The UAE’s immigration authority has released an expanded list of 107 countries whose citizens must obtain visas in advance rather than on arrival, according to a policy update dated 26 October 2025. The revision, aimed at “balancing openness with security and labour-market priorities,” affects travellers from large labour-sending nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and the Philippines.
Officials say the change will give border agencies more time to vet applicants and curb overstaying, document fraud and illicit employment. The updated roster replaces multiple older circulars and is accompanied by a temporary suspension of tourist and work-visa issuance for nine conflict-affected countries. Existing valid visas remain honoured.
For corporates, the key implication is longer lead-times for short-term business-visit applications. Global mobility teams should review recruitment pipelines and ensure offer letters allow for the extra processing window—currently running 15-20 working days for standard entry permits. Travel-management companies recommend pre-booking flights only after e-visas are approved to avoid re-issue fees.
The list will be reviewed quarterly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, hinting that countries demonstrating improved security vetting or labour-compliance records could be upgraded to visa-on-arrival status. Meanwhile, travellers from 70-plus nations—including most of Europe, the US and ASEAN members such as Singapore and Malaysia—retain either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, underscoring the UAE’s tiered approach to risk management.
Officials say the change will give border agencies more time to vet applicants and curb overstaying, document fraud and illicit employment. The updated roster replaces multiple older circulars and is accompanied by a temporary suspension of tourist and work-visa issuance for nine conflict-affected countries. Existing valid visas remain honoured.
For corporates, the key implication is longer lead-times for short-term business-visit applications. Global mobility teams should review recruitment pipelines and ensure offer letters allow for the extra processing window—currently running 15-20 working days for standard entry permits. Travel-management companies recommend pre-booking flights only after e-visas are approved to avoid re-issue fees.
The list will be reviewed quarterly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, hinting that countries demonstrating improved security vetting or labour-compliance records could be upgraded to visa-on-arrival status. Meanwhile, travellers from 70-plus nations—including most of Europe, the US and ASEAN members such as Singapore and Malaysia—retain either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, underscoring the UAE’s tiered approach to risk management.
