Policy changes, fee updates, and travel advisories that affect visa applications from Dubai. All information verified from official government sources.
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational on 10 April 2026 across all 29 Schengen Area countries. Every non-EU traveller — including all UAE residents regardless of nationality — must now provide fingerprints and a facial scan when crossing a Schengen external border. This replaces the traditional passport stamp with a digital record stored for three years. Since the progressive rollout began in October 2025, more than 24,000 people have been refused entry. OraVisa explains what has changed, what to expect at the border, and how to prepare.
GermanyFranceItalySpainNetherlands
10 Apr 20266 min readAhmed Al RashidLast verified: 10 April 2026
The US State Department has expanded its visa bond pilot program to 50 countries as of April 2, 2026, adding 12 new nations including Ethiopia, Cambodia, Georgia, and Tunisia. Applicants from these countries who are found eligible for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa must now post a refundable cash bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before their visa is issued. Several nationalities with large communities in the UAE are affected — including Bangladeshi, Nigerian, Nepali, and Ethiopian passport holders. OraVisa explains how the bond works, who is affected, and what UAE residents should do.
United States
5 Apr 20266 min readPriya SharmaLast verified: 5 April 2026
Since April 1, 2026, the official US ESTA application portal has introduced a new popup-based photo validation system that enforces stricter selfie requirements. Applicants from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries — including the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several European nations — must now upload a fresh, compliant facial photograph that meets specific lighting, background, and no-filter standards. Reusing your passport photo will likely trigger rejection. OraVisa explains who in the UAE is affected, what the new rules are, and how to get your photo right.
United States
4 Apr 20264 min readPriya SharmaLast verified: 4 April 2026
On 30 March 2026, Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved a proposal to waive the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fee for tourist visitors from 39 countries for a six-month period. The list includes the UAE, India, Pakistan, China, the UK, the US, and most major nationalities living in the UAE. However, the scheme is NOT yet active — it requires Parliamentary approval and a government gazette publication before the ETA portal reflects the change. OraVisa recommends all travellers continue applying and paying for their ETA as normal until official confirmation.
Sri Lanka
3 Apr 20265 min readPriya SharmaLast verified: 3 April 2026
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a proposal to reduce the visa-free stay for 93 nationalities — including UAE nationals — from 60 to 30 days. The change received ministerial green light on 22 March 2026 but still requires Cabinet approval before taking effect. No implementation date has been set. Visitors will still be able to extend for 30 days (THB 1,900 fee) at a local immigration office. OraVisa explains what this means for UAE residents and which passport holders are affected.
Thailand
26 Mar 20264 min readPriya SharmaLast verified: 26 March 2026
On 14 March 2026, Australia commenced Section 84B of the Migration Act — a new "Arrival Control Determination" power that allows the Minister for Home Affairs to temporarily suspend travel for entire classes of temporary visa holders, even after visas have been granted. On 18 March, carriers were instructed to check a real-time "arrival OK" flag for tourist (600), student (500), and temporary graduate (485) visas. No travel ban has been issued yet, but the mechanism is now live. Here is what UAE residents planning to travel to Australia need to know.
Australia
20 Mar 20266 min readAhmed Al RashidLast verified: 20 March 2026
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) has announced that UAE residents currently abroad with expired residency permits may re-enter the country until March 31, 2026 without a new entry visa or overstay fines. This applies to permits that expired on or after February 28, 2026.
15 Mar 20263 min readSarah KhanLast verified: 15 March 2026
The UAE government has announced a new 3-year AI Specialist Visa designed to attract artificial intelligence professionals, data scientists, and machine learning engineers. The visa does not require employer sponsorship and includes family sponsorship privileges. Applications are expected to open in Q2 2026.
10 Mar 20263 min readAhmed Al RashidLast verified: 19 March 2026
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai has launched Salama, an AI-powered platform designed to streamline visa renewals, residency permit processing, and entry permit applications. The platform uses artificial intelligence to review applications and reduce processing times by up to 50%.
5 Mar 20265 min readAhmed Al RashidLast verified: 19 March 2026
The European Commission confirmed that Schengen short-stay visa fees will increase from EUR 80 to EUR 90 starting June 2026. Applications submitted before the effective date will be processed at the current rate.
GermanyFranceItalySpainNetherlandsAustria+2 more
2 Mar 20263 min readAhmed Al RashidLast verified: 2 March 2026
Turkey has updated its eVisa eligibility criteria effective March 2026. Several nationalities including Indian, Pakistani, and Nigerian passport holders with UAE residency now face revised requirements when applying for the Turkey eVisa online.
Turkey
1 Mar 20266 min readSarah KhanLast verified: 1 March 2026
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is now mandatory for UAE nationals travelling to the United Kingdom. Since 26 February 2026, all Emirati passport holders must obtain an approved ETA before boarding any flight, ferry, or train to the UK. The ETA costs GBP 10 and is valid for 2 years.
United Kingdom
1 Mar 20263 min readSarah KhanLast verified: 19 March 2026
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