The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has updated its visa policy for 2025, requiring citizens from 107 countries to obtain a visa prior to arrival. The change affects nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas as the UAE balances hospitality with security and efficient border management.
Key Countries Affected
Citizens from Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka now need a visa before entering the UAE. The full list also includes:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Turkey, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Palau, Samoa, and Tuvalu, among others.
The updated rules are part of the UAE’s structured approach to immigration and visitor verification, ensuring compliance with travel and security protocols.
Temporary Visa Ban for Nine Countries
In addition to the new visa requirements, the UAE has temporarily suspended tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries due to administrative and regulatory concerns.
The affected countries are: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, Benin, Congo, and Burundi. This suspension covers both employment and tourism categories and will be reviewed periodically.
Traveler Guidelines
Visitors from visa-required countries should:
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Apply for a visa in advance through official UAE embassies or authorized visa centers.
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Ensure their passport is valid for at least six months.
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Avoid unverified travel agents promising fast approvals, as visa fraud remains a concern.
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Monitor official UAE immigration updates, as rules may change with diplomatic developments.
The UAE’s 2025 visa framework underscores its focus on economic openness, border control, and security, while continuing to attract millions of tourists, workers, and business travelers annually.
