File image of a Kenyan passport
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced an adjustment to the process of issuing visas to holders of Kenyan passports.
In a statement on Thursday, June 25, the UAE Embassy in Nairobi said individuals with valid Kenyan passports will be given visas on arrival.
The new directive ends the previous requirement for eligible Kenyans to obtain a visa before travelling to the UAE.
The policy is also available to Kenyans with valid residence permits from the U.S, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, and New Zealand.
“Effective June 25, 2026, the United Arab Emirates will grant visas on arrival to ordinary passport holders from the Republic of Kenya and their accompanying family members who hold valid residence permits issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Canada, or New Zealand. This initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to facilitating travel and reinforcing its position as a global destination for tourism, business, and investment,” the embassy stated.
The new policy allows eligible travellers to obtain either a 14-day visa on arrival, which can be extended once, or a 60-day visa on arrival that is non-extendable.
UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that expanding eligibility for the visa-on-arrival program reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
The ministry further emphasised that it will continue to work in close coordination with the relevant national authorities to facilitate the movement of travellers, streamline consular procedures, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for business, investment, entrepreneurship, and exceptional talent.
