UAE Opens Visa-on-Arrival for Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and More Countries in a Game-Changing Travel Move That Makes Visiting the Emirates Easier Than Ever – New Update You Need to Know

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Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates could soon become much easier for travelers from several countries. The country has expanded its visa on arrival UAE program to include eligible citizens of Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. If travelers meet the required conditions, they can receive their visa after landing instead of applying before departure. The move reflects the country’s broader effort to encourage tourism, business travel, and stronger international partnerships.

More Nationalities Can Now Benefit

The latest expansion opens the door for eligible ordinary passport holders from:

• South Africa
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Kenya
• Indonesia
• The Philippines

Eligible accompanying family members can also take advantage of the policy, provided they satisfy the applicable immigration conditions.

The announcement marks another step in making international travel to the UAE more convenient while maintaining established entry procedures.

Why the UAE Is Expanding the Program

According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the expanded policy is intended to strengthen bilateral ties with partner nations while encouraging greater economic cooperation, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections.

The ministry also said it will continue working with relevant authorities to simplify travel procedures and improve consular services. These efforts are part of the UAE’s long-term ambition to reinforce its position as a global destination for trade, investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Existing Eligibility Conditions Still Apply

The updated policy builds on an existing framework rather than replacing it.

Previously, eligible ordinary passport holders who possessed a valid visa or residence permit issued by any of the following could qualify under the visa on arrival UAE scheme:

• Canada
• Singapore
• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Any European Union member state

Travelers must still meet all applicable eligibility conditions before they are granted entry upon arrival.

Official Confirmation for Vietnamese Travelers

The UAE Embassy in Vietnam confirmed that the revised arrangements for Vietnam UAE travel took effect on June 25, 2026.

Under the updated policy, Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports, together with eligible accompanying family members, may receive a visa upon arrival if they fulfill all conditions specified by UAE authorities.

The announcement is expected to make travel planning easier for Vietnamese visitors heading to the UAE for holidays, family visits, business meetings, exhibitions, or educational purposes.

Good News for Thai Travelers As Well

The inclusion of Thailand is another significant development. The updated Thailand UAE travel arrangements provide eligible Thai travelers with a more convenient entry option, reducing the need to secure a visa before departure when all qualifying conditions are met.

As travel demand between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region continues to grow, the simplified process could encourage more leisure and business trips.

What This Means for Travelers

For eligible visitors, the expanded visa on arrival UAE program offers greater flexibility when organizing international travel.

Instead of completing the visa process in advance, qualifying travelers may be able to finish immigration formalities after arriving in the UAE. While this can make planning easier, travelers should remember that eligibility requirements remain in place.

Before flying, visitors should carefully review the latest UAE travel rules and ensure their passport validity and supporting documents meet the necessary standards.

Things to Check Before Your Trip

Even with the simplified arrival process, travelers should prepare carefully.

Before departure, review the latest UAE entry requirements, including:

• Passport validity.
• Supporting visas or residence permits, where applicable.
• Eligibility under the current arrival visa policy.
• Any additional documentation requested by UAE authorities.

Being prepared in advance can help make the arrival process smoother.

Why This Matters

The expanded policy goes beyond making vacations easier.

Simplified travel procedures can help:

• Encourage tourism from newly eligible countries.
• Support stronger business and investment opportunities.
• Boost participation in conferences, exhibitions, and international events.
• Strengthen educational and cultural exchanges.
• Deepen diplomatic and economic relationships between the UAE and partner nations.

As a major hub connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the UAE continues investing in measures that improve international accessibility.

Final Thoughts

The expansion of the visa on arrival UAE program reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to make international travel more accessible while supporting tourism, trade, and stronger global partnerships. For eligible travelers from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa, the updated policy offers a more convenient way to visit the UAE, provided all official eligibility requirements are met. As international travel continues to grow, these changes are expected to make planning trips to the Emirates easier and more efficient.

Key Takeaways

Here are the biggest points travelers should remember:

• The expanded visa on arrival UAE policy now includes eligible citizens of Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa.
• Eligible accompanying family members may also qualify.
• The revised Vietnam UAE travel policy officially took effect on June 25, 2026.
• The updated Thailand UAE travel arrangements provide eligible Thai citizens with easier access to the UAE.
• Existing eligibility conditions remain in force.
• Travelers should always verify the latest UAE travel rules and UAE entry requirements before departure.