The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include Kenyan passport holders, giving eligible travellers the option of obtaining a 14-day or 60-day visa when they arrive in the Gulf country.
Kenya is among six countries whose nationals have been added to the UAE’s visa-on-arrival programme, with South Africa being the only other African country on the list.
However, the new arrangement does not apply to all Kenyan passport holders.
Who qualifies for UAE visa-on-arrival?
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme covers ordinary passport holders from:
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Eligible accompanying family members are also covered under the arrangement.
For Kenyans to qualify, they must also hold a valid residence permit issued by one of the countries or blocs approved by the UAE.
These include:
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- Any European Union member state
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
This means holding a Kenyan passport alone is not enough to qualify for the visa-on-arrival facility. How much is the UAE visa-on-arrival? Eligible travellers can choose between two visa options depending on the length of their stay.
- 14-day visa: AED 100, approximately KSh 3,700
- 60-day visa: AED 250, approximately KSh 9,200
The 14-day visa can be extended once, while the 60-day option cannot be extended. Travellers are required to leave the UAE before their permitted stay expires.
What does the new UAE rule mean for Kenyans?
The change could make travel to the UAE easier for Kenyans who already live or work in countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada and EU member states.
Instead of arranging the relevant UAE visa before travelling, qualifying passengers can obtain the visa on arrival.
However, Kenyans who do not have a valid residence permit from one of the approved countries will still need to follow the existing UAE visa application process.
