New updates visa on arrival list for citizens of 87 countries

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an update to its visa exemption policy, allowing citizens from 87 countries to enter the UAE without needing a pre-entry visa.

The initiative aims to simplify travel for tourists and foster a more accessible visitation process to the country.

According to the updated regulations, nationals from 110 countries are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in the UAE.

Interested individuals can consult the list of exempted countries and visa requirements on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/visa-exemptions-for-non-citizen) or contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Ports Security, and Customs (ICP) for additional information.

The UAE Digital Government clarified that GCC citizens do not need a visa or sponsorship to visit the country. They are eligible for entry by presenting a passport issued by a GCC state or an identity card upon arrival at UAE ports of entry.

Furthermore, individuals abroad are urged to visit the provided link (https://www.visitdubai.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-information) to access the list of nationalities exempt from prior visa arrangements. Those eligible can obtain a valid entry visa for 30 days upon arrival, with a grace period of 10 days. Additionally, citizens from select countries can obtain a visa for 90 days upon arrival.

For example, citizens of India holding ordinary passports, a visit visa or permanent resident card issued by the USA, or a residence visa in the UK and European Union countries valid for at least six months, allows for a visa on arrival. This grants a stay of 14 days, with the option to extend for an additional 14 days.

In cases where prior visa arrangements are necessary, individuals not falling under visa exemption categories must obtain an entry permit issued by a sponsor before arriving in the UAE. The type of entry permit required, issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, depends on the purpose of the visit.

UAE visa on arrival for citizens of:

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Argentina
4. Austria
5. Australia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahrain
8. Barbados
9. Brazil

• Belarus

11. Belgium
12. Brunei
13. Bulgaria
14. Canada
15. Chile
16. China
17. Colombia
18. Costa Rica
19. Croatia
20. Cyprus
21. Czech Republic
22. Denmark
23. El Salvador
24. Estonia
25. Finland
26. France

Georgia

• Germany

28. Honduras
29. Hungary

Hong Kong

30. Special Administrative Region of China
31. Iceland
32. Israel
33. Italy
34. Japan
35. Kazakhstan
36. Kiribati

• Kuwait

38. Latvia
39. Liechtenstein
40. Lithuania
41. Luxembourg
42. Malaysia
43. Maldives
44. Malta
45. Mauritius
46. Mexico
47. Monaco
48. Montenegro
49. Nauru
50. New Zealand
51. Norway
52. Oman
53. Paraguay
54. Peru
55. Poland
56. Portugal
57. Qatar
58. Republic of Ireland
59.      Romania
60. Russia
61. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
62. San Marino
63. Saudi Arabia
64. Seychelles
65. Serbia
66. Singapore
67. Slovakia
68. Slovenia
69. Solomon Islands
70. South Korea
71. Spain

• Sweden
• Switzerland

74. The Bahamas
75. The Netherlands
76. UK
77. US
78. Ukraine
79. Uruguay
80. Vatican
81. Hellenic
82. Bosnia and Herzegovina
83. Armenia
84. Fiji
85. Kosovo