In 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — including Dubai — has introduced some of the most significant visa and immigration policy changes in recent years, transforming how international visitors, professionals, families, and long-term residents plan their travel, work and life in the region. These updates reflect the UAE’s ambitions to expand tourism, attract global talent, support innovation sectors like AI and entertainment, and make the Emirates a more accessible destination for extended stays and residency.
One of the most impactful developments is the modernisation of visit and tourist visas. Under the new 2026 rules, travellers can choose from more flexible options depending on their needs — 30-, 60- and 90-day visas are now available, offering longer stays without the need for frequent renewals or exit-and-reentry trips that were commonplace in the past. These visas can often be extended online from within the UAE, eliminating the old requirement to leave the country for visa renewals.
Dubai and the broader UAE have also expanded visa-on-arrival and pre-approved entry eligibility for visitors holding valid residence permits or visas from major countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia and several European nations. This means that travellers can enter the UAE more seamlessly without prior visa applications, streamlining travel planning for tourism, business visits and short stays.
Another major focus of the UAE’s visa overhaul is specialised visa categories that target professionals and niche sectors. Under the updated framework, four new types of visit visas — including AI Specialist, Entertainment, Event, and Maritime Tourism visas — have been introduced to attract global talent, creative artists, conference participants and industry specialists. These categories align with the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, foster innovation, and position cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi as hubs for technology, culture and events.
For expatriates and families, the sponsorship rules have been refined with clear income-based thresholds to ensure sponsors can adequately support visitors. Under the current structure, residents wishing to sponsor family members must meet specified salary requirements depending on the relationship — such as higher income thresholds for extended family or friends — making the process more transparent for applicants and sponsors alike.
Beyond short-term visas, long-term residency options remain a cornerstone of the UAE’s immigration policy. The well-known Golden Visa programme, which offers 5- to 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and talented professionals, continues to expand with new eligibility categories, including educators, healthcare workers and creative talents. This makes the UAE an attractive option not just for visitors but for those who see the Emirates as a long-term home or base for business and innovation.
The updated visa framework also emphasises digital and streamlined application processes, with many steps now conducted online through official UAE immigration portals. This reduces bureaucracy, accelerates approvals and allows travellers to prepare documentation ahead of time for a smoother experience upon arrival. Extensions and modifications can also be managed without leaving the country, offering greater convenience for visitors and expatriates.
At the same time, enhanced enforcement and documentation checks have been introduced to prevent overstays and ensure compliance with migration laws. Visitors who exceed their permitted durations without official extensions may be subject to fines and restrictions, underscoring the importance of planning trips based on the updated policy landscape.
Overall, the 2026 UAE visa changes reflect a balance between facilitating global mobility and strengthening regulatory clarity. Tourists benefit from longer visas and easier entry, professionals can explore new specialised routes like the AI Specialist category, and families and investors have clearer pathways to long-term residency. These reforms position the UAE and Dubai as increasingly accessible destinations for travel, business, innovation and lifestyle, reshaping how people connect with this dynamic region.