Travelling to UAE? Check if Your Passport is Eligible for Visa on Arrival

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is setting ambitious tourism targets to attract $123 billion and 40 million hotel guests annually to its economy by 2031. To achieve this, the UAE government is introducing wide-ranging visa reforms for residents and changes to tourism and transit visas for travellers coming to the country.

Last week, the official UAE Digital Government provided an update on visa-on-arrival availability for more than 70 nationalities coming to the UAE.

Some nationalities can obtain a #visaonarrival to the UAE, while others need to apply for a visa in advance. Find out if you need a visa to enter the UAE.https://t.co/zTH3jdAT7C@UAEICP@GDRFADUBAI
#UAE_portal

— الحكومة الرقمية لدولة الامارات (@uaedgov) March 17, 2023

UAE Visa on Arrival Requirements

Some nationalities, according to the UAE Digital Government, can obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE, while others must apply for a visa in advance. GCC citizens do not require a visa to enter the UAE; instead, they must present their GCC country passport or national ID card upon entry.

A visa on arrival is available to citizens of certain countries who have an original passport with at least six months remaining before the date of expiry and a round-trip airline ticket or confirmed ticket to another destination.

The visa on arrival is offered in 30 and 90-day categories depending on the country passport, with Mexican passport holders offered a visa on arrival valid for 180 days.

List of Eligible Countries for Visa on Arrival

30-Day Visa on Arrival

As per the UAE’s government’s official website citizens of the following 20 do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 30 days with a 10-day grace period for an extension.

90-Day Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the following countries do not require advance visa arrangements to enter the UAE and can obtain a visa upon arrival for 90 days:

180-Day Visa on Arrival

The 180-day visa on arrival is available for Mexican passport holders only.

Visa on Arrival For Indian Citizens

Select Indian citizens are also able to receive a visa on arrival if they hold a valid passport and one of the following:

• Visit visa issued by the USA
• Green card issued by the USA
• Residence visa issued by the UK, or
• Residence visa issued by the EU

Important Reminders

The UAE government advises passengers to check availability before travelling because the list of eligible countries for visas on arrival changes from time to time.

Furthermore, working for pay while on a visit or tourist visa in the UAE is prohibited. A person cannot work in the country without a work permit and an employment visa, according to the country’s labour and residency laws.

It is important to note that passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. Lists of countries eligible for visas on arrival may vary from time to time; therefore, please check with the UAE embassy in your country before travelling to the UAE.