05/07/2026
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05/07/2026
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DUBAI, Jul 5: The United Arab Emirates has introduced a series of significant visa and residency reforms in 2026, affecting tourists, property investors, medical travellers and visitors from several countries. The new measures are aimed at simplifying travel procedures, supporting investment and strengthening public health safeguards.
Here are the six key visa changes introduced so far this year:
Expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has expanded eligibility for its 14-day and 60-day visa-on-arrival scheme.
Previously available only to eligible Indian nationals, the facility has now been extended to citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
The ICP has also broadened the list of qualifying residency permits. Eligible applicants can now hold valid residency in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, in addition to the United States, the United Kingdom and European Union member states.
Dubai tourist visas now processed within 48 hours
Dubai has introduced a faster tourist visa approval system, allowing eligible applicants to obtain single-entry tourist visas within 48 hours.
According to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai, the expedited service applies to 30-day and 60-day tourist visas submitted through authorised tourism offices.
Property visa rules updated for investors
Dubai has revised the eligibility criteria for its two-year residency visa linked to property ownership.
The previous minimum property value requirement of Dh750,000 for individual investors has been removed for sole property owners.
However, where a property has multiple owners, each investor must own a share valued at at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the residency permit, even if ownership is divided equally.
Temporary overstay fine exemption ends
The ICP announced a 30-day grace period for visitors who had received exemptions from overstay fines due to regional airspace closures and flight disruptions.
The authority said the exceptional circumstances have now ended, requiring affected visitors to either regularise their visa status or leave the UAE before July 9, 2026, to avoid penalties.
Dubai to introduce smart medical visa
Dubai is developing a smart medical visa to simplify travel for international patients seeking treatment in the emirate.
The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Dubai Health Authority.
The new system aims to integrate visa processing, residency procedures and healthcare services, creating a seamless experience for medical tourists from pre-arrival through treatment and follow-up care.
Visa issuance suspended for three countries over Ebola concerns
As part of precautionary measures against the spread of the Ebola virus, UAE authorities have temporarily suspended the issuance of new visas to nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
The decision, announced jointly by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the ICP, took effect on June 6, 2026, and may be extended depending on developments in the public health situation.
The latest reforms reflect the UAE's efforts to facilitate travel and investment while maintaining strict immigration controls and safeguarding public health.