Traveling to Dubai just got easier for more people. The UAE has extended its pre-approved 14-day visit entry permit to Emirates passengers from six additional countries: the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, South Africa, and Kenya.
The initiative is designed for short stays and is available to eligible travelers flying with Emirates who hold a confirmed return or onward ticket. It aims to simplify entry into the UAE while supporting its position as a global hub for tourism and business.
Applications are handled by VFS Global, Emirates’ official visa service partner since 2002. Through its Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC), travelers can apply online using a straightforward, user-friendly platform that helps speed up the process.
“This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the travel experience for visitors to the UAE,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development at VFS Global. “By combining our long-standing partnership with Emirates and our digital capabilities, we’re making the visa process faster and more seamless.”
To qualify, travelers must plan to stay in the UAE for more than 48 hours but no longer than 14 days, and their entry date must fall within 30 days of submitting the application. The permit is exclusive to Emirates passengers.
Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit (with at least six months’ validity) from one of the following: Australia, Canada, EU countries, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or the United States. For U.S.-based applicants, only Green Card holders are eligible; student visas are not included. These residency requirements apply to all eligible nationalities under the program.
The move reflects the UAE’s ongoing efforts to make travel smoother and more accessible. By working closely with Emirates and VFS Global, the country continues to improve the visitor experience for short-term trips—whether for leisure, business, or transit.
VFS Global and Emirates have partnered for over 24 years, processing more than three million UAE visa applications. Today, VFS Global operates 27 visa application centers across 15 countries and offers online visa services to travelers from over 180 nationalities, supporting Dubai’s continued tourism growth.
