UAE grants visa-on-arrival privilege to qualifying Kenyan travellers
By Steve Ireri, June 25, 2026The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant change to its travel policy for Kenyan citizens, introducing a visa-on-arrival programme for eligible travellers in a move expected to ease access to one of the world’s leading tourism, business and investment destinations.
The new directive, which took effect on June 25, 2026, was announced by the UAE Embassy in Nairobi and applies to ordinary Kenyan passport holders who possess valid residence permits from a list of selected countries.
According to the embassy, the visa-on-arrival privilege will be available to Kenyan citizens holding valid residence permits issued by the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, or any member state of the European Union.
The benefit will also extend to accompanying family members who hold qualifying residence permits.
In its statement, the embassy described the move as part of the UAE’s broader efforts to facilitate travel and strengthen its position as a preferred global destination.
“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 issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Canada, or New Zealand,” the statement read.
“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 announcement represents a major boost for Kenyan travellers who frequently visit the UAE for business, tourism, education, medical treatment and family-related travel.
Previously, many Kenyan travellers were required to secure visas before departure, a process that often involved documentation, application fees and waiting periods.
Under the new arrangement, eligible travellers will be able to obtain entry authorisation upon arrival in the UAE, making travel planning significantly easier and more convenient.
The policy is expected to particularly benefit Kenyans living and working abroad under valid residency programmes in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
The UAE has long been a popular destination for Kenyan travellers due to its world-class infrastructure, thriving business environment and booming tourism industry.
Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to attract thousands of visitors from Kenya each year for holidays, conferences, shopping, employment opportunities and investment ventures.
