NAIROBI, Kenya- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include eligible Kenyan passport holders, marking a significant easing of travel rules for a category of travellers.
In a notice issued by the UAE Embassy in Kenya, the new arrangement took effect on June 25, 2026, allowing Kenyans holding ordinary passports to obtain a visa upon arrival in the UAE, provided they meet specified residency requirements.
The facility also extends to accompanying family members travelling with the eligible passport holder.
However, the visa-on-arrival privilege is not available to all Kenyan travellers.
To qualify, applicants must hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the following jurisdictions:
- United States
- A member state of the European Union
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada.
Under the new policy, eligible travellers can obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa upon arrival, depending on the category approved by UAE immigration authorities.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expansion is intended to strengthen bilateral ties and encourage tourism, business and cultural exchanges with partner countries.
“The expansion of eligibility for the visa-on-arrival programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural and people-to-people ties,” the ministry said.
Kenya is among six countries newly added to the programme, alongside Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and South Africa. Previously, the scheme primarily covered Indian nationals meeting similar residency requirements.
The announcement comes after a period during which many Kenyan travellers reported difficulties obtaining UAE visit visas, particularly for tourism and short-term travel.
For Kenyans who do not hold qualifying residence permits from the listed countries, existing UAE visa application procedures remain in force, with applications processed through approved visa channels before travel.