UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Kenyan Passport Holders from June 25, 2026
UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Kenyan Passport Holders from June 25, 2026
The United Arab Emirates has officially expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals from six additional countries, among them the Republic of Kenya. The landmark decision, which takes effect today, allows Kenyan ordinary passport holders—along with their accompanying family members—to obtain entry visas upon arrival at UAE ports of entry, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
Effective June 25, 2026, the United Arab Emirates will grant visas on arrival to ordinary passport holders from the Republic of Kenya and their accompanying family members who hold valid residence permits issued by the United States, a European Union member state,
— UAE Embassy Nairobi (@uaeembassynai) June 25, 2026
Who is Eligible?
Under the new policy, Kenyan citizens holding ordinary passports are eligible for a visa on arrival if they possess a valid residence permit issued by one of the following countries or regions:
- United States
- Any European Union member state
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
The visa facility extends to accompanying family members who also meet the residence permit requirement.
Notably, Kenya is joined by five other nations in this expansion: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and South Africa.
Visa Options and Fees
Eligible travellers can choose between two visa categories upon arrival:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa | 14 days | AED 100 | Extendable once while in the UAE |
| 60-day visa | 60 days | AED 250 | Non-extendable |
The 14-day visa may be renewed once during the holder’s stay in the UAE, whereas the 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and cannot be extended.
Overstay Penalties
Travellers are reminded that upon expiry of either visa type, holders are required to depart the country. An overstay fine of AED 50 per day will apply to those who remain beyond the permitted period.
The expansion of the visa-on-arrival programme reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global hub for tourism, business, and investment. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) stated that the new amendments form part of ongoing efforts to modernise the UAE’s visa framework and align it with international best practices in travel, tourism, and mobility.
“This initiative creates greater opportunities for nationals of these countries to experience the UAE’s unique cultural landscape, world-class tourism offerings, dynamic economy, attractive business environment, and globally recognised infrastructure,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The latest expansion builds on a series of gradual reforms by the UAE to broaden entry pathways for tourists, investors, and skilled professionals. In recent years, the country has steadily widened its visa-on-arrival eligibility to include travellers holding valid residence permits from advanced economies, reflecting confidence in vetted international mobility systems.
The UAE has also introduced and expanded other visa categories, including long-term residency permits such as the Golden Visa and Green Visa schemes, aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and outstanding students.
Practical Advice for Travellers
Kenyan travellers planning to take advantage of this new facility should ensure that:
Their passport is an ordinary (non-diplomatic) passport valid for the duration of their stay
Their residence permit from the US, EU, or other approved countries is valid at the time of travel
They have sufficient funds to cover the visa issuance fee (AED 100 or AED 250)
They choose the appropriate visa duration based on their travel plans, keeping in mind that the 60-day visa cannot be extended