Omanghana
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a new visa-on-arrival policy allowing eligible Kenyan passport holders who hold valid residence permits from select countries to enter the country without applying for a visa in advance.
The directive, issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and effective June 25, 2026, is part of a broader immigration framework aimed at facilitating easier travel for vetted international residents and their families.
Expanded Entry Privileges for Select Kenyan Travelers
Under the new policy, ordinary Kenyan passport holders who also possess valid long-term residence permits from approved countries will now qualify for visa-on-arrival entry into the UAE.
The arrangement applies not only to principal travelers but also extends to accompanying family members, offering greater flexibility for tourism, business, and transit travel through major UAE hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Kenya joins five other countries included in the expanded framework, alongside South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa-on-Arrival Access
To qualify for the new entry arrangement, travelers must hold:
- An ordinary passport issued by Kenya
- A valid residence permit from an approved jurisdiction
Eligible residence permits must originate from one of the following regions:
Americas and Europe: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or any European Union member state
Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea
Authorities emphasized that the residence permit must be long-term and valid at the time of travel.
Visa Options at the Border
Eligible travelers will be able to select from two visa categories upon arrival in the UAE:
- 14-day visa: Priced at AED 100, with the option of a one-time extension
- 60-day visa: Priced at AED 250, non-extendable
Both options are issued at the point of entry, eliminating the need for pre-application processing for qualified passengers.
Security-Based Immigration Strategy
Rather than extending unrestricted visa-free access, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has adopted a targeted eligibility model.
Officials say the approach is based on the assumption that residence permits issued by countries such as the United States, European Union member states, and other advanced economies already involve rigorous background checks and identity verification.
By leveraging these existing vetting systems, the UAE aims to streamline entry for low-risk, well-screened travelers while maintaining strict border security standards.
Boost for Mobility and Business Travel
The policy is expected to benefit professionals, students, and diaspora communities who frequently travel through the Gulf region for work, education, or transit purposes.
It also reflects the UAE’s broader strategy of enhancing global connectivity and reinforcing its position as a major international aviation and business hub.
With the new framework in place, eligible Kenyan travelers and other qualifying nationals are expected to experience faster, more flexible access to the UAE’s travel and business environment.
Source: Omanghana
