Kenyan travellers holding valid residence permits from selected countries can now qualify for visa-on-arrival entry into the United Arab Emirates under new immigration rules.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include eligible Kenyan nationals, making travel to the Gulf nation easier for those who meet the new entry requirements.
The revised rules, announced by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), extend visa-on-arrival eligibility to citizens of seven countries, including Kenya.
Under the new framework, qualifying Kenyan travellers can obtain either a 14-day or a 60-day visa on arrival, depending on the duration of their intended stay.
Who Qualifies?
To benefit from the new arrangement, Kenyan citizens must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the approved countries.
The qualifying residence permits include those issued by:
| Approved Countries |
|---|
| United States |
| United Kingdom |
| European Union member states |
| Canada |
| Australia |
| New Zealand |
| Japan |
| South Korea |
| Singapore |
Kenyans who do not possess valid residence permits from any of these countries will still be required to apply for a visa before travelling to the UAE.
Seven Countries Included in the Expanded Programme
The updated visa-on-arrival policy applies to nationals of:
| Eligible Countries |
| Kenya |
| India |
| Indonesia |
| Philippines |
| South Africa |
| Thailand |
| Vietnam |
Travellers who meet the eligibility criteria can select either the 14-day or 60-day visa option upon arrival in the UAE.
Boost for Business and Tourism
The expanded policy is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists and professionals who frequently travel between the UAE and their countries of residence.
Dubai remains one of the most popular destinations for Kenyan travellers due to its strong business links, tourism opportunities and role as a major international transit hub.
The new arrangement is also expected to simplify travel for multinational companies with employees working across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, while supporting the growing number of remote workers and professionals using Dubai as a regional business base.
UAE Says Visa Rules Will Continue to Evolve
The UAE immigration authority said the visa framework remains under continuous review and could be expanded further through future bilateral agreements and security assessments.
Travellers have been advised to ensure their residence permits remain valid before departure and to confirm any additional health insurance or travel requirements that may apply before entering the country.
