The UAE issues visas at the border for a portion of Vietnamese visitors

The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a new visa on arrival policy applicable to citizens of a number of countries, including Vietnam.

Accordingly, from June 25, Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports are eligible to enter the UAE at the airport if they possess a residence permit or a valid visa issued by the US, European Union (EU) member countries, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Korea, Canada or New Zealand.

According to the UAE Embassy in Vietnam, this policy demonstrates the country’s commitment to facilitating international travel, strengthening its position as a global destination for tourism, business and investment.

To be granted a visa at the border, visitors need to prepare: passport valid for at least 6 months, portrait photo, original or copy of valid residence permit/visa from the above countries.

Mr. Truong Minh Tuan, General Director of HVN Travel, assessed that this form helps tourists be more flexible in planning without having to apply for a visa before the trip. However, he noted: “Visa on arrival does not mean 100% guaranteed entry. The final decision still belongs to the UAE border control force based on actual conditions.”

Travel agencies consider this a “positive signal” for the Middle East tour market. However, because visa costs only account for a small part of the total tour price (usually from 30 million VND), this policy mainly helps increase convenience, but is difficult to significantly reduce the package price.

The border visa fee for a 14-day stay is 100 AED (about 27 USD) and 60 days is 250 AED (about 68 USD). With a 14-day visa, visitors can extend it for an additional 14 days at a cost of 250 AED.

For tourists who do not fall under the above categories, the procedure for applying for a UAE visa before departure remains the same as the old regulations. Visa applicants need to prepare financial documents including the most recent three-month bank statement (minimum balance of about 100 million VND), labor contract, round-trip flight and hotel booking confirmation, travel schedule, and travel insurance.

Previously, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia were the segments with the fastest growth rates in the emerging market group in Vietnam. Travel businesses expect the new policy will be a lever to restart the 4-6 day Dubai – Abu Dhabi tour products, which have been quiet since February due to the impact of the Middle East conflict.