The United Arab Emirates has published an updated list of 107 countries whose citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to the country. The announcement, made on July 14, 2026, clarifies that travelers from these nations must secure the appropriate visa in advance unless they qualify for another entry exemption.
Which Countries Require a UAE Visa?
According to the UAE's entry requirements, nationals of the following countries must secure a visa before arrival:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Timor-Leste, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, North Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sudan, Suriname, Eswatini, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
What Should Travelers Know?
Travellers from these countries are required to obtain the appropriate UAE visa before travelling, unless they qualify under another immigration arrangement or hold a passport or residency status that provides a visa exemption. The authorities advised visitors to confirm their visa requirements and ensure they meet all documentation and eligibility conditions before departure.
This updated list replaces previous versions and reflects the UAE's current visa policy. Citizens of countries not on the list may be eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. The UAE previously announced that citizens of about 70 countries can enter without securing a visa before departure, making it one of the region's more accessible entry systems.
Background on UAE Visa Policy
The UAE's extensive air links and major hubs like Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest global aviation centers, facilitate travel from destinations worldwide. The country regularly reviews its visa requirements to align with diplomatic and security considerations.
