Kenyans holding valid visas or residence permits from a number of countries can now access visa-on-arrival services when travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), easing the entry process for eligible travellers and their family members.
The new arrangement applies to Kenyan nationals and their family members travelling on ordinary passports who have valid visas or residence permits issued by countries recognised under the UAE’s new visa rules, the Kenya Embassy in Abu Dhabi said in an X update on Wednesday.
Kenyans with valid visas or residence permits issued by the United States, United Kingdom or European Union member states qualify for the service.
The arrangement also extends to Kenyans holding residence permits issued by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand.
Eligible travellers can obtain either a 14-day or 60-day UAE visa, depending on the length of their intended stay. They can apply at an airport after arrival or submit an application electronically through the UAE’s public services portal before travelling.
Travellers choosing the airport option are required to approach an immigration officer and start the visa application process upon arrival.
“Upon arrival at the Airport, kindly proceed to the desk of an immigration officer. Start visa application (visa for citizens of certain countries residing outside their country) specifying the required duration, 14 days or 60 days,” the embassy stated.
Applicants must have their original passport as well as the relevant visa, residence permit or Green Card.
A 14-day visa costs AED100 per person, while the 60-day option costs AED250 per person. A further nominal point-of-sale fee applies.
Travellers applying at the airport must wait for immigration officials to make a decision on their application before proceeding into the UAE.
“The Immigration Officer notifies the applicant whether visa is issued and being allowed to continue entry in to the United Arab Emirates or whether visa is denied and thereby directed to depart the United Arab Emirates,” the embassy added.
Those who want to complete the process online can use the UAE’s public services portal before travelling.
Applicants should select “Public Service”, followed by “Special Visas”, and then choose the category for issuance of visas to citizens of certain countries residing outside their country.
The online process requires applicants to provide a personal photograph, a copy of their passport and a copy of the visa, residence permit or Green Card that makes them eligible for the service.
The same visa charges apply to online applications, with the 14-day visa costing AED100 and the 60-day visa AED250. Each application also attracts an AED150 smart e-services fee.
Applicants who apply online will receive the outcome of their application through email.
The supporting immigration documents must meet specific validity requirements. The visa, residence permit or Green Card used for the application must have at least six months of validity remaining.
Travellers must also ensure their passports meet the required validity period when applying and are advised to confirm that all their documents meet the requirements before making travel arrangements.
The two visa options also come with different rules on extensions.
A 14-day visa can be extended once for a further 14 days, while the 60-day visa cannot be extended.
An extension of the 14-day visa costs AED250, in addition to the AED150 smart e-services fee charged for each electronic application.
The new visa arrangement offers an alternative entry option for qualifying Kenyan travellers who already hold valid immigration documents from countries approved under the UAE’s rules.
However, applicants must still meet the eligibility, documentation and payment requirements before they are allowed entry.
Kenyans who wish to apply electronically can use the UAE ICP Smart Services portal, while those opting to apply upon arrival must follow the instructions provided by immigration officials at the airport.
The Kenya Embassy in Abu Dhabi has urged travellers to check the eligibility conditions, required documents and applicable fees before beginning their journey.