UAE Visa 2025 Update: New Visa Requirements Announced for Citizens from 107 Countries

The visa framework of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has received an update for 2025, confirming that citizens from 107 countries must secure a visa before arriving in the country.

Recognized globally for its rapid economic expansion, thriving tourism, and international reach, the UAE continues to recalibrate its entry policies to maintain a balance between openness and national security.

The newly issued directive encompasses countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, focusing on simplifying travel procedures while reinforcing oversight of inbound movement.

As per the updated categorization, individuals from Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are now required to obtain a visa prior to entry.

List of Countries Requiring Visa to Enter UAE

The revised compilation features 107 nations spanning South Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reflecting the UAE’s methodical approach to immigration and visitor regulation.

Among these are:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Turkey, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Palau, Samoa, and Tuvalu.

This comprehensive list underscores the UAE’s strategic alignment of travel governance with its broader security and administrative objectives.

Temporary Visa Ban on Nine Countries in 2025

Alongside the updated visa rules, the UAE has temporarily suspended the issuance of tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries, attributing the decision to administrative and regulatory considerations.

The affected countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, the Republic of Benin, Congo, and Burundi.

This moratorium applies to both employment and tourist categories, with officials clarifying that the suspension is temporary and subject to reassessment under future policy reviews.

The revised visa measures represent the UAE’s intent to balance economic inclusivity with border regulation, ensuring integrity in its immigration framework.

Implications for Travelers

Visitors from visa-required nations are advised to observe the following guidelines:

• Submit applications in advance through UAE embassies or authorized visa centers.

• Maintain a passport validity of no less than six months prior to submission.

• Refrain from engaging with unauthorized travel agents offering expedited or fraudulent approvals.

• Monitor official UAE immigration portals for subsequent policy modifications or diplomatic updates.

Through these refined procedures, the UAE seeks to enhance application efficiency, prevent visa fraud, and strengthen visitor verification systems, reaffirming its commitment to both hospitality and security.

Read More: UAE shares guidelines to help job seekers avoid visa scams