The UAE has expanded its visa on arrival programme, allowing more eligible travelers to enjoy simplified entry / Image – File
The UAE has unveiled a major expansion of its visa on arrival programme, making it easier for thousands of eligible international travelers to enter the country without applying for a visa in advance.
The move, announced by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expands the list of travelers who can benefit from visa-on-arrival facilities and forms part of the country’s broader strategy to boost tourism, business travel and global connectivity.The updated rules, which took effect on June 25, allow eligible travelers with passports from India and the Philippines to obtain a visa on arrival if they have a valid visa, residence permit or green card issued by one of several approved countries. The UAE authorities said that the changes reflect the country’s commitment to facilitating international mobility while strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for tourism, investment and business.
UAE visa on arrival Rules: Who is eligible?
The biggest change affects Indian citizens who hold regular passports. Previously, they were eligible for a UAE visa on arrival only if they held a valid visa, residence permit or green card from the US, UK or an EU member state.
Under the expanded policy, eligibility has now been expanded to include travelers with valid visas or residence permits issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the Republic of Korea (South Korea).The same expansion was also offered to Filipino citizens. They can now obtain a UAE visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa, residence permit or green card from the US, EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or South Korea. Officials said the broader eligibility criteria are aimed at simplifying travel procedures while strengthening ties with key international markets.The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in its announcement that the initiative aims to “facilitate travel to the UAE” and enhance the country’s attractiveness as a global destination for visitors, investors and business professionals.
UAE visa fees
Eligible travelers arriving under the revised program can choose between two visa options depending on the length of their visit.
The standard visa on arrival allows visitors to stay in the UAE for 14 days and is issued for a fee of AED 100. Those wishing to stay in the country for a longer period can extend this visa once for another 14 days by paying an additional amount of 250 dirhams.For visitors planning a longer trip, the UAE has also introduced the option of a 60-day visa on arrival, available for Dh250. Unlike the shorter visa, this option cannot be extended and is intended for travelers who already know they will need a longer stay. The immigration authorities will issue the visa after verifying the traveler’s passport as well as the eligible foreign visa, residence permit or green card.
Expanded visa policy in the UAE
The latest changes form part of the UAE’s broader vision to position itself as one of the world’s most connected and visitor-friendly countries. Over the past few years, the government has introduced a series of immigration reforms, including long-term residency schemes, expanding Golden Visa categories and more flexible tourist visa options, all aimed at attracting skilled professionals, business people, investors and international visitors.According to the State Department, the expanded visa-on-arrival program supports the country’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships while making travel faster and more convenient for eligible travelers. Officials believe the changes will encourage more tourism, facilitate business travel and enhance the UAE’s role as a global aviation and trade hub linking Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
What travelers should know
Although the process has become simpler, travelers must still ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before departing for the UAE. Their passport must be valid, and a qualifying visa, residence permit or green card issued by one of the approved countries must also remain valid at the time of travel. Standard immigration checks will continue at entry points into the UAE before a visa on arrival is issued.With the recent expansion, the UAE has once again demonstrated its focus on making international travel smoother while supporting tourism and economic growth. For eligible Indian and Filipino travellers, the revised rules provide greater flexibility, faster entry procedures and the option to stay in the UAE for up to 60 days without having to obtain a visa before departure.
