The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a significant change in its visa regulations, allowing travellers of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the UK and the US to stay up to 90 days within a 180 day period under its visa-on-arrival policy. It will allow having more time to discover the skyline of Dubai, the cultural sites of Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah heritage without having to obtain a long-term visa in advance.
What Changed?
Most of these nationalities previously had a limitation of 30 days visit. Brazilian citizens were already allowed a longer 90 days per year, but now the UAE has unified the rule to all eight countries. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether this new policy gives 90 days per entry, or a total of 90 days across all entries within 180 days. Travellers are advised to carefully examine entry stamps and ensure that they do not overstay since fines are high.
UAE Visa-On-Arrival Policy in Details
The UAE already provides visa-on-arrival to more than 70 nationalities, but the stay also varies with the passport:
- Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, UK, US – 90 days in 180 days, multiple entries, no extensions.
- Schengen countries E.U. – 90 days in 180 days, multiple entries, no extensions.
- Other nations (e.g. Indian nationals with valid US, UK, or EU visas) 14 or 30 days, with little extension possibility.
Expert tip: Double check your visa type at the immigration counters in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah airports as policies may change without much warning.
Minimum Requirements to Enter on Visa-on-Arrival
Although travellers may be eligible, they have to meet certain minimum conditions:
- Passport with 6 months validity.
- A re-entry or onward flight ticket.
- Reservation of hotel or accommodation.
- Immigration history free of overstays.
Update for Indian Citizens
In 2025, earlier, the UAE also increased the visa-on-arrival access to Indian travellers. Indian passport holders who carry a valid US visa, UK residence permit or Schengen visa can now receive entry on arrival. This is in line with the attempts of the UAE to increase tourism and business travel, as outlined by the UAE Government.
Why This is Important
The UAE has emerged as a destination of digital nomads, frequent flyers and business travellers. Allowing visa-on-arrival to last 90 days will:
- Promote longer vacation and business trips.
- Promote the vision of the UAE as a global tourism and business destination.
- Attract more distant workers and investors.
What Travellers Must Do Now
When you are travelling under this new rule:
- Monitor your stay time well.
- Avoid back to back runs across the border.
- Apply to a tourist visa or remote work permit in case you are going to remain more than 90 days, as detailed on Visit Dubai.
Final Thoughts
This change of visa is a game changer to the citizens of eight powerful economies. The UAE is one of the leading travel destinations in the world that is why by providing longer stays, the country enhances its status.
Nevertheless, travellers are advised to remain vigilant- immigration regulations are subject to change and overstays are severely punished. Make sure you check your stamp and monitor official UAE immigration updates before your journey on the UAE Government portal.