The United Arab Emirates, UAE has outlined seven conditions foreigners must satisfy before they can enter the country in 2026.
The requirements are contained in Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which provides the executive regulations for Federal Law by Decree No. 29 of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners.
The legislation was last updated on June 3, 2026.
Under the regulations, foreigners seeking entry into the UAE must meet specific requirements relating to travel documents, visas and proof of onward travel.
The UAE government stated that travellers must hold a valid passport or recognised travel document that is approved for entry into the country.
The passport or travel document must also be valid for returning to the traveller’s country of origin, country of residence or the country that issued the document.
For foreigners who do not hold a UAE residence permit, their passport or travel document must generally have at least six months’ validity remaining.
However, the regulations allow the Chairman to exempt certain categories of travellers from the six-month requirement, provided their travel documents have at least one month of validity.
Foreigners must also possess a valid entry visa or residence permit, where applicable.
Those travelling to the UAE on a visit visa are required to have either an onward ticket or a return ticket.
The regulations further provide that nationals of countries designated through a Cabinet resolution may be exempted from obtaining a visa before travelling to the UAE.
The seventh provision gives the relevant authority discretion to waive some or all of the entry requirements in cases considered necessary. It also allows special permission to be granted to individuals who would otherwise require an entry visa.
The provision means that although the UAE maintains standard entry requirements, exceptions can be granted in certain circumstances.
The regulations also provide flexibility regarding passport validity, allowing the Chairman to reduce the six-month requirement to one month for specified categories of travellers.
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