Aiming to adjust its immigration policies to maintain a balance between hospitality and security, UAE has updated its visa policies.

UAE visa update 2025 effects countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, aiming to simplify travel procedures while improving monitoring and regulation of incoming travelers.

According to the revised list, citizens from Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival.

The updated list covers 107 nations, prominently featuring regions from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Among the notable countries are:

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

This broad list underscores the UAE’s structured and proactive approach to immigration, ensuring visitors comply with travel and security standards before entering the country.

Alongside the new visa rules, the UAE has also temporarily suspended tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries, citing administrative and regulatory reasons.

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

The ban applies to both employment and tourism visas. UAE authorities have clarified that the suspension is temporary and may be reviewed based on future policy revisions.