Since 25 June 2026, the UAE grants a visa on arrival to South African passport holders — but only if they also hold a valid residence permit from the USA, the UK, an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea. If you live in South Africa and don't have one of those permits, nothing has changed: you still need a UAE visa approved before you fly.
Here's exactly what the new rule means, who qualifies, what it costs, and what to do if you don't qualify.
What Changed?
On 25 June 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that ordinary passport holders from six countries — South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand and the Philippines — and their accompanying family members can now receive a visa on arrival in the UAE, provided they hold a valid residence permit from one of nine approved countries.
The rule is aimed at nationals of these countries who live abroad — for example, a South African working in London or living in the US on a green card — rather than at travellers flying from home.
Who Qualifies for a UAE Visa on Arrival?
You qualify if you hold:
- An ordinary South African passport, and
- A valid residence permit issued by one of these countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Any European Union member state
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
Accompanying family members are included in the announcement. Each traveller should carry their own valid passport and residence documents.
Who Does NOT Qualify?
- South Africans living in South Africa without one of the residence permits above — this is most South African travellers.
- Travellers with only a tourist or visit visa (for example, a Schengen or UK visitor visa). The official announcement refers to residence permits, not short-stay visas. Some reports have described the rule differently, so if you are relying on anything other than a residence permit, confirm with your airline before you travel.
- Anyone whose residence permit has expired — it must be valid when you arrive.
If you don't qualify, apply for a UAE tourist e-visa before you travel. With Dubai Visa South Africa, a 30-day visa costs from R1,800 and is processed in 5 working days (2 with express) — apply online here.
How Long Can You Stay, and What Does It Cost?
| Visa on arrival | Stay | Fee | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-day visa | Up to 14 days | AED 100 (about R450) | Can be extended once, from inside the UAE |
| 60-day visa | Up to 60 days, single stay | AED 250 (about R1,125) | Not extendable |
Overstaying either visa carries a fine of AED 50 (about R225) per day. Rand amounts are approximate and depend on the exchange rate.
Visa on Arrival vs Applying Before You Fly
If you qualify, a visa on arrival is the cheaper option. A visa approved before you travel still has advantages:
| Visa on arrival | Visa approved before you fly | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Only South Africans with a qualifying residence permit | All South Africans |
| When it's decided | By the immigration officer when you land | Before you leave home — you board knowing you're approved |
| Stay options | 14 or 60 days | 30 or 60 days, single or multiple entry |
| Cost | AED 100 / AED 250 | From R1,800 through Dubai Visa South Africa |
Tips If You Plan to Use Visa on Arrival
- Carry your residence permit — the physical card or official document, not just a photo of it.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date — the standard for UAE entry.
- Check with your airline before you fly. Airlines check travel documents at check-in, and can refuse boarding if they aren't satisfied you meet the entry rules.
- Have your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready to show if asked.
- Leave before your visa expires, or extend the 14-day visa in time — see our guide to Dubai overstay fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South Africans get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Only if they also hold a valid residence permit from the USA, the UK, an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea. South Africans without one of these permits must get their UAE visa before travelling.
When did the UAE visa on arrival for South Africans start?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it on 25 June 2026.
I live in South Africa. Can I just fly to Dubai and get a visa at the airport?
No — not unless you hold one of the qualifying foreign residence permits. Without one, you need a UAE visa approved before you travel. See Do South Africans need a visa for Dubai?
Does a Schengen, UK or US tourist visa count?
The official announcement refers to residence permits, not tourist or visit visas. If you only hold a tourist visa, confirm with your airline before relying on visa on arrival — or apply for a UAE visa in advance to be safe.
How much is the UAE visa on arrival for South Africans?
AED 100 (about R450) for the 14-day visa and AED 250 (about R1,125) for the 60-day visa.
Can I extend a UAE visa on arrival?
The 14-day visa can be extended once while you are in the UAE. The 60-day visa cannot be extended.
Do children get a visa on arrival too?
Accompanying family members are included in the announcement. Make sure each child travels with their own passport and the relevant residence documents.
Source
This guide is based on the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement of 25 June 2026: UAE Grants Visa on Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Residing Outside Their Home Countries. Entry rules can change, so always check the latest official guidance or with your airline before travelling.
Living in South Africa and planning a Dubai trip? Apply for your UAE visa online — approved before you fly.
