UAE Increases Visa-On-Arrival Duration to 90 Days for Citizens of 8 Nations

The UAE has made travel easier for citizens of eight major nations. Now, visitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and the US can enjoy a stay of up to 90 days without needing a visa. This exciting update simplifies travel plans and allows for longer visits to the UAE’s vibrant cities.

What’s New?

Previously, most visitors from these countries could only stay for 30 days. Brazilian nationals had a 90-day allowance in a year, but now all eight countries benefit from the extended duration. It’s important to note that travelers should check whether this means 90 days per entry or a total of 90 days across multiple entries within 180 days.

Official guidance on this matter is still unclear, so it’s wise to monitor entry stamps and avoid overstaying.

UAE Visa-On-Arrival Policy

The UAE currently offers a visa-on-arrival to citizens from over 70 countries. The conditions vary based on nationality:

For the Eight Updated Countries:

• Stay Allowed: 90 days within 180 days
• Entry Type: Multiple entries
• Extension: Generally, not extendable
• EU Schengen Countries and Others:
• Stay Allowed: 90 days within 180 days
• Entry Type: Multiple entries
• Extension: Not allowed

Other Nationalities (e.g., Indian passport holders with valid US visas):

• Stay Allowed: 14 or 30 days
• Entry Type: Single or multiple entries
• Extension: Some may qualify for an extension

Basic Requirements for Visa-on-Arrival Entry

Even if you qualify for the visa-on-arrival, you still need to meet some essential criteria:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
• You may need to show a return or onward ticket at immigration.
• Proof of accommodation or a hotel booking is advisable.
• Ensure you haven’t overstayed on previous visits.
• When flying into cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, immigration officials might review your entry history and inquire about your travel plans.

UAE Expands Visa-On-Arrival for Indian Citizens

Earlier this year, the UAE broadened its visa-on-arrival policy for Indian citizens. It added six new countries —Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada —to the list. Now, Indian citizens with ordinary passports and valid visas or residence permits from these countries can also enjoy visa-on-arrival at all UAE entry points.

Final Thoughts

This new policy is fantastic news for frequent travelers and digital nomads. It offers them more time to explore the UAE without the hassle of paperwork. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Keep track of your stay and stay informed about any updates, as UAE immigration policies can change rapidly and without much warning. Enjoy your travels!