UAE Visa Ban | Countries Affected, Status, Impact & What It Means in 2026

Are you confused about which countries are affected due to the UAE visa ban? What exactly is going to happen in 2026? This guide explains which countries are reportedly facing UAE tourist and work visa restrictions, whether the visa ban is officially confirmed, and what it means for travellers and job seekers in 2026.

Learn about the latest status, who is affected, whether existing visa holders are impacted, and what steps applicants should take before planning travel or employment in the UAE.

1. UAE Visa Ban: Countries Affected

Citizens from the following nine countries are temporarily disqualified from applying for UAE tourist or work visas. Applications from these countries will not be accepted at the moment: Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Sudan and Uganda.

2. Causes of the UAE Visa Ban

The stated reason for the visa ban is security. But the UAE did not issue a statement on why it placed such a restriction. Some possible reasons are as follows:

• To avoid security threats against UAE nationals, including terrorist attacks.
• Political motives, especially when the relations of Gulf countries and Israel are in a changing mode.
• Health and safety concerns, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to control infections.

3. Impact on UAE relations with the affected countries

The visa ban has put pressure on the diplomatic relations between the UAE and a few of the affected countries. For instance, the restrictions that the UAE had placed on visa issuance to Turkish nationals have resulted in a frosty relationship between the two nations. On the other hand, Pakistan’s foreign minister revealed that new visa applications from Pakistan and 12 other countries were put on hold temporarily. This has created a hassle for Pakistani residents in the UAE, mainly work permit renewals.

According to other reports, the visa ban is set to affect countries with Muslim majorities. However, some sources have no clarity on why; others attribute it to security reasons, while a certain section argues that it is a health regulation matter. Most importantly, this does not affect citizens of these countries who already possess a valid visa for UAE or even working permits.

4. Is the UAE Visa Ban Official in 2026?

As of 2026, there is no publicly released official UAE Government circular that lists specific countries under a permanent UAE visa ban. However, several immigration advisors and media reports suggest that new tourist and work visa applications from certain countries have been temporarily suspended or facing higher scrutiny.

This situation is generally viewed as an administrative or temporary restriction rather than a formal legal ban, and it may change without prior notice. Because of this uncertainty, applicants are encouraged to verify the latest status through official UAE embassy or immigration channels before planning travel or submitting new visa requests.

5. Does This Affect Existing Valid UAE Visas?

If you already hold a valid UAE residence, tourist, or work visa, you generally don’t need to panic. The reported restrictions mostly relate to new visa applications, not visas that have already been issued. In most cases, people with active visas can still enter or remain in the UAE as usual. However, because immigration policies can change without much notice, it’s always wise to double-check with official embassy channels or authorised visa centres before making travel plans.

6. UAE Travel Ban: More Bans on Entry or Arrival

In addition to visa bans, the UAE may impose entry or arrival bans on foreign visitors for reasons such as:

• Possessing an invalid or a fraudulent visa.
• Providing false identification or an altered passport.
• Exceeding the legal duration of the visa stayed.
• Having a criminal record.
• Working in the UAE without proper work permits.
• Failure to adhere to COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements at the point of entry.

7. UAE Entry Requirements

There are certain entry requirements. To be allowed into the UAE, one has to satisfy the following criteria:

• Have a passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages.
• Get a UAE visa from an embassy, online, or upon arrival, if eligible.
• Be allowed into the country with a negative COVID-19 test result at immigration.
• Be in possession of a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
• Follow the UAE health and quarantine rules upon arrival.

8. What Should Applicants Do Now?

If you’re planning to apply for a new UAE visa and your country is mentioned in recent reports, the safest step is to verify information directly from official sources before submitting your application. Reach out to UAE embassies, trusted visa service providers, or government immigration portals instead of relying on social media posts or unofficial agents. Policies can shift quickly, so confirming details in advance can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

9. Arnifi – As Your Trusted Partner

Arnifi simplifies business setup, whether for holding companies or subsidiaries, by taking care of licensing, documentation, and regulatory compliance. Our expert team takes care of smooth visa processing, effective accounting and tax services, and continuous post-establishment support. Whether you opt for a free zone, mainland, or offshore setup, we assist you in navigating legal and tax obligations with ease. Concentrate on business expansion while Arnifi takes care of the rest.

Also Read: Requirements for Establishing a Holding Company in Dubai

10. FAQs

Q: Is the UAE visa ban officially confirmed?
A: There is no publicly released government list confirming a permanent visa ban. Most information comes from media reports and immigration advisors who describe it as a temporary or administrative restriction rather than an official legal ban.

Q: Does the restriction apply to all visa types?
A: Current reports mainly refer to new tourist and work visa applications. Renewals and already issued valid visas are generally not included, though additional scrutiny can sometimes occur.

Q: Can affected applicants still travel to the UAE?
A: Yes, if you already hold a valid UAE visa, entry is usually allowed. The concern mostly applies to people submitting new visa applications, which may face delays or rejections.

Q: When will the visa suspension end?
A: There is no confirmed timeline. These measures are described as temporary and subject to review, so the status can change depending on immigration policy updates.