Good news for travellers! Those who have been planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates for some time, the UAE has finally released its updated entry rules for 2026. Under the latest guidelines – citizens from over 70 countries can enter the UAE without securing a visa in advance. The policy updates have also expanded visa-on-arrival options for selected nationalities. These new moves will support tourism by welcoming visitors from different countries. Not only that, it will also support business travel and family visits across the Emirates.
Visa-Free Entry Categories
The new rules divide travellers into different categories based on nationality. GCC citizens can enter the UAE without a visa. They will only need a valid passport or national ID card. This applies to:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
90-Day Visa Free Countries
The ninety days visa-free entry policy is applicable to passport holders from 49 countries. The stay is allowed within a rolling 180-day period. Although multiple entries are allowed under this category, visitors cannot work during their stay. Countries falling under this category are:
| Albania | Argentina | Armenia | Australia | Austria | Azerbaijan | Bahamas Islands |
| Barbados | Belarus | Belgium | Bosnia | Brazil | Bulgaria | Canada |
| Chile | China | Colombia | Costa Rica | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Ecuador | El Salvador | Estonia | Fiji | Finland | France |
| Georgia | Greece | Honduras | Hungary | Iceland | Israel | Italy |
| Japan | Kiribati | Kosovo | Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
| Macedonia | Maldives | Malta | Moldovav | Montenegro | Nauru | Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Paraguay | Peru | Poland | Portugal | Republic Of Guyana |
| Romania | Russian Federation | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | San Marino | Serbia | Seychelles | Singapore |
| Slovakia | Solomon Islands | South Korea | Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | United Kingdom and Northern Ireland |
| United States of America | Uruguay |
30-Day Visa Free Countries
A separate group of countries will enjoy thirty days visa-free stay. Extensions may be available depending on the visitor’s eligibility. Immigration officials recommend that travellers cross-check additional entry rules on official portals, such as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security before booking. Countries falling under this category are:
| Andorra | Brunei | Hong Kong, China | Kazakhstan | Macau, China |
| Malaysia | Mauritius | Monaco | Mongolia | Republic of Ireland |
| Ukraine | Uzbekistan | Vatican City |
Expanded Visa on Arrival
The UAE has also expanded its conditional UAE visa on arrival programme. It includes a broader category that grants a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival for certain nationalities. To qualify, travellers must hold a valid residency permit from an approved country – such as the US, UK, EU, Canada, or Japan. Entry conditions can change over time. That’s why travellers should confirm the current UAE immigration requirements before finalizing their travel plans. Countries falling under this category are:
| India | Indonesia | Kenya | Philippines |
| South Africa | Thailand | Vietnam |
