The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security announced four categories of foreign nationals eligible for special entry visas on October 25, 2026.
The authority also expanded the 14-day and 60-day entry visa scheme to nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa. Indian nationals were the only nationality previously included in that route.
The two announcements set out different eligibility tracks. The four special-entry categories concern applicants’ residence history or family and visa status; the short-stay expansion turns on nationality and qualifying overseas residency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expansion is intended to strengthen bilateral ties and encourage humanitarian, economic and cultural exchange. Those are stated aims; the eligibility rules and permit conditions are the practical terms announced.
The four special-entry routes cover residents, former residents, relatives and visa holders
| Applicant group | Eligibility described by the authority |
|---|---|
| Residents of selected jurisdictions | A valid residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom or a European Union member state |
| Former UAE residents | A UAE residence visa that expired no more than five years ago |
| Relatives of citizens | First-degree relatives of UAE citizens |
| Green and golden visa holders | Holders of valid UAE green visas or golden visas |
These are four distinct routes. The former-resident category concerns an expired UAE residence visa, not a visa issued by another country.
The nationality expansion has its own residency test. Eligible nationals must hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
Applicants from the six newly added nationalities need ordinary passports valid for at least six months. The residency-document issuer and the applicant’s nationality both factor into eligibility.
The six-nationality route has separate residency, passport and fee conditions
The 14-day permit costs AED 100, approximately N36,857. It may be extended once during the holder’s stay; one account of the rules specifies a further 14 days.
The 60-day permit costs AED 250, approximately N92,143. It is single-entry and cannot be extended. Both permit holders must leave before their authorized stay expires. Overstaying incurs a charge of AED 50 per day.
For the 60-day application, the immigration authority’s portal lists three documents: a passport, a personal photo and a copy of a visa, residence permit or Green Card issued by a qualifying country. Additional smart services fees may apply, so the issuance charge may not represent the full amount payable.
The service applies to eligible nationals residing abroad rather than in their home country. Qualifying family members may also use it if the primary applicant meets the residency conditions. The service remains subject to its terms, and the relevant nationality and residence-document issuer must qualify.
The same package adds activity-specific visit permits and changes existing rules
Separate from the two short-stay permits, the authority introduced four visit visa categories in 2026. The AI Specialist Visa allows single or multiple entry for a specified period, with a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity, such as a technology-specialist facility.
The Entertainment Visa covers foreigners visiting temporarily for entertainment. The Events Visa covers temporary attendance at festivals, exhibitions, conferences, seminars and economic, cultural, sports, religious, community or educational activities. A public- or private-sector sponsor or host must provide a letter setting out the event and its duration.
The Tourism Visa allows multiple entry for tourism by cruise ship or leisure boat. The itinerary must include UAE stops, and a licensed facility must act as sponsor or host. Regulations set the authorized stay periods and extension conditions for these permit types.
The same package revises other rules. A foreign widow or divorcee may receive a one-year residence permit, renewable for a similar period under defined conditions. Sponsors may apply for a friend or relative visit visa for a relative up to the third degree, with eligibility based on the sponsor’s income.
Business exploration applicants must demonstrate financial solvency to establish a company, ownership of a share in an existing company outside the country, or proven professional practice. Truck drivers must have a sponsor and meet health and financial guarantees.
The authority may also issue visas without a guarantor or host to foreigners whose countries face wars, disasters or unrest. In humanitarian cases, it may grant a one-year residence permit and extend it by decision under specific conditions.
Officials describe the changes as a way to widen travel and economic ties
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, the authority’s director general, said forward-looking studies of local, regional and international trends in residency and foreign nationals’ affairs informed the decision. Regular service reviews and feedback from Customer Councils, a call centre, an inquiry and complaint platform, and the Government Services Observatory also contributed, he said.
Al Khaili said the revisions reflect the authority’s role in supporting community security and economic diversification and growth. The authority also said the changes align with global travel and tourism trends and best practices, and aim to serve more visitors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs framed the expansion as a means of deepening ties with friendly countries. It said:
“Expanding eligibility for the visa-on-arrival programme reflects the UAE's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.”
The authority’s regulations also set the permitted stay and extension conditions for the new activity-based visit visas.
