Why Are Kenya and South Africa the Only African Countries in the UAE’s New Visa-on-Arrival Update?

The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival programme in mid-2026 to cover ordinary passport holders from six countries, among them only two from Africa: Kenya and South Africa. Nationals of these countries, together with accompanying family members, can now obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa at any UAE port of entry, provided they also hold a valid residence permit from a short list of approved nations. The change streamlines entry for a specific group of travellers while leaving the majority of African passport holders subject to the standard pre-arranged visa process.

The Exact Scope of the Update

Effective from 25 June 2026, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added six nationalities to the visa-on-arrival list:

1. Indonesia
2. Vietnam
3. Thailand
4. The Philippines
5. Kenya
6. South Africa

India already enjoyed a related facility under earlier rules. For the six newly added countries, nationality alone is insufficient. Applicants must present both an ordinary passport from one of those six and a currently valid residence permit issued by one of the following: the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea.

Two stay options are available on arrival. The 14-day visa costs AED 100 and may be extended once while the holder remains in the UAE. The 60-day visa costs AED 250 and cannot be extended. Overstaying either attracts a daily fine of AED 50. Upon expiry the traveller must leave the country.

Why Only Kenya and South Africa From Africa

Official statements frame the expansion as a measure to strengthen bilateral relations, support tourism and investment, and enhance the UAE’s position in global competitiveness rankings for travel and residency. No public document isolates a single reason for selecting Kenya and South Africa while excluding the rest of the continent. Several observable patterns help explain the limited African representation.

Kenya and South Africa maintain relatively high volumes of air traffic with the UAE. Multiple daily flights operate between Dubai or Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town on carriers including Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and Kenya Airways. These routes support both leisure travel and business links. South Africa in particular has long-standing tourism and investment connections with the Gulf, while Kenya serves as a regional hub for East African commerce and connectivity.

Both countries also have established diasporas in the very nations whose residence permits qualify travellers for the new facility. Kenyan and South African professionals living or working in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU states, Canada, Australia and similar destinations form a ready pool of travellers who already meet the dual-document requirement. Including them allows the UAE to facilitate visits by residents of high-income economies without opening the scheme to all holders of Kenyan or South African passports.

Other African countries with large populations, such as Nigeria, Ghana or Egypt, remain outside this particular update. Their citizens continue to apply for visas through embassies, consulates or online platforms in the normal way. The selective nature of the expansion reflects a cautious, reciprocity-oriented approach that prioritises travellers already vetted by immigration systems of partner countries rather than a broad continental opening.

Practical Implications for Eligible Travellers

For a Kenyan or South African passport holder who also possesses a qualifying residence permit, the process is straightforward at the port of entry. Both documents are presented, the chosen visa type is issued, and the applicable fee is paid. Family members travelling together can benefit under the same conditions provided they meet the nationality and residence-permit requirements.

The arrangement is especially useful for short business trips, family visits or spontaneous leisure travel. It removes the need to obtain a visa in advance from a UAE mission, which can involve processing times, documentation and additional costs. Travellers should still confirm that their residence permit remains valid on the date of travel, as an expired document does not qualify.

Those without a residence permit from the approved list gain no advantage from the update. A Kenyan or South African passport alone continues to require a conventional visit visa.

Broader Context of UAE Visa Policy

The UAE has steadily expanded visa facilitation for selected nationalities while maintaining layered conditions that link ease of entry to residence status in trusted partner countries. The June 2026 addition follows earlier adjustments that already covered Indian nationals under specific rules. The pattern suggests a preference for controlled openness: easier access for travellers whose long-term residence has already been assessed by governments the UAE regards as low-risk partners, combined with continued standard procedures for others.

This approach supports tourism and business inflows without removing all screening. It also incentivises stronger diplomatic and economic ties with the countries whose nationals are included. Kenya and South Africa’s presence on the list therefore signals both existing connectivity and a calculated decision to prioritise those two African partners within the current expansion cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which African countries can use the new UAE visa-on-arrival facility?
Only Kenya and South Africa appear among the six nationalities added in the 2026 update.

Is a Kenyan or South African passport enough?
No. The traveller must also hold a valid residence permit from the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea.

What stay lengths are available?
Eligible travellers may choose a 14-day visa (extendable once) or a 60-day visa (non-extendable).

What are the fees?
AED 100 for the 14-day option and AED 250 for the 60-day option, payable on arrival.

Do family members qualify?
Yes, accompanying family members are covered if they meet the same nationality and residence-permit conditions.

Can citizens of other African countries benefit?
No. Nationals of countries such as Nigeria, Ghana or Egypt remain subject to the standard visa application process.

Reference links
https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/6/25/uae-grants-visa-on-arrival
https://govr.ae/new-uae-visa-on-arrival-nationalities-2026/
https://www.legit.ng/people/1730857-uae-lists-2-african-countries-citizens-eligible-14-day-60-day-arrival-visas/
https://www.arabianbusiness.com/abnews/uae-visa-on-arrival-july-25-6-countries
https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/06/26/every-airline-flying-between-the-uae-and-six-new-visa-on-arrival-countries/