UAE Visa on Arrival Countries: Full Verified List (2026)
Citizens of 88 countries can enter the UAE without arranging a visa in advance in 2026. This list of UAE visa on arrival countries breaks into three groups: 74 nationalities get up to 90 days, 13 nationalities get 30 days, and Mexico gets a unique 180 days — all free of charge — while GCC citizens need no visa at all. Everyone else needs a pre-arranged tourist visa before flying.
Every entry below was checked in July 2026 against official sources: the EU–UAE and bilateral visa-waiver agreements, government travel advisories, UAE embassy pages and airline immigration (Timatic) data. Two big changes catch travelers out this year, so check your group carefully.
The two changes most people miss
- September 2024: the UAE extended the visa on arrival for Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States from 30 days to 90 days within a 180-day period. Many older lists still show 30 days for these passports.
- June 2026: nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa who live abroad with a valid residence permit from the US, UK, an EU state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada can now get a visa on arrival — 14 days (AED 100, extendable once) or 60 days (AED 250, non-extendable).
90-day visa on arrival countries (74 nationalities)
Passport holders from these countries get a free multiple-entry stamp on arrival, good for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. No application, no fee, no sponsor.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe (EU waiver) | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden |
| Rest of Europe | Albania, Bosnia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Americas | Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, United States, Uruguay |
| Asia-Pacific & Middle East | Australia, China, Fiji, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Maldives, Nauru, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea |
| CIS / Caucasus | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Russia |
30-day visa on arrival countries (13 nationalities)
A free 30-day stamp on arrival, typically extendable from inside the UAE:
| Countries | Andorra, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR China), Kazakhstan, Macau (SAR China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Republic of Ireland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican City |
|---|---|
| Fee | Free |
| Extension | Typically possible from inside the UAE (fees apply) |
Uzbekistan is the newest addition — Uzbek citizens no longer need a pre-arranged visa under the bilateral agreement with the UAE.
GCC citizens: no visa at all
Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain enter the UAE with just a GCC passport or national ID card — no visa, no stamp limit tied to a visa category. This applies to citizens only; GCC residents who are not citizens need a pre-arranged visa.
The special cases
Mexico — 180 days, the longest of all. Under the Mexico–UAE mutual visa-exemption agreement in force since 2020, Mexican citizens receive a 180-day multiple-entry visit visa on arrival — double what US and EU passports get.
Indian passport holders. India is not on the general lists, but Indians holding a US green card, a US visa valid 6+ months, a valid UK or EU residence permit or visa, or a residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore can get a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival for about USD 63. Details on the UAE visa for Indians page.
Residents abroad from six countries. Since June 2026, nationals of the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa living outside their home country with a valid residence permit from the US, UK, an EU state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada qualify for a visa on arrival: 14 days for AED 100 (extendable once) or 60 days for AED 250 (single stay, non-extendable).
Not on any list? You need a visa before you fly
If your passport is not named above, you need a pre-arranged tourist visa — this includes Pakistan, most Indians, Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh and Türkiye. The standard option is the 30-day tourist visa (from AED 350, typically 24–72 hours to process); longer stays use the 60-day tourist visa.
Visa rules are set by UAE immigration authorities (GDRFA/ICP) and change without notice. This list was verified on 15 July 2026 — always confirm against official channels before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens get a visa on arrival in the UAE?
Yes. Since September 2024, US passport holders receive a free multiple-entry visa on arrival allowing up to 90 days within any 180-day period — extended from the previous 30 days. The same applies to UK, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and Singaporean citizens.
Is the UAE visa on arrival free?
Yes, for every nationality on the 30-day and 90-day lists the visa on arrival is issued free of charge at immigration. The only paid on-arrival visas are the special cases: eligible Indian nationals (about USD 63 for 14 days) and, since June 2026, nationals of six countries holding Western residence permits (AED 100–250).
Do Turkish citizens get a UAE visa on arrival?
No. Ordinary Turkish passport holders must arrange a tourist visa before travelling — Türkiye is not on either visa-on-arrival list. Airlines flying to the UAE, including Turkish Airlines and Emirates, can process the application.
Do Indian passport holders get a UAE visa on arrival?
Only in one specific case: Indians holding a US green card, a US visa valid at least 6 more months, a valid UK or EU residence permit or visa, or a residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or Singapore can get a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival for about USD 63. All other Indian nationals need a pre-arranged tourist visa.
Can I extend a UAE visa on arrival?
The 30-day visa on arrival can typically be extended from inside the UAE for a fee. The 90-day entry cannot be stretched beyond 90 days of stay within the same 180-day window. Rules change — confirm with GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP before your visa expires.