- The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for Vietnamese tourists on June twenty-fifth, twenty twenty-six.
- Travelers holding valid U.S., U.K., or E.U. visas can now access fourteen or sixty-day stays.
- Emirates passengers benefit from a pre-approved fourteen-day permit through a streamlined digital partnership with VFS Global.
The United Arab Emirates opened easier entry for Vietnamese tourists on June 25, 2026. Dubai now sits inside two faster paths, a visa-on-arrival scheme for qualifying visitors and a pre-approved 14-day permit for Emirates passengers. The gate widened.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs cast the change as a diplomatic step, not just a travel rule. It said:
"Expanding eligibility for the visa-on-arrival program reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. This initiative creates greater opportunities for nationals of these countries to experience the UAE’s unique cultural landscape and dynamic economy."
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It tied entry to diplomacy.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security said the rollout moved again on July 8, 2026. It said:
"enhance the UAE’s visa framework, expand the scope of beneficiaries, and align its entry and residency system with the country's vision of being a global hub for talent and tourism."
The framework widened that week.
Ordinary passport holders can use the visa-on-arrival route if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from the U.S., UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Canada. For Vietnamese citizens, U.S. immigration papers count, including Green Cards and visas. The rule reaches people already carrying those documents into the country. It does not start from scratch.
The change follows 2024–2025 negotiations on the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Dubai also wants to turn more transit passengers into short visits. Vietnamese travelers are among the Gulf region’s fastest-growing groups for luxury shopping and business travel. The policy also extends to accompanying family members. The old route was slower. It often needed a pre-arranged visa and, in many cases, a local sponsor or travel agency. Spontaneous trips now look easier.
Two routes now sit side by side
| Route | Who can use it | Stay | Fee and rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditional visa-on-arrival | Ordinary passport holders with a valid visa or residence permit from the U.S., UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Canada; for Vietnamese citizens, Green Cards and U.S. visas qualify | 14 days or 60 days | 14-day: AED 100 ($27), extend once for 14 days at AED 250; 60-day: AED 250 ($68); overstay fine: AED 50 per day |
| Pre-approved 14-day permit through Emirates | Vietnamese nationals on Emirates Airlines with a confirmed return ticket | Up to 14 days | Streamlined through VFS Global and Emirates |
The entry still comes with checks at the counter. Passports must be valid for at least six months from arrival. Officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and either a confirmed hotel booking or a UAE address. Small details still matter. Travelers who stay beyond the limit pay AED 50 per day.
On July 13, 2026, Jiten Vyas, chief commercial officer at VFS Global, said the Emirates route should improve the process for visitors to the UAE. He said:
"This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the travel experience for visitors to the UAE. By leveraging our long-standing partnership with Emirates and our digital capabilities, we are enabling a faster, more seamless visa application process."
The permit runs through a confirmed return ticket and a short stay. It is built for speed.
