Starting spring 2025, the United Arab Emirates is making tourism more flexible and inviting by offering a 90‑day visa‑on‑arrival to passport holders from eight major countries. This upgrade—from the previous 30‑day allowance—opens doors for extended getaways in stylish cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, renowned for their ultra‑modern skylines, desert safaris, and cultural depth.
Who’s Eligible — And What’s New?
As per the official UAE visa policy and expert legal updates, citizens of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States can now receive a multiple‑entry 90‑day visa‑on‑arrival. This stamp is valid for six months from the date of issue and allows up to 90 days of stay in total within that period. Formerly, most of these travellers could only stay for 30 days, with Brazil being the one exception—already enjoying 90‑day entry within a year.
What This Means for Travellers
This streamlined policy empowers leisure travellers, digital nomads, and families alike to establish a longer-term presence in the UAE without the hassle of applying for pre-arranged visas. Whether you’re planning to enjoy leisurely beach days, attend international conferences, or connect through remote work, the new arrangement adds welcome flexibility for trips spanning spring through fall 2025.
Applying the 90-Day Rule: Entry Realities
There remains some ambiguity in official sources—whether the 90 days applies per single visit or is cumulative within six months. With the visa being multiple‑entry, travelers should track each entry stamp to avoid overstays. Immigration officers may scrutinize patterns of frequent re-entry, especially if approaching the maximum period.
What You Need at Entry
Even with visa‑on‑arrival, travellers must ensure:
- Passport validity: At least six months remaining on the passport at time of entry.
- Return or onward ticket: Evidence of your plans to leave the UAE.
- Accommodation details: Hotel booking or host invitation may be inspected.
- Clean travel record: No history of overstaying on prior visits.
- Reasonable itinerary: Immigration officials may request a general outline of plans.
Special Provisions for Indian Citizens
An earlier extension allows Indian passport holders with a valid USA visa, Green Card, UK or EU residence permit, or residency permits from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, to receive a 14-day visa‑on‑arrival (with possible extension)
Plan Smart: Tips & Precautions
To maximize this new flexibility while ensuring a smooth entry:
- Verify your entry stamp: Confirm that the stamp reflects the correct stay duration.
- Track cumulative days: Multiple entries count toward the 90‑day limit—monitor carefully.
- Avoid overly rapid re‑entries, especially near the limit.
- For longer stays, arrange a tourist visa (including the multiple‑entry 5‑year option) in advance via airlines or travel agents.
- Use the official UAE Government visa checker—now accessible online—to confirm your eligibility before travel.
Around the Clock in the UAE: What to Explore
With longer stays now within reach, travellers can indulge fully in:
- Dubai’s iconic skyline — Burj Khalifa, high-end malls, cultural shows
- Abu Dhabi’s grand landmarks — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah’s heritage offerings — museums, traditional souks, arts district
- Desert escapades — dune-bashing, Bedouin camps, stargazing
- Leisure & nightlife — beaches, world-class dining, entertainment venues
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s new 90-day visa-on-arrival for key countries marks a significant shift toward ease, flexibility, and inclusivity in tourism policy. Travellers from Canada, UK, US, Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, and Singapore are now well-positioned to enjoy prolonged leisure or combined work-leisure trips through late 2025. While the policy adds convenience, maintaining awareness of entry rules and planning ahead remains vital.
Make the most of your extended stay—embrace the UAE’s luxury, culture, and innovation as you explore at ease.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
