Eligible Kenyan passport holders will now be able to obtain visas upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a new immigration policy aimed at making travel easier and strengthening economic and people-to-people ties.
The new arrangement applies to Kenyans who hold valid residence permits from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, or any European Union member state.
Eligible family members travelling with them under the same conditions will also qualify for the facility.
The announcement was made by the Kenya Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, which confirmed that Kenya is among six countries newly added to the visa-on-arrival programme.
South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines have also been included in the expanded list.
Easier travel for business and tourism
The UAE government said the revised visa policy is intended to strengthen bilateral relations while promoting tourism, business travel, investment and cultural exchanges with participating countries.
Officials noted that simplifying entry requirements will encourage more visitors and create greater opportunities for commercial and economic cooperation.
The reforms are part of the UAE’s broader efforts to modernise its immigration system and align its travel policies with evolving global mobility standards.
Who qualifies?
Under the new rules, Kenyan passport holders who possess valid residency permits from the approved countries can receive either a 14-day or 60-day visa upon arrival.
The 14-day visa can be renewed once while the traveller remains in the UAE, while the 60-day visa is issued as a single-entry permit and cannot be extended.
The programme is designed for travellers whose residency status in the listed countries has already undergone immigration vetting, allowing them to benefit from simplified entry procedures.
Visa fees announced
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) also released the applicable visa charges.
Eligible travellers will pay:
- 100 UAE Dirhams (approximately KSh3,530) for a 14-day visa.
- 250 UAE Dirhams (approximately KSh8,820) for a 60-day visa.
Authorities warned that visitors who remain beyond their authorised stay will be subject to daily overstay penalties under UAE immigration regulations.
Boost for Kenya-UAE ties
The latest policy is expected to further strengthen the growing relationship between Kenya and the UAE, one of the country’s key trading and investment partners in the Gulf region.
The easier entry process is likely to benefit Kenyan business travellers, investors, professionals and tourists while enhancing commercial links between the two nations.
The announcement also comes as the UAE continues to position itself as a major global business and tourism hub by introducing more flexible visa policies aimed at attracting international visitors and investors.
For many eligible Kenyans, the new visa-on-arrival arrangement is expected to eliminate the need for lengthy pre-travel visa applications, making travel to the Gulf nation faster and more convenient.
