UAE Visa Rules Updated: What Travelers Need to Know in 2026

What Changed

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced several visa policy updates effective January 2026:

• New 90-day tourist visa: A new 90-day single-entry tourist visa is now available (previously max was 60 days)
• 5-year multi-entry expanded: Nationals of 50 additional countries are now eligible for the 5-year multiple entry visa (requires valid US, UK, EU, or Australian visa)
• Digital processing only: Paper visa applications at consulates have been discontinued; all applications must be submitted online via icp.gov.ae
• eVisa processing speed: Standard processing reduced from 3–5 days to 24–48 hours
• Overstay fines increased: Daily overstay fine increased from AED 100 to AED 200 per day

Who Benefits

The 90-day visa is particularly beneficial for long-stay tourists, medical tourists, and digital nomads. The expanded 5-year visa eligibility benefits travelers from South and Southeast Asia who hold valid Western visas. The faster processing benefits last-minute travelers and agents who need quick turnaround.

Action Items for Travel Agents

• Update all UAE visa packages to include the new 90-day option
• Inform clients about the paper application discontinuation
• Update pricing sheets — standard processing is now AED 300–400 for 30 days, AED 500–600 for 90 days
• Check client eligibility for the expanded 5-year visa to add value
• Remind clients of the increased overstay penalties