The United Arab Emirates has extended its visa-on-arrival program to include ordinary passport holders from six additional countries, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The newly included nationalities are South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines. For Indian travelers, this development is relevant if they are traveling alongside citizens of these nationalities or planning trips through shared corridors like Bangkok or Manila.
UAE Visa on Arrival: New Countries and Effective Dates
The UAE Embassy in Vietnam formally confirmed that revised entry arrangements for Vietnamese citizens came into force on June 25, 2026. Under the updated policy, Vietnamese ordinary passport holders, along with accompanying eligible family members, may receive a visa upon arrival provided all conditions set by UAE authorities are met.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Policy Announced By | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Newly Added Countries | South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, Indonesia, Philippines |
| Vietnam Effective Date | June 25, 2026 |
| Family Members | Eligible if all immigration conditions are met |
| Existing Pathway | Unchanged for prior qualifying nationalities |
The expansion layers these six nationalities onto an already-existing framework. It does not replace or alter the conditions under which other nationalities were previously eligible.
How Indian Passport Holders Fit Into UAE Visa on Arrival Rules
Indian passport holders are not among the six newly added nationalities. However, the pre-existing eligibility pathway remains fully in force and is directly relevant to many Indian travelers.
Under the existing framework, ordinary passport holders who hold a valid visa or residence permit from any of the following countries or blocs already qualify for UAE visa on arrival:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Any European Union member state
This means an Indian passport holder carrying a valid US visa, UK visa, or Schengen visa, for example, may qualify for UAE visa on arrival under the existing rules — entirely separate from today’s expansion.
Before travel, Indian passport holders should verify their specific eligibility carefully. Use the Eligibility Checker to confirm whether your current visa or residence permit qualifies, and review the complete Dubai Visa Guide for a full breakdown of entry requirements.
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Stated Purpose of the Expansion
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the expanded policy is designed to strengthen bilateral relationships with partner nations and to foster economic cooperation, tourism, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections. The ministry also indicated it will continue working with relevant authorities to simplify travel procedures and improve consular services.
The six newly added countries represent some of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in Southeast Asia and Africa. Eligible Thai travelers, for instance, no longer need to secure a visa before departure when all qualifying conditions are met — a change the UAE Ministry framed in the context of growing travel demand between Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
All travelers, whether newly eligible or previously included, must satisfy all applicable immigration conditions before being granted entry. The streamlined arrival process does not remove the requirement to meet qualifying criteria at the point of entry.
Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Arab Emirates; UAE Embassy in Vietnam
FAQ
Do Indian passport holders qualify for UAE visa on arrival under the new expansion?
Indian passport holders are not among the six newly added nationalities. However, Indians holding a valid visa or residence permit from qualifying countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, or any EU member state already qualify under the pre-existing eligibility pathway.
Which six countries were newly added to UAE visa on arrival in 2026?
The UAE added South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam, Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines to its visa-on-arrival program.
When did the new UAE visa on arrival rules take effect for Vietnamese citizens?
The UAE Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that the revised entry arrangements for Vietnamese citizens took effect on June 25, 2026.
Can family members of eligible travelers also get UAE visa on arrival?
Yes. Accompanying family members of eligible ordinary passport holders may also receive a visa on arrival, provided they meet all applicable immigration conditions specified by UAE authorities.
Does this expansion change the existing UAE visa on arrival conditions for previously eligible nationalities?
No. The expansion adds six new nationalities without altering the underlying criteria for those already eligible. All travelers must continue to satisfy all relevant conditions before being granted entry upon arrival.
Where can Indian travelers check their UAE visa requirements before travel?
Indian travelers should use our Eligibility Checker to verify their specific situation and visit the official UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current entry requirements.