The UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to citizens of six countries as of June 25. Antonie Robertson / The NationalThe UAE expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to citizens of six countries as of June 25. Antonie Robertson / The NationalUpdated entry scheme covers travellers from Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya and South Africa who have residence permit from one of seven other regionsThe UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to citizens of six countries, making spontaneous trips to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the rest of the Emirates significantly easier.From June 25, passport holders from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa and Kenya can obtain a visa on arrival when travelling to the UAE, provided they also hold a residence permit issued by the US, the UK, a European Union member state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.The move is expected to boost tourism and business travel between the UAE and the countries, which are already well connected by air. Here's every airline currently operating direct passenger flights between the Emirates and each of the six destinations.PhilippinesCities served: Manila, Cebu Airlines:Emirates airline: Three daily direct flights from Dubai to Manila; one daily service to Cebu that continues to Clark.Etihad Airways: One daily direct flight to Manila.Cebu Pacific: Four flights a week from Manila to Dubai (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays) are relaunching on July 2 after being suspended during the Iran war.Philippine Airlines: Direct daily flights between Manila and Dubai are scheduled to resume on August 3 after being suspended during the Iran war.ThailandSeveral UAE airlines operate daily direct flights across Thailand. Photo: FlydubaiInfoCities served: Bangkok, Phuket, KrabiAirlines:Emirates: Three daily direct flights from Dubai to Bangkok; two daily services to Phuket.Etihad: Four daily direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, with some flights continuing to Krabi and Chiang Mai; four daily direct flights to Phuket.Flydubai: One daily direct flight to Bangkok; one daily direct flight to Krabi.Air Arabia: Three daily direct flights each from Sharjah to Bangkok and Phuket; one daily direct flight to Krabi. IndonesiaCities served: Jakarta, Bali Airlines:Emirates: Two daily direct flights each from Dubai to Jakarta and Bali.Etihad: Two daily direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta; one direct service to Bali.VietnamBoth Emirates airline and Etihad Airways fly direct from the UAE to Hanoi. EPAInfoCities served: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang Airlines:Emirates: One daily direct flight from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City; five direct flights a week from Dubai to Hanoi (Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays); four direct flights a week from Dubai to Da Nang (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).Etihad: One daily direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Hanoi.KenyaCities served: NairobiAirlines:Emirates: Two daily direct flights from Dubai to Nairobi. Etihad: Two daily direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi. Air Arabia: One daily direct flight from Sharjah to Nairobi, and an additional direct flight three times a week to Nairobi (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Kenya Airways: One daily direct flight from Nairobi to Dubai.South AfricaCities served: Johannesburg, Cape TownAirlines:Emirates: At least three daily direct flights from Dubai to Johannesburg; two daily direct flights to Cape Town.Etihad: One daily direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg.What are the new visa-on-arrival rules?Eligible travellers can choose between a 14-day visa on arrival, which costs Dh100 (and is extendable once for a further 14 days for Dh250); and a 60-day visa on arrival, which costs Dh250 and is non-extendable.An overstay fine of Dh50 per day will apply to those who remain beyond the permitted period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Special visa-on-arrival scheme for IndiansIndian passport holders can also obtain a 14-day visa on arrival if they hold:A valid US visa or green card A valid UK visa or UK residence permit A valid visa or residence permit from an EU member state A valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or South Korea The visa costs Dh231.Other countries eligible for a UAE visa on arrivalThe UAE already offers visa-on-arrival entry to passport holders from dozens of countries. Photo: Dubai AirportsInfoThe UAE already offers visa-on-arrival entry to passport holders from dozens of countries, with the length of stay depending on nationality.30-day visa on arrival (free)Passport holders from the following countries and territories can receive a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge:Andorra Brunei Hong Kong (China) Kazakhstan Macau (China) Malaysia Mauritius Monaco Mongolia Republic of Ireland Ukraine Uzbekistan Vatican City 90-day visa on arrival (free)Citizens of the following countries receive a multiple-entry 90-day visa, valid for six months from the date of issue:Albania Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Barbados Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador El Salvador Estonia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Honduras Hungary Iceland Israel Italy Japan Kiribati Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Maldives Malta Mexico* Moldova Montenegro Nauru Netherlands New Zealand North Macedonia Norway Paraguay Peru Poland Portugal Republic of Guyana Romania Russia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino Serbia Seychelles Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States Uruguay * Mexican passport holders are eligible for a multiple-entry 180-day visa, valid for six months. Updated: June 26, 2026, 10:44 AM