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United Arab Emirates Visa for Kenyan Passport Holders (2026)

🖥 E-Visa Available — Apply online before travel
n/a Rejection Rate Not Published
1/5 Difficulty
4–7d Processing

A Kenyan passport alone does not get UAE visa on arrival

Since 25 June 2026 the UAE grants its entry visa for nationals of certain countries to Kenyans — but only to those who also hold a valid visa or residence permit (or US Green Card) issued by the United States, an EU state or the United Kingdom, or a valid residence permit issued by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand. A Kenyan passport alone still needs a sponsored visa approved before travel. This page previously described a free visa on arrival for all Kenyans. Corrected 10 August 2026, rewritten 23 October 2026.

Last checked October 2026 — rules on this route can change at short notice, so confirm with your airline and the destination's immigration authority before you book or fly.

Quick Facts

Requirement E-Visa
Visa Fee
Processing Time 4–7 working days
Appointment Wait ~ weeks
Stay Duration Up to 30 days
E-Visa Available online

Most Kenyans need a UAE visa approved before they board — through ICP or a sponsor such as Kenya Airways or a hotel. Since 25 June 2026, Kenyans who also hold a US, UK or EU visa or residence permit (or a Japanese, Korean, Australian, Canadian, Singaporean or New Zealand residence permit) can use ICP's cheaper entry visa instead.

Key Warnings

  • A Kenyan passport alone does not get a UAE visa on arrival. Without a qualifying foreign visa or residence permit, arrange a sponsored visa before you fly.
  • Carry proof of accommodation for every night of your stay and a return ticket — a one-way ticket is the most common reason for being held at immigration.
  • The 60-day entry visa cannot be extended. If you might stay longer, plan the trip around it rather than counting on an extension.

Insider Tips

  • Kenya Airways flies direct Nairobi (NBO) to Dubai (DXB) and can sponsor the visa with your ticket — often the simplest route if you do not qualify for the entry visa.
  • Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sharjah (SHJ) usually have shorter immigration queues than Dubai DXB; the same visa is valid at all of them.
  • If you hold a qualifying residence permit, the ICP entry visa (AED 350 all in for 60 days) usually works out cheaper than a sponsored 30-day visa.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check whether you qualify for the entry visa

    If you also hold a valid US, UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand, you qualify for ICP's entry visa for nationals of certain countries. Everyone else applies for a sponsored tourist visa.

  2. Apply before you travel

    Apply on the ICP website or app, or through a sponsor — Kenya Airways, Emirates, flydubai, a hotel or a licensed travel agent. Upload a passport scan valid six months or more, a white-background photo and, for the entry visa, a copy of your qualifying visa or residence permit.

  3. Pay the fee

    The 60-day entry visa costs AED 250 plus an AED 100 smart-service fee on ICP. Sponsored 30-day tourist visas are typically quoted at USD 90–150.

  4. Wait for approval

    ICP lists two days for the entry visa; sponsored visas usually take two to seven working days. Apply at least a week before departure.

  5. Check in with the approved visa

    Print the approval. Airlines in Nairobi check UAE visas before boarding. Carry the residence permit you applied with — it must still be valid when you travel.

  6. Clear immigration in the UAE

    Present your passport, visa and, if you used one, your residence permit at passport control. Have return ticket, accommodation and funds evidence to hand.

Required Documents

  • Valid Kenyan passport (6+ months validity) Must be valid at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
  • Confirmed return or onward ticket Checked at the border and often at check-in.
  • Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or a host's address covering your stay.
  • Evidence of sufficient funds Around USD 500 (KES 77,500) is the figure officers use. Bank statement or card.

No published rejection rate. The UAE publishes no visa refusal statistics by applicant nationality. Checked August 2026.

Latest Updates

2026-06

UAE opened visa on arrival to some Kenyan passport holders

From 25 June 2026 ICP added Kenya to the nationalities eligible for its entry visa for nationals of certain countries. It covers Kenyan ordinary passport holders who also hold a valid visa or residence permit (or US Green Card) issued by the United States, an EU state or the United Kingdom, or a valid residence permit issued by Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand: 14 days, or 60 days for AED 250 plus AED 100, non-extendable. Kenyans without such a document still need a visa arranged before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Kenyans get a UAE visa on arrival?
Only some. Since 25 June 2026, Kenyans who also hold a valid US, UK or EU visa or residence permit, or a residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand, qualify for ICP's entry visa for 14 or 60 days. The 60-day option costs AED 250 plus AED 100 and is applied for online. Other Kenyans need a sponsored visa approved before travel.
What documents do Kenyans need for a UAE visa?
A Kenyan passport valid six months or more, a white-background photo, a return ticket, a hotel booking and proof of funds (around USD 500). For ICP's entry visa, add a copy of your qualifying US, UK, EU or other listed visa or residence permit. The visa is applied for online — there is no consulate visit.
Can I extend my UAE visa?
A sponsored tourist visa can usually be extended once from inside the UAE, at about AED 600 (approximately KES 25,265). ICP's 60-day entry visa for nationals of certain countries cannot be extended. For longer stays, buy the longer visa before leaving Nairobi.
Does Kenya Airways fly direct to Dubai?
Yes. Kenya Airways operates direct flights from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Dubai International (DXB). Flight time is approximately 5 hours. Multiple weekly frequencies are available. Other options include Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia with connections.

Data Sources & Verification

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