The United Arab Emirates has introduced visa on arrival for eligible Kenyan passport holders who hold long-term residence permits from nine approved countries.

This policy, which took effect on June 25, following an announcement on X, allows qualifying travelers to enter the UAE without applying for a visa before departure. It applies only to ordinary Kenyan passport holders with eligible residence permits and doesn't extend visa-on-arrival access to all Kenyan citizens.

The change is expected to benefit internationally mobile Kenyans, including professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and members of the diaspora who frequently travel through the UAE. 

Who qualifies for the UAE visa on arrival? 

To qualify, travelers must hold an ordinary Kenyan passport and a valid residence permit issued by one of the UAE's approved countries. 

According to the embassy, eligible residence permits can be issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. 

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

How much does the UAE visa on arrival cost? 

According to the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), eligible travelers can choose between two visa-on-arrival options: 

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