Kenyans now eligible for UAE Visa-on-Arrival under expanded entry programme

Under the new policy, Kenyan nationals holding ordinary passports will be eligible for either a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival in the UAE, provided they possess a valid residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, a European Union member state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

The programme also extends to accompanying family members who meet the same eligibility requirements.

Welcoming the development, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei described the move as a positive step for Kenyan travellers.

"Good news to Kenyan travellers to the Emirates," said Sing'Oei.

Kenya is among six countries newly added to the UAE's visa-on-arrival scheme, alongside Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and South Africa.

According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the expansion is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and promoting greater economic and cultural cooperation with partner countries.

The ministry noted that the initiative will provide more opportunities for eligible travellers to visit the UAE for tourism, business and investment purposes while benefiting from streamlined entry procedures.

The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said the changes form part of ongoing efforts to modernise the country's visa system and align it with international best practices in travel and mobility.

Under the new framework, the 14-day visa can be extended once while in the UAE, while the 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and cannot be extended. Travellers who overstay beyond the permitted period will be subject to a fine per day.