Kenyans holding valid residence permits from several developed countries will now be eligible for visa-on-arrival entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under new immigration provisions announced by the UAE government.
In a statement shared on X, the Kenya Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates said the new arrangement applies to Kenyan passport holders who possess valid residence permits from the United States, European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
Under the new rules, eligible travellers will be able to obtain either a 14-day visa on arrival, which can be extended once while in the UAE, or a 60-day single-entry visa on arrival.
“The Kenya Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates is pleased to inform all Kenyan nationals that the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced new visa-on-arrival provisions for Kenyan passport holders who possess valid residence permits” from the listed countries, the statement said.
The move is expected to ease travel for thousands of Kenyans living and working abroad who transit through or visit the Gulf nation for business, tourism and family-related purposes.
The consulate advised travellers intending to benefit from the new arrangement to ensure they comply with all UAE immigration requirements before travelling.
It also cautioned visitors against overstaying their visas, warning that penalties would apply to those who remain in the country beyond the permitted period.
“Visitors must exit the UAE before their visa expires to avoid penalties. Overstaying attracts a fine of AED 50 per day, in addition to any other applicable charges,” the consulate said.
The announcement comes amid growing travel and business links between Kenya and the UAE, one of the country’s key trade and investment partners in the Middle East.
The consulate urged eligible Kenyans to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and seek clarification from UAE immigration authorities where necessary before making travel arrangements.
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