Visa Updates for UAE Residents

Indian Missions in the UAE Launch a New Passport & Consular Appointment Portal (July 2026)

As of July 2026, Indian nationals in the UAE book passport, visa, and attestation appointments through the new official portal book.passportindiauae.com. During the transition to a new service provider, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are handling consular services directly. OraVisa explains how to book and what to bring.

India Launches Fully Digital e-OCI Card — What OCI Holders in the UAE Should Know

On 30 June 2026, India launched the fully digital e-OCI (Electronic Overseas Citizen of India) Card. The entire OCI process — applying, uploading documents and downloading the approved card — is now online, and no new OCI booklet is needed when a passport is renewed after age 20. OraVisa explains what it means for OCI holders in the UAE.

Australia Raises Visa Application Charges About 25% from 1 July 2026 — What UAE Residents Now Pay

On 1 July 2026, Australia raised visa application charges by about 25% across the board. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream now costs from AUD 250 when applied for from outside Australia, AUD 630 onshore, and the Frequent Traveller stream AUD 1,845. The old-pricing window — for applications lodged on or before 30 June — has closed. OraVisa explains what UAE residents now pay to visit Australia.

Russia–Saudi Arabia Visa-Free Travel Is Now in Force — What It Means for Russian Passport Holders in the UAE

Since 11 May 2026, a mutual visa exemption between Saudi Arabia and Russia has been in force, covering ordinary passports. A Russian passport holder — including one living in the UAE — can now travel to Saudi Arabia visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits, for up to 90 days within a calendar year. OraVisa explains what changed and where a visa is still required.

Canada Launches "Free Flow" Airport Transit — Faster Connections at Three Hubs from 26 June 2026

From 26 June 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency lets international passengers connecting through Vancouver, Toronto Pearson (Terminal 1) and Montréal–Trudeau skip the in-person customs check-in under its new Free Flow International-to-International Transit process. OraVisa notes UAE travellers still need their usual eTA or transit visa — only the airport step changes, not the entry rules.

India Launches Air Suvidha 2.0 — Mandatory Health Declaration for All Arrivals

India has launched Air Suvidha 2.0, a mandatory online Health Self-Declaration for all international arrivals, introduced in response to the WHO-declared Ebola (Bundibugyo) outbreak. Travellers to India must complete the form — covering 21-day travel history, exposure and any symptoms — before arrival, through the official government portal. OraVisa explains what UAE residents flying to India need to do.

Brazil’s 2027 Women’s World Cup Law Adds Visa Facilitation for Fans

Brazil has enacted the legal framework for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup (24 June to 25 July 2027), which includes simplified entry visas for foreign visitors. Under the law, ticket-holding fans will be able to obtain a facilitated visit visa, valid for a stay of up to 90 days. OraVisa explains what it means for UAE residents who need a Brazilian visa to attend.

UAE Expands Visa-on-Arrival to Nationals of Six Countries Living Abroad

The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to nationals of six countries — Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa — who hold a valid residence permit from one of nine designated countries. Eligible travellers on ordinary passports, with their accompanying family members, can obtain a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival. OraVisa explains who qualifies and what it means for UAE residents.

UAE Grants a Final 30-Day Grace Period for Visas Affected by Regional Flight Disruptions

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has granted a final 30-day grace period, from 10 June to 9 July 2026, for residents and visitors whose visas expired because regional flight disruptions stopped them travelling. They can regularise their status or leave penalty-free; after 9 July, full enforcement resumes. OraVisa explains who qualifies and what to do.

Mauritius Plans an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — What UAE Residents Need to Know

Mauritius’s 2026-2027 budget, delivered on 19 June 2026, proposes amending the Immigration Act to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): all non-citizens would apply online and pay a prescribed fee before travelling. It is not yet in force, and no fee or start date is set. OraVisa explains what it means for UAE travellers to Mauritius.

Japan Raises Visa Fees Fivefold from 1 July 2026 — What UAE Residents Need to Know

From 1 July 2026, Japan is raising visa issuance fees about fivefold — single-entry from JPY 3,000 to 15,000 and multiple-entry from JPY 6,000 to 30,000 — for applications submitted on or after that date. UAE residents who need a Japan visa pay the higher fee; Emirati nationals remain visa-exempt. OraVisa explains who is affected and how to act before the increase.