UAE Visa on Arrival Now Starts at AED 172.50 for Travellers From These 7 Countries
By Aryan
The UAE has clarified its visa-on-arrival service for eligible travellers from **India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa**.
Qualified visitors can obtain a **14-day visa on arrival for AED 172.50** or, where eligible, a **60-day visa for AED 422.50** through the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. ([GDRFAD](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/727c91b1-52eb-11ea-0320-0050569629e8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Visa on arrival for Nationals of Selected Countries"))
## Which nationalities are eligible?
The service applies to ordinary passport holders from:
- India - Indonesia - Vietnam - Thailand - The Philippines - Kenya - South Africa
Accompanying family members of eligible travellers from the six newly added nationalities may also qualify, subject to the immigration requirements. ([GDRFAD](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/727c91b1-52eb-11ea-0320-0050569629e8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Visa on arrival for Nationals of Selected Countries"))
However, nationality alone is not enough. Applicants must also meet the required foreign residency or visa conditions.
## What are the visa fees?
Eligible travellers have two options:
### 14-day visa on arrival
The fee is **AED 172.50**.
It is valid for 14 days and can be extended once for another similar period, subject to approval and applicable extension charges.
### 60-day visa on arrival
The fee is **AED 422.50**.
It is valid for 60 days and cannot be extended. Eligibility for this option depends on the applicant’s nationality and immigration status. ([GDRFAD](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/727c91b1-52eb-11ea-0320-0050569629e8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Visa on arrival for Nationals of Selected Countries"))
## Who qualifies for the service?
Applicants must hold a valid residence permit or eligible visa issued by one of the following:
- United States - United Kingdom - A European Union member state - Canada - Australia - New Zealand - Japan - South Korea - Singapore
The passport and supporting residence document generally need to remain valid for at least six months. ([GDRFAD](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/727c91b1-52eb-11ea-0320-0050569629e8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Visa on arrival for Nationals of Selected Countries"))
## What documents are required?
Travellers should prepare:
- A passport valid for at least six months - A valid residence permit or qualifying visa - A recent colour photograph with a white background - Personal and travel details requested during the application
Passengers should carry the original supporting documents while travelling, as airline staff and immigration officers may ask to verify them.
## How can travellers apply?
Applications can be submitted through GDRFA Dubai’s official digital services.
The process involves logging into the smart-services platform, selecting the visa-on-arrival service, completing the form, uploading the required documents and paying the fee.
Once approved, the entry visa is sent to the applicant’s registered email address. GDRFA Dubai lists an expected processing time of approximately **48 hours**, with its digital services available around the clock. ([GDRFAD](https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/727c91b1-52eb-11ea-0320-0050569629e8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Visa on arrival for Nationals of Selected Countries"))
## Is this visa automatically issued at the airport?
Despite being described as a visa-on-arrival service, travellers should not assume approval is automatic.
Eligibility remains subject to immigration checks, document validity and final approval by the relevant UAE authorities. Applying through the official digital platform before travelling can help reduce the risk of delays or refusal at check-in.
Travellers should also confirm their eligibility with the airline before departure.
## What Indian passport holders should know
Indian passport holders have access to the scheme only when they hold qualifying residence permits or visas from the approved countries.
An Indian passport alone does not guarantee a UAE visa on arrival. Applicants must meet the supporting residency requirements and present valid documentation. ([The Economic Times](https://economictimes.com/nri/visit/not-every-indian-qualifies-for-a-uae-visa-on-arrival-heres-who-does/articleshow/132533197.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Not every Indian qualifies for a UAE visa on arrival. Here's ..."))
## Why this matters
The expanded scheme makes short UAE visits easier for eligible expatriates living in major international markets.
It could particularly benefit families, business travellers and tourists from India, Southeast Asia and Africa who previously needed to arrange a conventional visit visa before departure.
However, the key condition remains unchanged: applicants must hold qualifying foreign residency or visa documents and receive immigration approval.
## FAQs
### How much is the UAE visa on arrival?
The 14-day option costs **AED 172.50**, while the 60-day option costs **AED 422.50**.
### Which seven nationalities are covered?
India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
### Can every citizen from these countries get it?
No. Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit or qualifying visa from an approved country.
### Can the 14-day visa be extended?
Yes. It may be extended once for another 14 days, subject to approval and applicable charges.
### Can the 60-day visa be extended?
No. The 60-day visa is not extendable.
### How long does processing take?
GDRFA Dubai lists an expected completion time of approximately 48 hours.
### Should travellers apply before flying?
Eligible travellers should complete the official process and confirm approval requirements before departure rather than assuming the visa will be issued automatically at the airport.
## Source Credits
Information source/resource owners: General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, UAE Government and Gulf News.
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