateral relations with friendly countries and encourages tourism, economic cooperation, cultural exchange and people to people contacts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The government hopes that the plan will incentivize more travelers to visit the island’s world-class attractions, along with its abundant business opportunities, cutting-edge infrastructure and investment-friendly environment.

In the meantime, according to ICP, the new visa system is in accordance with the international best practices that broaden the visas’ reach of access, reduces the travel procedures and improves the competitiveness of the tourism and residence services of the country.

What Travelers Should Do Before Flying?

Please check prior to your trip, whether your passport and foreign residence permit are valid throughout your planned journey.

Please bring both a print out and a digital copy of your residence permit and passport with you; the immigration authorities may ask to see them at your arrival. The tourists also need to check their eligibility for the 14-day or 60-day Visa-on-Arrival based on their individual profile.

FAQs

What are the countries that the UAE visa on arrival program has expanded?

New countries eligible include Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.

Is a residence permit necessary to be eligible?

Yes. Applicants should be a current resident of the United States, a country in the European Union, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.

What is the cost for UAE Visa on Industry?

Visa on Arrival for 14 days is priced at AED 100 and AED 250 for 60 days.

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