The United Arab Emirates has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include nationals from six countries, with Kenya and South Africa standing as the only African nations on the list. Eligible travellers can obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa upon arrival, depending on the nature and length of their visit.
Who Qualifies for UAE Visa on Arrival
According to an official announcement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new decision covers nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. Accompanying family members of eligible travellers are also covered under the arrangement.
To qualify, travellers must hold an ordinary passport and a valid residence permit issued by one of the following countries: the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
UAE's Flexible Entry Framework
The UAE described the initiative as a reflection of its flexible entry and residency framework, adding that it aims to facilitate travel and deliver a seamless experience for incoming visitors. The two duration options—14 days or 60 days—give travellers flexibility based on their itinerary.
For Kenyans and South Africans living or working in any of the qualifying countries listed above, the new arrangement removes the need to apply for a UAE visa in advance. Instead, they can obtain their visa upon arrival, streamlining what has historically been a more involved process.
What This Means for Africans
The rest of the African continent does not feature on the updated list, meaning citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, and other nations will continue to follow the standard UAE visa application process through embassies and consulates. This development specifically benefits Kenyans and South Africans who hold valid residency in approved nations.
In a similar report, Legit.ng published that the UAE announced an urgent processing fee for a 14-day visit visa with its approval timeline. Additionally, Legit.ng previously reported that Australia announced its First Work and Holiday visa, including the 30 countries whose citizens can apply and the age rules for eligible applicants.
Australia's Work and Holiday Visa Context
The Australian visa allows young people to work while funding an extended holiday in Australia. For applicants from China, India and Vietnam, the journey begins with a ballot, and selection is not guaranteed. African nationals, including Nigerians, are not on the list, while authorities warn successful applicants not to book flights until their visas are approved.
The UAE's visa-on-arrival expansion for Kenya and South Africa marks a significant shift for travellers from these nations, reducing pre-travel bureaucracy and offering a more direct entry process. Other African countries will need to await future policy adjustments to benefit from similar arrangements.
