Kenyan travellers holding valid residence permits from a number of developed countries, including the United States, will now be eligible for visas on arrival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a new travel directive issued by the UAE Embassy in Nairobi.
The new arrangement, which came into effect on June 25, 2026, applies to holders of ordinary Kenyan passports as well as their accompanying family members, provided they meet the set eligibility requirements.
In a statement, the embassy announced that the visa-on-arrival facility will be available to Kenyan citizens who possess valid residence permits from the United States, 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 from these countries,” the embassy stated.
The mission further explained that the programme covers travellers with residence permits issued by “the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Canada, and 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 added.
The decision is set to provide a major boost for thousands of Kenyans living and working abroad, many of whom previously had to secure a UAE visa before embarking on their journeys to the Gulf nation.
According to the embassy, the move is part of broader efforts by the UAE government to simplify travel procedures and strengthen links with international visitors, particularly those from Kenya.
For eligible travellers, the policy represents a significant shift from the previous system, which required most Kenyan passport holders to complete the standard visa application process before travelling to the UAE.
The development is expected to make travel to the UAE more seamless by eliminating lengthy pre-travel visa procedures for qualified applicants. It is also likely to reduce costs and waiting times associated with obtaining entry clearance.
The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Kenyan tourists, business executives, investors, and migrant workers. Strong economic relations between the two countries, coupled with the UAE’s role as a major international aviation and trade hub, have continued to drive movement between the two nations.
Officials believe the latest policy will further strengthen those ties by encouraging easier movement of people and boosting tourism, business travel, and investment opportunities.
The directive is particularly expected to benefit Kenyans residing in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania who hold the qualifying residence permits from the listed countries.
However, the embassy clarified that the visa-on-arrival privilege is not available to all Kenyan travellers. Eligibility is strictly limited to those with valid residence permits issued by the specified countries.
Kenyan passport holders who do not possess the required residence documentation will still be required to obtain visas through the normal application channels before travelling to the UAE.
The new policy is expected to ease entry requirements for a significant number of Kenyan travellers while enhancing the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination for tourism, commerce, and international investment.
