NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan travellers are set to enjoy easier access to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the introduction of a new visa-on-arrival programme targeting eligible passport holders.
The new policy, announced by UAE authorities, allows Kenyan citizens holding ordinary passports to obtain either a 14-day or 60-day visa upon arrival, provided they meet specific residency requirements.
The move is expected to simplify travel for thousands of Kenyans who frequently visit the Gulf nation for business, tourism, investment, education and family-related purposes.
Who qualifies for the new programme?
Under the revised entry framework, Kenyan nationals will qualify for a visa on arrival if they hold a valid residence permit from any of the following countries or regions:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- European Union member states
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
The arrangement also extends to accompanying family members who satisfy the same eligibility conditions.
Eligible travellers will no longer need to secure a UAE visa before departure, reducing paperwork and easing travel planning.
Kenya welcomes the move
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive development for Kenyan travellers.
“Good news to Kenyan travellers to the Emirates,” Sing’Oei said.
The policy places Kenya among a select group of countries recently added to the UAE’s visa-on-arrival programme.
Other newly included nations are Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and South Africa.
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the expansion of the visa-on-arrival scheme is part of broader efforts to deepen diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with partner countries.
The ministry said the initiative is intended to facilitate people-to-people exchanges while encouraging tourism, investment and business cooperation.
Officials believe easier travel procedures will strengthen connectivity between the UAE and participating countries while supporting trade and investment opportunities.
The UAE remains one of Kenya’s key economic partners in the Gulf region, with growing cooperation in trade, aviation, labour mobility, tourism and infrastructure development.
Part of wider visa reforms
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said the changes form part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernising the country’s immigration system and aligning it with international best practices.
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The authority noted that the visa reforms are designed to make travel more convenient while maintaining robust border management standards.
Under the new rules:
- The 14-day visa on arrival may be extended once while in the UAE.
- The 60-day visa on arrival is valid for a single stay and cannot be extended.
- Travellers who remain beyond the authorised period will face daily overstay penalties.
Boost for tourism and business travel
The policy is expected to benefit Kenyan professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who frequently travel through major UAE hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Industry observers say easier entry procedures could further increase travel volumes between Kenya and the UAE, which already hosts a large Kenyan diaspora and serves as a major transit point for international travellers.
The announcement comes amid growing efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.
