Canada Joins UK, Singapore, China, Australia, Brazil, US, And More With 90-Day New Visa-On-Arrival To The UAE For 2025 Summer And Fall Adventures

Published on August 21, 2025

Canada joins UK, Singapore, China, Australia, Brazil, US, and other major nations in benefiting from UAE’s new 90-day visa-on-arrival policy, designed to offer more flexibility for travellers exploring the country’s top cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. With the announcement of this move, travelers holding passports from the specified countries can now savor the UAE’s vibrant attractions—its soaring skyscrapers, desert excursions, cultural moments, and pristine beaches—for up to ninety days in a single visit, all resting on the little more than a stamp at the airport. Though the calendar still turns toward summer and autumn of twenty twenty-five, this visa-on-arrival ruling undeniably adds a layer of welcome simplicity for anyone looking to plan a memorable getaway in the jaw-droppingly stylish hub on the eastern edge of Arabia.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making travel easier for citizens from several major countries by offering a 90-day visa-on-arrival for nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This new policy gives these travellers more flexibility to explore the UAE’s vibrant cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah without the need for prior visa applications. Here’s a closer look at what this update means and what you should know before you pack your bags.

What’s Changed in the UAE Visa Policy?

Until recently, most nationals from these countries could only stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. Brazilian passport holders, however, had been granted a 90-day stay within a year. Under the new rules, these eight countries now share the same 90-day stay period, valid within a 180-day timeframe. This policy shift is aimed at making the UAE more accessible and attractive to international visitors.

While this change is largely positive, there’s still some confusion about how the 90-day period applies. Does it mean 90 days per entry, or is it a cumulative total of 90 days across multiple entries? Official guidance remains unclear, so travellers are encouraged to track their entry stamps closely and avoid overstaying.

Breakdown of the New Visa-On-Arrival Rules

The UAE offers a visa-on-arrival to citizens from more than 70 countries. While the general rule is that most nationalities are allowed a 30-day stay, several countries now benefit from the extended 90-day stay within 180 days. Here’s a breakdown:

• Eligible Countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, UK, US)
  • Stay Allowed: 90 days within a 180-day period
  • Entry Type: Multiple entries
  • Extension: Generally not extendable
• EU Schengen Zone Countries and a few others
  • Stay Allowed: 90 days within a 180-day period
  • Entry Type: Multiple entries
  • Extension: Not allowed
• Other Countries (e.g., Indian passport holders with a valid US visa)
  • Stay Allowed: 14 or 30 days
  • Entry Type: Single or multiple entries
  • Extension: Some nationalities may be eligible for an extension

It’s crucial to remember that these rules are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check your passport stamp and seek advice from immigration officials or your airline before travelling.

Basic Requirements for Visa-On-Arrival Entry

Even if you’re eligible for the visa-on-arrival, you will still need to meet certain requirements:

1. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the UAE.
2. Return or Onward Ticket: Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket.
3. Accommodation Proof: You may be required to show proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from a local host.
4. No Previous Overstays: Make sure that you haven’t overstayed during any previous visits to the UAE.
5. Entry History and Travel Plans: Immigration authorities at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports may review your travel history and ask for a general outline of your travel plans within the UAE.

Special Update for Indian Citizens

Earlier this year, the UAE also expanded its visa-on-arrival policy to include Indian citizens holding valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from certain countries. Indian nationals with valid visas from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Canada are now eligible for a visa-on-arrival. This is part of the UAE’s efforts to foster stronger ties with key international tourism markets.

What Travellers Need to Do Before Departing

Although the new visa-on-arrival policy offers many benefits, travellers should remain cautious and ensure they are fully informed of the details. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Double-Check Your Entry Stamp: Upon arrival in the UAE, make sure your entry stamp reflects the correct length of stay, especially if you are nearing the 90-day limit.
• Avoid Back-to-Back Re-entry: Re-entering the UAE immediately after your stay may raise flags with immigration officials, especially if you’re close to the 90-day threshold.
• Consider a Longer Stay: If you plan to stay beyond 90 days, it’s advisable to apply for a tourist visa or a remote work permit in advance to avoid complications.
• Stay Updated: Since the UAE’s immigration policies can change unexpectedly, it’s crucial to keep track of the latest updates and be prepared for any changes in the rules.

Canada is now included in the UAE’s 90-day visa-on-arrival policy, alongside other major nations, making it easier for travellers to explore the UAE’s vibrant cities without the need for pre-arranged visas during the summer and fall of 2025. This update provides more flexibility for extended stays in top destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

The introduction of the 90-day visa-on-arrival for travellers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and the US is a welcome change for tourists looking to explore the UAE without the hassle of long visa processes. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or digital nomad work, this policy opens up greater flexibility for travel in the UAE. However, given the evolving nature of immigration policies, it’s essential to remain vigilant and keep up-to-date with any changes to avoid overstaying or facing penalties. Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy your time in the UAE!