United Arab Emirates offers 14 day visa on arrival for 6 nationalities

The United Arab Emirates expanded visa-on-arrival access on June 25 for citizens of six countries who hold valid residence permits from approved Western and Asian nations.

Entry options and third-country prerequisites

Passport holders from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa no longer require advance entry visas if they hold valid residence status in a qualifying country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Approved jurisdictions include the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union member states, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Accompanying family members qualify under the same rules.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security processes two arrival options at border checkpoints:

• 14-day visa: Costs AED 100 ($27) and allows one extension.

• 60-day visa: Costs AED 250 ($68) as a single-entry stay with no extensions permitted.

• Overstay penalty: Applies at AED 50 ($14) per day once the initial stay expires.

Dubai real estate residence updates

The border policy complements revised rules for Dubai real estate investors. Under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) Tasqeen system, sole property owners can secure a two-year residency permit without meeting a minimum property valuation threshold. Joint owners must still maintain a personal equity share of at least AED 400,000 ($108,900), the DLD confirmed.

The property visa requires an in-person application, passport, personal photo and an electronic title deed for a total fee of AED 10,212.50 ($2,780). For remote workers evaluating United Arab Emirates's residency rules, the on-arrival route provides a quick entry path for short-term scouting, but anyone planning stays beyond 60 days must switch to a formal employment or property track to avoid daily fines.