From expanded visa-on-arrival to 48-hour tourist visas: key UAE travel rule changes explained.
From expanded visa-on-arrival provisions to updated property visa rules, 2026 has brought several major changes to entry and residency permits in the UAE.
Whether you are a tourist planning a trip or an overseas patient seeking treatment in the Emirates, keeping up with the latest regulations can be challenging. Here’s a comprehensive look at the UAE visa changes introduced so far in 2026—and what they mean for residents, visitors, and property investors.
Revised visa-on-arrival regulations
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has expanded eligibility for UAE entry visas for nationals of six countries, making it easier for more travellers to visit the Emirates under the 14-day and 60-day visa categories.
Previously available only to eligible Indian nationals, the visa option has now been extended to citizens of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.
The ICP has also widened the list of qualifying countries of residence. In addition to the United States, the United Kingdom and European Union member states, applicants can now also hold valid residency in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
Dubai tourist visa in 48 hours
Tourists heading to Dubai can now receive single-entry tourist visa approvals within 48 hours. The 30 to 60-day visas are available through authorised tourism offices, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) announced last month.
2-year residency visa rule updated for property investors
Dubai authorities have introduced revised conditions for the two-year property-linked residency visa.
Under the updated rule, the previous minimum property value requirement of Dh750,000 for individual investors has been removed. However, applicants must be sole owners of the property.
For jointly owned properties, each investor must hold a share worth at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the residency visa, even if ownership is split equally.
Temporary overstay fine exemption
The ICP has announced a 30-day grace period for visitors previously exempted from overstay fines due to regional airspace closures and flight disruptions.
The authority said that as exceptional circumstances have ended, eligible individuals must regularise their visa status or exit the UAE before July 9.
Dubai to develop smart medical visa
Dubai has announced plans to introduce a “smart medical visa” aimed at streamlining services for patients travelling for treatment. The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Dubai Health Authority.
The system will integrate visa, residency and healthcare services, creating a seamless journey for medical tourists from arrival through treatment and follow-up care.
Visa suspension for Ebola-affected countries
To prevent the spread of Ebola, UAE authorities have suspended new visa issuances for nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
The measure, announced 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 the evolving health situation.
